Practice Philosophy:
Dr. Talya Kook is a licensed psychologist and the director of the child and adolescent program at the Ross Center in NYC. She works closely with each individual to create achievable and realistic goals, resulting in an increased sense of confidence and hope that change is possible. She uses her naturally warm and friendly demeanor to create strong bonds with clients of all ages, as she believes that the therapeutic relationship is essential to providing quality treatment. She provides ongoing guidance and support to both parents and schools to promote each child’s success. Dr. Kook offers a reflective and secure space to collaboratively address various life challenges, helping clients to identify unhelpful patterns of behavior and replace them with choices that feel healthier and more gratifying. Using humor and compassion, she helps children and adults move toward greater fulfillment in their lives.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Kook devises a customized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s specific needs. She specializes in addressing anxiety and mood related disorders, drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and family systems. She treats children and adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention treatment, and will often conduct exposure work with the patient outside of the therapy office. Dr. Kook empowers families by teaching them effective strategies to help their children learn how to modulate overwhelming emotions and overcome defeating behavior patterns. She also offers parenting consultations, as well as SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to parents of anxious children. SPACE is a novel parent-based treatment, developed at Yale by psychiatrist Dr. Eli Lebowitz, that teaches parents the skills to address their child’s anxiety symptoms. Given her experience in acute psychiatric settings, Dr. Kook is comfortable providing outpatient care as a step-down for adolescents and teens who may have more complex needs, and also treats trauma related disorders with Trauma-Focused CBT.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Kook received her Masters in Education and Doctorate of Psychology in Combined School Psychology/Clinical Child Psychology from Pace University. She has extensive experience in treating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma and loss in children, teens and young adults. Her expertise has been honed through experiences in a variety of treatment facilities including residential, day treatment and juvenile detention. Dr. Kook also has a strong background in psychological assessment which includes psycho-educational testing, as well as diagnostic formulation and school consultation.
Blog Posts and Events:
- Facilitator: SPACE: Group for Parents of Anxious Children
- Blog: Back to School Basics: Guidance for Parents Navigating an Uncertain School Year
- Recorded Webinar Facilitator: Pandemic Parenting: 5 Ways to Support Your Child During Remote Learning
- Past Event – Facilitator: From Stress to Success Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety in the Classroom
- Past Event – Facilitator: Parenting the Anxious Child – Tips & Tools to Minimize your Child’s Anxiety
- Past Event – Facilitator: Sleep Away Camp Survival 101 – Parent Edition
