Eva Lazar, PhD is a seasoned, multi-credentialed New Jersey and New York licensed psychologist who works with early childhood and elementary school children, early adolescents, adolescents and emerging adults. She has over 25 years of experience in the education and mental health fields, working in public, independent and Jewish day schools.

The Lazar Center, located in Teaneck, offers a broad spectrum of therapeutic services, resources and approaches to address a wide range of developmental stages. Dr. Lazar, as its director, also lectures nationally and conducts professional development and parenting workshops.

Lazar is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the evidence-based PEERS social skills program, and Play Therapy, to enumerate some of her additional credentials. She said: “We are adding Parent Child Interaction Therapy to the practice. PCIT is a collaborative process between parents, children and the therapist where the parents are specifically trained to handle behavior issues as if they are the therapist. This process has been found to be very effective in helping manage difficult behavior and creating stronger bonds between parents and children outside of the framework of therapy.”

Since Lazar is also trained as a school psychologist providing services in school settings for over 20 years, she appreciates where children spend most of their days: in school. “There are times where children’s challenges play out in a school setting,” she said. “I have fostered close collaborative relationships with our local schools, and therefore have a good sense of what interventions and recommendations are executable and can practically be implemented in school settings, to help children thrive.

“When working with early childhood, elementary school and middle school aged children, sessions end with a wrap-up discussion including both child and a parent,” Lazar continued. “This approach facilitates everyone being involved in the therapeutic process, and skills and strategies can be reviewed together. Therapeutic work does not live in a vacuum. Parents get practical feedback in real time. Parents can also schedule additional parenting sessions to learn ways to better support their child.”

The Lazar Center’s design aesthetic was created with extraordinary thought and deliberation, working closely with Rachel Winkler at RLK Interiors. The result is what The Lazar Center describes as “a healing place … a tranquil oasis … a space dedicated to introspection, reflection and emotional growth.” The objective was to create a space that is comfortable, fun, playful and welcoming for children of all ages and their families. Each treatment space is equipped with developmentally appropriate therapeutic tools geared towards a specific population. There is a play therapy room for early childhood clients, an art therapy room and spaces devoted to elementary school children, teens and young adults and families. “We are expanding our offerings this year, adding neuropsychological evaluations, family therapy and art therapy,” said Lazar.

The Lazar Center is especially pleased to welcome Jennifer Lipstein, licensed art therapist. Lipstein explained: “Why art? Art is a language: It is a safe place where there are no mistakes. A place where one can take their ‘mistakes,’ build, transform, and create. Art provides a safe, nonthreatening way to explore and express oneself. Through the creative process, and reflecting on the artwork, one is able to build self-awareness, give meaning and shape to feelings, navigate challenges, and build a stronger sense of self.”

The Lazar Center serves the Modern Orthodox and Orthodox community at large. “As a member of the community, I understand the community’s needs and nuances and speak the lingo,” said Lazar. “I am very familiar with our day schools, high schools, yeshivas and seminaries; I know what the college landscape looks like, and the core struggles that kids face on campuses.

“Some of our clients struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depressive issues, body image, and other more clinical sorts of diagnoses. But, truthfully a lot of our clients are actually here for the more day-to-day issues. We see many clients who just need someone to talk to about social struggles, big life changes and the challenges that come with growing up.

“I am proud of how the landscape is changing to destigmatize mental health care,” Lazar continued. “Most of the children and teenagers I work with are very open about getting therapeutic support; it’s not a secret and that’s important. People should feel comfortable talking about getting therapeutic support. I love seeing kids walking around Teaneck; and while I’m careful not to be the first to say hello, many times they come over and bring their friends to meet me. Therapy shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of, and it warms my heart to know that for many kids and teens, therapy is not a burden; rather it is something to look forward to every week.”

To learn more about The Lazar Center or to schedule a consultation or intake session, reach out to the Lazar Center (201) 590-4177, or via the website: https://www.thelazarcenter.com/