Ilissa Kaufman is a Postdoctoral Psychology Fellow who completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ilissa works with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, life transitions, child development, disruptive behaviors, parent management, and social skills. She is particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, as well as helping parents strengthen their relationships with their children and develop effective parenting strategies. Ilissa has a special interest in early childhood development and finds deep meaning in helping parents navigate the challenges and joys of parenting during this formative stage.

Ilissa approaches therapy through a psychodynamic and person-centered lens when working with adults, while using a child-centered play therapy approach with children. She is also trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), DIR Floortime, and developmental models of care. With neurodivergent clients, Ilissa integrates their unique passions and interests into the therapeutic process, using them as a foundation for building social skills, processing emotions, and deepening self-expression.

In sessions, clients can expect Ilissa to bring warmth, patience, and curiosity to the therapeutic relationship. She is collaborative and attentive, working alongside clients to explore challenges while celebrating strengths. With children and families, she incorporates creativity and play to help make therapy engaging and approachable, while still grounded in developmental knowledge and cultural sensitivity. For adults, she provides a thoughtful, reflective space where clients can feel understood and supported as they navigate transitions, relationships, and personal growth.

Ilissa has completed specialized training in Brazelton Touchpoints, the DC:0–5 Manual for early childhood mental health diagnosis, PCIT, and DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR and DIR Floortime.

Ilissa completed her internship at Youth Consultation Services Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health, a NJ-based non-profit that specializes in strengthening early parent-child relationships through clinical services, training, and community programs that support emotional, social, and cognitive development in young children. In addition to her PhD, she has an MS in General Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a BA from Muhlenberg College in Psychology and Film Studies.

Ilissa Kaufman, PhD