Milestones Psychology
Helping families reach new milestones
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Alexandra Barnett

Alexandra Barnett

 

Alexandra Barnett, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

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For over a decade, my career has revolved around the incredible impact of parent and teacher-child interventions. The remarkable outcomes I’ve seen have only deepened my commitment to sharing this work with more families and schools. Together, we strive to make substantial, lasting changes , to help your child reap the benefits of their childhood and beyond.

I firmly believe in the uniqueness of every child and recognize parents as the foremost experts on their own children. Parenting, however, comes with its share of uncertainties, questions, and challenges. Whether your focus is on enhancing your child's impulse control, independence, courage, compliance, flexibility, or emotional resilience, I am committed to working alongside you. My approach involves close collaboration with parents, incorporating your family values, parenting aspirations, insights about your child, and ongoing questions to achieve the best outcomes for your child.

Through diagnostic evaluations, we develop a personalized plan tailored to your family and child. We set practical goals to monitor progress. My expertise lies in several effective, evidence-based interventions. These include Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children aged 2-7 years with issues like impulsivity, defiance, and rigidity, and its adaptations for older children (ages 8-10) with oppositional behaviors, selective mutism (PCIT-SM), separation and generalized anxiety (PCIT-CALM), and autism. Additionally, I have considerable experience with Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), Parent Management Training (PMT), and applying techniques right into the classroom through Universal Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT-U).

With specialized training in tele-health, I offer virtual services, allowing me to engage with your family in your home or community. Instead of traditional therapy requiring direct communication with young children, I observe your family interactions via video conferencing, coaching parents by phone with discreet earpieces. This method supports real-life interactions during play, transitions, mealtimes, or other challenging moments, enabling you to effectively apply strategies with my guidance, ultimately leading to independent implementation. These sessions encourage your child to take risks in a supportive environment, practicing new behaviors, collaboration, and handling difficult situations with increased confidence.

I provide various therapy options to suit your family's needs and schedule, including parent-only consultations, parent-child coaching, video review and feedback, behavioral parent groups, short-term intensive programs, and professional development and consultation with schools. My approach is non-judgmental, recognizing the courage it takes to seek help for your child. The ultimate aim is to equip you with the skills and techniques to become independent of my support.

I am honored to be part of Milestones Psychology, offering access to a wealth of expert consultation and referrals. I also supervise graduate student trainees and PCIT clinicians, and I have presented my research at national peer-reviewed conferences.

Specialties

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Internet-based PCIT (I-PCIT)

PCIT for Early Childhood Anxiety (Coaching Approach Behavior and Leading by Modeling; CALM)

PCIT for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM)

Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

Parent Management Training (PMT)

Universal Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT-U), School Consultation, Teacher Coaching, & Workshops

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety

EXPERIENCE

New Jersey Licensed Clinical Psychologist

New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Postdoctoral Fellowship at Kurtz Psychology

Predoctoral Clinical Internship at Columbia University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Child Specialty from DePaul University in Chicago

PCIT International Certified Within Agency Trainer

Conducted the first pilot study with random assignment of Universal Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT-U)

Group Leader and Trainer for ParentCorps through NYU Langone Health