Benjamin McCormack LCSW, RPTS: New Heights LCSW PLLC

07/14/2026

So excited about this!

Benjamin McCormack, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, Clifton Park, New York

06/25/2026

Why do kids with ADHD struggle so much?
It’s not just difficulty focusing, sitting still, or staying organized.
Many kids with ADHD are trying to function in environments that aren’t designed for how their brains work. Over time, constantly trying to meet expectations that don’t come naturally can create stress.
When stress increases, thinking, impulse control, and emotional regulation often decrease. What others may see as “bad behavior” is often a child whose brain is overwhelmed.
That’s why connection matters.
When kids feel understood instead of judged, they are more likely to regulate, build confidence, and thrive.
Sometimes what looks like defiance is really dysregulation.
See the whole blog post on www.heightslcswpllc.com

06/17/2026

One internal conflict some parents struggle with is the difference between a child’s biological age and their emotional age.

I often hear parents say, “They’re 10 years old—why are they acting like a 5-year-old?” It can feel confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating.

Part of that frustration comes from the mental model we carry about what children “should” be able to do at a certain age. Our brains hold expectations about how an 8-year-old should think, behave, and manage emotions. When our child doesn’t match those expectations, it can create an internal conflict that leaves us feeling stressed, confused, and dysregulated.

The problem is that emotional development doesn’t always move at the same pace as physical growth. A child may be 8 years old biologically but still need support with emotional skills that are more typical of a younger child. Why is that? Some reasons may include developmental issues, barriers, or even trauma/toxic stress.

When children repeatedly experience situations like this, they may feel misunderstood, unseen, or disconnected. It can become harder for us to look beyond the behavior and recognize what is really happening underneath.

The biggest reflection I see from this: Can parents get thier brains regulated to switch their thinking from “Why are they acting this way?” to “What does their brain or body need now?” Or, “What does that younger child inside need that I am not seeing?

06/15/2026

I currently have openings for Play Therapy Consultation services!

Whether you’re a new clinician wanting to build your knowledge and skills in play therapy, pursuing your RPT certification, or a seasoned clinician looking to strengthen your work with children and families, consultation services can help support your professional growth.

Both individual and virtual consultation options are available. More details about my approach can be found on the flyer.

For additional information or to sign up for consultation services, please visit www.newheightslcswpllc.com.

I’d love to support you on your play therapy journey! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

06/09/2026

When my brain feels overwhelmed or stressed, I often think about this analogy:

How many buckets can I realistically carry?

Each bucket represents something that needs my energy—work, family, friendships, parenting, responsibilities, goals, and everyday life. The more I take on, the heavier those buckets become.

Sometimes, when the buckets get too full, you don’t know which one will spill first. And when a bucket spills, it’s not just you who feels the impact. Friends, family members, children, colleagues, and others around you can feel it too.

The important question isn’t whether a bucket will spill—it’s asking yourself: Which buckets are too full right now?

Maybe it’s time to set one down, maybe reaching out to help carry another, or empty some of what’s weighing you down.

We all have limits. Recognizing them isn’t weakness—it’s self-awareness. 💙

05/25/2026

✨ Referring your child for therapy services is now easier than ever! As well as signing up for the parenting group!✨

There are now online referral forms for both services that can answer many of your questions before you even contact me directly.

To get started, visit www.newheightslcswpllc.com and go to the Contact section. Click the button that says “Refer Child for Therapy Services” or “Sign Up for Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors Course,” complete the online form, and you’re all set!

📌 I currently have only one therapy opening available at this time and am actively looking for parents interested in joining the parenting group!

Please feel free to reach out or complete the referral forms if needed. 💙

Private practice providing outpatient psychotherapy services to children and families 4-10 years of age focus on play therapy modality. Assisting with children who have ADHD, trauma, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression. Parent coaching services for help parent with children's overwhelmi

03/11/2026

I have some exciting news. Starting March 22nd, I will be at a new office location! My new office address will be

800 route 146 suite 485 Clifton park Ny 12056.

It’s a much bigger space and more easily accessible. And it comes with a parking lot! More future updates will be posted as time gets closer.