Talya Tessler
Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW #124034)
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Anxiety
Young Children
Self-Esteem
Emotion Regulation & Coping Skills
Social and Friendship Challenges
Parenting Support
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Coping Cat (CBT for Anxious Children)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
DBT-C–informed emotion regulation skills
Play-based and expressive approaches for younger kids
Strengths-based and collaborative care
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Master of Social Work – University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science-Tulane University
Neurodiversity Affirming Care and Assessment
Coping Cat (CBT for Anxious Children)
TF-CBT (Trauma Focused CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
School-Based Counseling & Social Skills Facilitation
Case Management
You don’t have to navigate your child’s big emotions alone — I’m here to help.
Growing up is hard — and watching your child struggle can feel even harder.
If your preschooler or elementary-age child is anxious, overwhelmed by big feelings, melting down over small things, or having trouble at school or with transitions, you may be feeling confused, drained, or unsure of what to try next. You’re not doing anything wrong. You just need someone who truly understands children and can help you make sense of what’s going on beneath the surface.
I support preschoolers and elementary-age children who are navigating anxiety, frustration, emotional outbursts, school challenges, and the everyday stressors that can feel huge to a young nervous system. My approach is warm, playful, and grounded in trust — because kids open up when they feel safe, understood, and respected.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in early childhood and school environments, partnering with teachers, parents, and young kids to navigate tough moments and build healthy emotional foundations. Those experiences shaped the way I show up today: with curiosity, patience, and a deep respect for each child’s unique way of communicating. I never expect kids to “talk it out” the way adults do; instead, I meet them where they already are — through play, creativity, movement, stories, and connection.
I work closely with parents and caregivers who may be struggling to understand their child’s behaviors, manage meltdowns or tantrums, or advocate for their child’s needs at school. Together, we explore what’s underneath your child’s reactions and build a plan that feels supportive, realistic, and aligned with your family.
In our work, kids learn to recognize their feelings, build coping skills, and grow more confident in themselves — all while experiencing therapy as something safe, fun, and empowering.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, I’m here to walk with you and your child every step of the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
I provide therapy under the supervision of Suri Nowosiolski, LCSW, MSpEd. (CA Lic. 110814) at Hearts & Minds Psychotherapy Group.
Creating safety, connection, and coping skills for young children with big feelings.
When young children are struggling, it often shows up in ways that feel confusing or exhausting — big meltdowns, constant worry, resistance at school, or intense reactions to everyday changes. These behaviors aren’t random, and they’re not signs of “bad behavior.” They’re signals that a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed and needs support.
Because of my background working in early childhood and school-based settings, I look closely at how a child’s environment, routines, and relationships shape their emotional world. In therapy, I take time to get to know each child’s unique way of expressing themselves and meet them at their developmental level. Play, creativity, and connection are central to this work — not as distractions, but as powerful tools for helping kids feel safe enough to learn and grow.
I also know how isolating it can feel for parents when nothing seems to help. That’s why I partner closely with caregivers, offering guidance, perspective, and practical strategies that make sense in real life. Together, we work to understand what’s driving your child’s reactions and how to support them in ways that build confidence rather than power struggles.
My goal is to help children develop emotional awareness and coping skills they can carry with them as they grow — and to help families feel more grounded, connected, and hopeful along the way.