Social Butterfly Counseling

Social Butterfly Counseling Social Butterfly Counseling is a sanctuary for children, families and individuals seeking support in their struggle to navigate today’s chaotic world.

Social Butterfly Counseling is a private psychotherapy practice specializing in supporting children, families and adults in making healthy choices and creating positive change. Coping with the stress and pressures of daily life can be challenging. We partner with other professionals and clinicians to create a support team for our clients so they do not have to go it alone. From managing major transitions like relocating and divorce to improving family dynamics, we help clients reconnect with their inner strength, reduce anxiety and conflict, heal their relationships and rediscover the joy in their lives. We work with guidance counselors, teachers and administrators to help families navigate complicated school systems and access the resources they need. We provide children with tools to handle the expectations and issues they encounter in school and in relationships. We guide couples in exploring effective ways to co-parent and communicate with each other and their children. And we collaborate with pediatricians, school nurses, psychotherapists and other medical professionals to help our clients manage anxiety, depression and other forms of mental illness. Issues we address in treatment include:

Parenting/Co-parenting
Communication
School Avoidance
Navigating complicated systems (Child Study Teams, working toward IEP, linkage to higher levels of care)
Peer relationships (bullying, conflict resolution, group dynamics)
Disruptive behaviors
Anxiety, Depression and Bi-polar disorder
Transitions (relocation, separation/divorce, death of loved one, birth of sibling, new step parent)
Body image and distorted eating
Issues affecting individuals identifying as LGBTQ
Trauma
Sexual and Physical Abuse
Neglect
Foster Care and Adoption
Infertility

We also facilitate groups that educate participants about topics such as social skills, anger management, parenting and separation/divorce; as well as therapy groups for those dealing with anxiety and depression.

Violence is never the answer. Yet here we are having incredibly challenging and heart breaking discussions with our chil...
09/12/2025

Violence is never the answer. Yet here we are having incredibly challenging and heart breaking discussions with our children about gun violence and the assassination of someone deeply passionate about their views in a country that values freedom of speech.

Talking to kids about violent events, such as the assassination of a public figure like Charlie Kirk, requires sensitivity, honesty, and age-appropriate framing.
It’s also crucial to guide parents on managing kids’ exposure—especially on social media, where graphic content spreads fast.

•How to Talk to Kids (Age-Appropriate Guidance)

•Ages 3–6: Keep It Simple & Reassuring
• What to Say:
“Something scary happened to a person on the news. But you are safe, and the grown-ups around you are here to take care of you.”
• Avoid:
• Details of violence or names they don’t know
• Letting them overhear graphic news in the background
• Focus:
• Safety, security, and stability

•Ages 7–12: Be Honest, But Gentle
• What to Say:
“There was an attack on a person named Charlie Kirk, who is in the news a lot. Some people do violent things when they are very upset or confused. It’s not okay, and it’s very sad. Do you have any questions about it?”
• How to Handle Questions:
• Answer what they ask; don’t overexplain.
• Emphasize empathy, not fear.
• Assure them that these events are rare.
• Focus:
• Understanding right vs. wrong
• Encouraging critical thinking and emotional processing

•Ages 13+: Encourage Open, Reflective Conversations
• What to Say:
“You may have seen or heard about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. It’s disturbing, and it’s okay to feel shaken. These events can lead to strong opinions and emotions. How are you feeling about it?”
• Tips:
• Ask their perspective first—don’t lecture.
• Talk about political violence, media responsibility, and emotional regulation.
• Discuss the difference between disagreement and harm.

Some tips on Monitoring Social Media

1. Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive
• Advice:
“Instead of waiting for your child to stumble upon harmful content, have regular conversations about what they see online. Ask open-ended questions: ‘What have you seen lately that was upsetting or confusing?’”

2. Use Parental Controls Wisely and apply limits as needed- we strongly recommend that the smart phones and tablets get docked in an open family area like kitchen or living room and not in bedrooms through the night.

3. Explain Why You’re Monitoring
• What to Say:
“I want to make sure you’re not seeing things that are too graphic or upsetting. Your mind is still growing, and some images can stay with you in unhealthy ways.”

4. Encourage Digital Literacy
• Help kids:
• Recognize manipulated or sensational content
• Understand why people share graphic images


5. What to Do If a Child Has Seen Graphic Images
• Stay calm. Don’t punish them.
• Ask gently:
“What did you see? How did it make you feel?”
• Offer reassurance:
“It’s okay to be upset. That image is not something anyone should have to see.”
• Encourage expression through drawing, talking, or journaling and gently share your feelings to notmalize how upsetting it is for many of us.

Quick Summary for Parents

Do:
• Stay calm and curious
• Use age-appropriate language
• Encourage kids to talk openly
• Set healthy tech boundaries

Don’t:
• Overexpose them to news
• Downplay their feelings
• Use scare tactics

🤍 💔🤍
you are NOT alone
We are here for you.

Never forget.We are here for you.
09/12/2025

Never forget.

We are here for you.

At Social Butterfly Counseling our of team of 12 utilizes a range of evidence based modalities. Cognitive Behavioral The...
09/05/2025

At Social Butterfly Counseling our of team of 12 utilizes a range of evidence based modalities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of many and most commonly utilized.

So…. what is CBT?

🧠 CBT in a Nutshell:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is like being a detective of your own thoughts. 🕵️‍♀️

It’s based on one BIG idea:

“What you think affects how you feel and what you do.”

🧩 The CBT Formula:

Thoughts ➡ Feelings ➡ Behaviors

Example:
• Thought: “I’m going to fail this test.”
• Feeling: 😟 Anxious
• Behavior: Avoids studying or over-panics

CBT helps you catch those unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and change them to something more balanced.

⸻

🔧 CBT Tools (Your Mental Toolbox):
• 🧠 Thought records – track your thoughts and find patterns.
• 🔄 Cognitive restructuring – swap negative thoughts for realistic ones.
• 🚶‍♂️ Behavioral experiments – test your fears like mini science experiments.
• 📈 Exposure therapy – face fears in safe, gradual steps.
• 🎯 Goal setting – build new habits that work with your mind, not against it.

⸻

🎉 Why it’s Cool:
• Short-term & practical
• Skills-based (stuff you actually use)
• Proven to help with anxiety, depression, stress, and more
• Teaches you to be your own therapist and self advocate ❤️

We are here for you. 🤍

Starting a new school year can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of opportunities for growth—for both children and fam...
09/03/2025

Starting a new school year can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of opportunities for growth—for both children and families. Here’s a collection of tips, guidance, and motivational words to help ease into this fresh beginning with positivity and purpose.

🎒 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR

For Children:
1. Start with a Routine: Get back into a steady sleep, meal, and homework routine to help your body and mind adjust.

2. Stay Organized: Use planners, folders, and reminders to keep track of assignments and activities.

3. Ask for Help: If something feels confusing or hard, never be afraid to ask a teacher, parent, or friend for help.

4. Be Kind & Inclusive: Everyone is nervous on the first day—kindness can go a long way.

5. Set Personal Goals: Whether it’s reading more books, making new friends, or improving in math, set small goals and celebrate progress.

For Parents & Families:
1. Create a Calm Morning Routine: Avoid morning stress by prepping lunches, backpacks, and outfits the night before.

2. Stay Connected with Teachers: Open communication helps support your child’s success.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Encourage growth and resilience over perfection.

4. Prioritize Emotional Check-ins: Ask open-ended questions like, “What was something that made you smile today?”

5. Lead by Example: Model curiosity, organization, and a positive attitude toward learning.

💬 EMPOWERING WORDS

For Children:

“You don’t have to be perfect—just be brave enough to try.”

“Mistakes are proof that you are learning.”

“Every day is a chance to grow, learn, and shine.”

“You have something special that no one else has—you.”

“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

For Families:

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle

“Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.”

“It takes a village—thank you for being part of one that raises kind, strong, and curious kids.”

“The days are long, but the years are short—enjoy this new chapter together.”

A FINAL NOTE TO ALL OUR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS FROM OUR FOUNDER & CHIEF HAPPINESS OFFICER: 🤍
Sabrina L. Coppola, LCSW

Every new school year is a fresh page. There will be good days, tough moments, wins, and lessons—but through it all, your love, encouragement, and support can help your child thrive. Stay present, stay patient, and remember: you’re doing better than you think.

Nothing is impossible.
The word itself says
“I’m possible.”

You are not alone
We are here for you.

🤍

We believe.We are here for you. ❤️
08/21/2025

We believe.
We are here for you.
❤️

Ever feel like you are drowning?Your mindset and perspective can change the trajectory of the outcome of any situation. ...
08/18/2025

Ever feel like you are drowning?

Your mindset and perspective can change the trajectory of the outcome of any situation. More times than not, we have far more power and control than we have the insight to recognize.

2 of many options that you have are:

1) You can allow the curveballs and stressors that life throws your way to overwhelm and consume you. That’s called adversity…. Our ability to bounce back from it is called resiliency.

OR

You can learn techniques to assist with coping, communicating and navigating this thing called life… allowing you to learn to float and flow with the adversity, hence, strengthening your resiliency and creating empowerment and confidence.

We are here for you.
The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

❤️

You got this. We are here for you. ❤️
08/18/2025

You got this.

We are here for you.

❤️

The Social Butterfly Family sends heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the recent loss and tragedy in our Oakla...
07/25/2025

The Social Butterfly Family sends heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the recent loss and tragedy in our Oakland, NJ community.
Special thoughts are with the family who suffered a deeply traumatic loss.

Below you can find some guidance for supporting children after a tragedy:

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
• Make your child feel safe: Use touch (hugs, cuddling, a pat on the back) to reassure them.
• Act calm: Children take cues from adults. Avoid discussing your anxieties in front of them and watch your tone.
• Maintain routines: Keep daily schedules like mealtimes and bedtimes consistent to offer stability.
• Help children enjoy themselves: Encourage play and activities to provide normalcy and distraction.

Communication and Understanding
• Share information carefully: Be honest but brief. Let them ask questions and avoid assuming they share adult worries.
• Pick good times to talk: Look for natural opportunities to start conversations.
• Prevent or limit news exposure: Especially for toddlers and younger children, avoid repeated news coverage that may heighten fear.
• Recognize different coping styles: Allow kids to react in their own ways—some may seek closeness, others solitude.
• Listen well: Understand their perspective without lecturing; encourage open expression of feelings.
• Help children relax: Use deep breathing techniques like blowing on a feather or placing a stuffed animal on their belly to slow breathing.
• Acknowledge their feelings: Validate emotions rather than dismissing them.
• Be honest if you don’t know: It’s okay to say “I don’t know” and simply be present and supportive.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring
• Expect ongoing questions: Children may continue to ask questions over time as they process the event.
• Encourage family discussions about loss: Talking together helps normalize and express grief.
• Avoid giving too much responsibility: Reduce household or academic pressures temporarily; allow kids to help in small, age-appropriate ways.
• Support children with disabilities: Adjust language, repeat information, or use visuals to match their learning style.
• Watch for trauma signs: Symptoms might appear weeks later. Pay attention especially if a child witnessed the trauma or experienced other stressors.
• Seek professional help if needed: Contact a doctor or mental health professional if anxiety is severe, or if the child experiences hallucinations, panic attacks, or harmful thoughts.

Caring for Yourself
• Take care of your own well-being: Eat well, sleep, exercise, talk to friends or support groups, and stay connected with your community or faith group.
• Manage your stress: Use breathing exercises or seek help if you’re struggling emotionally.
• Prioritize your mental health: Your stability helps your child feel secure.

Our social butterfly family is here for you in any way we can be.

Thank you to all of our first responders.

This isn’t a post about a championship.This is a post about having a record that’s perfectly imperfect.An impressive sea...
07/23/2025

This isn’t a post about a championship.
This is a post about having a record that’s perfectly imperfect.

An impressive season—because we were 100% defeated.
Yes, you read that right: 100% defeated.

I can’t speak for every athlete or every family, but I can certainly speak for mine when I say: thank you.

Thank you to the players who showed up with heart.
To the coaches and assistant coaches who gave their time and energy.
To the families who packed the cars, drove the miles, cheered from the sidelines, and made sure the boys were ready at Game Time.

With each loss came lessons—on and off the field.
The boys held their heads high.
The coaches kept offering words of encouragement and the space to grow.

So here’s to a season of zero wins and countless victories.
Because when you learn to lose with grace, the work and discipline it takes to win one day will mean so much more.

To all the summer ball athletes out there: remember to learn, grow… and have a little fun along the way.
🤍⚾️🤍

Positive self talk and positive thinking can:•reduce stress and anxiety•boost emotional resilience•improve physical heal...
07/20/2025

Positive self talk and positive thinking can:

•reduce stress and anxiety
•boost emotional resilience
•improve physical health
•enhance self esteem and confidence
•encourage healthy habits
•promote growth mindset and
•increase happiness and overall life satisfaction to experience gratitude and overall feelings of fulfillment (just to name a few).

We are here for you.
Our mindset can change everything.

🤍Be kind
07/18/2025

🤍
Be kind

Address

232 Madison Avenue
Wyckoff, NJ
07481

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