For decades, Susan Lamm and Sterna Lerman of Torah u’Mesorah’s Counterforce have been guiding parents. Now, they’ve launched a new helpline to give you the tools you need to deal with any issue, big or small. 

Lots of us attend parenting classes. But what do you do when you need more personal attention, and a long discussion with an advisor about the specific dynamics in your home? It’s not the type of issue that needs a family therapist…there’s just a little bump in the road and you’d like to talk it out with someone who has expertise to share.

Did you know that you could call Counterforce’s Parenting Helpline?
The number is 718-787-4412.  

Counterforce is a division of Torah u’Mesorah. It’s been the branch of Torah u’Mesorah that provides mental health and educational support for families…outside of the classroom.
For decades Counterforce’s parenting workshops were run by Susan Lamm and Sterna Lerman, two veteran family therapists. Now, though, you can get the tools you need in just one call.

Schedule a 45 minute phone call with a top professional to discuss, with the assurance of confidentiality, how to handle a range of issues that pop up in your own family.

This is the only such service of its kind available in our Jewish community!

Susan and Sterna realized that parents are anxious about a lot of different things today. The challenges are greater than they were years ago… Most parents just need some advice, some tools from a qualified professional. But who can parents confide in?

What kind of questions do parents ask on the helpline?

The issues range from light to serious. Some parents see a child moving in a different direction than the family hashkafically and need advice on how to handle the situation to nip it in the bud and learn the right way to relate to their child. 

Some parents realized that a child seems suddenly depressed and they can’t figure out a reason. The professionals listen…and then help the parents connect the dots. A lightbulb goes off and they gain an understanding of what’s happening in the home that they never even realized!

One mother had a child who was anxious and fearful…this mother learned how to reframe her child in her eyes. When he’s seen in a negative light, he grows up with poor self esteem. The Helpline Professional gave her the tools to be able to handle her son’s frustration positively and effectively.

Sometimes a child is simply giving his parents a run for their money…the professional might alert the parent about the developmental stage this child is in and how it connects to the way their child is acting…

Some parents learn how to handle the sibling rivalry in the home. 

They sit on the call with pen and paper to take down all the tools, thoughts, and ideas on how to handle it. 

Most parents find that one phone call gives them enough tools to work with.
Sometimes, a second phone call is needed.
But after every single phone call, parents are thrilled. 

Call and make a phone appointment at 718-787-4412 or email [email protected].

Susan Lamm and Sterna Lerman, the directors of this program, are licensed mental health professionals, who have been working in the field of social services  and maintaining private practices for over 30 years.

There’s a minimal fee associated with the program (a fraction of what an in-person appointment would cost). Learn more at helplineforparents.org.