Behavioral Issues Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of Eileen Devine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eileen Devine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97203
It centers on understanding neurobehavioral conditions as brain-based differences with behavioral symptoms.
Parenting a child with challenging behaviors can feel like navigating New York City with a map of Chicago. It's confusing, stressful and incredibly lonely. The “tried and true” parenting approaches do not seem to help your child be “less challenging” (and in fact, often make things worse), and the traditional parenting advice from mainstream “experts” feels tone-deaf when it comes to to your experience. You've researched on-line, and you still find yourself wishing there was someone who could understand your unique experience and offer expert guidance that puts you and your child, and your family on a path to healing.
It centers on understanding neurobehavioral conditions as brain-based differences with behavioral symptoms.
Parenting a child with challenging behaviors can feel like navigating New York City with a map of Chicago. It's confusing, stressful and incredibly lonely. The “tried and true” parenting approaches do not seem to help your child be “less challenging” (and in fact, often make things worse), and the traditional parenting advice from mainstream “experts” feels tone-deaf when it comes to to your experience. You've researched on-line, and you still find yourself wishing there was someone who could understand your unique experience and offer expert guidance that puts you and your child, and your family on a path to healing.
View
Photo of Deanne Haisch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deanne Haisch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225
Living with autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can be incredibly challenging. These conditions often lead to intense frustration, isolation, and difficulties in daily functioning. You may feel misunderstood and struggle to manage emotions and behaviors effectively. My goal is to provide a supportive and understanding environment where we can work through these issues together, helping you develop coping strategies and build resilience. Let's work towards creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Living with autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can be incredibly challenging. These conditions often lead to intense frustration, isolation, and difficulties in daily functioning. You may feel misunderstood and struggle to manage emotions and behaviors effectively. My goal is to provide a supportive and understanding environment where we can work through these issues together, helping you develop coping strategies and build resilience. Let's work towards creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.
(971) 571-5800 View (971) 571-5800
Photo of Carrie Love, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carrie Love
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227
Waitlist for new clients
If you have wondered why your infant or child: does not bond or connect with you, has behavior problems, does not respect you, seems angry or withdrawn, has temper tantrums often, has excessive or no energy, is vindictive, is not connected with the family, or you ask yourself am I a good parent? Then please seek my support. As a young adult, do you feel: anxious, often worried, rejected, withdrawn, sad, depressed, or discriminated against? If so, please seek my support. Please come Talk With Love!
If you have wondered why your infant or child: does not bond or connect with you, has behavior problems, does not respect you, seems angry or withdrawn, has temper tantrums often, has excessive or no energy, is vindictive, is not connected with the family, or you ask yourself am I a good parent? Then please seek my support. As a young adult, do you feel: anxious, often worried, rejected, withdrawn, sad, depressed, or discriminated against? If so, please seek my support. Please come Talk With Love!
(971) 265-6157 View (971) 265-6157
Photo of Rania Fawzy Abuelzain, MS, QMHP-R, ABA, CPC, Counselor
Rania Fawzy Abuelzain
Counselor, MS, QMHP-R, ABA, CPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
Waitlist for new clients
My studies in Psychology, behavioral health, and counseling aim to gain the knowledge and skills and implement effective mental health counseling and behavior change coaching.
Reaching out for help demonstrates inner strength and willingness to face various life challenges. As an immigrant, accessing resources and services that feel inclusive and culturally sensitive is challenging. My journey in healing as an individual, a mother, and a caring community member has sparked a desire to provide culturally sensitive care to people from all walks of life. Although many clients have experienced marginalization due to their background as an immigrant (BIPOC, MENA, AMEMSA), other clients have realized numerous privileges in their life and felt a sense of inclusion and reconciliation within the larger community.
My studies in Psychology, behavioral health, and counseling aim to gain the knowledge and skills and implement effective mental health counseling and behavior change coaching.
Reaching out for help demonstrates inner strength and willingness to face various life challenges. As an immigrant, accessing resources and services that feel inclusive and culturally sensitive is challenging. My journey in healing as an individual, a mother, and a caring community member has sparked a desire to provide culturally sensitive care to people from all walks of life. Although many clients have experienced marginalization due to their background as an immigrant (BIPOC, MENA, AMEMSA), other clients have realized numerous privileges in their life and felt a sense of inclusion and reconciliation within the larger community.
(503) 902-7909 View (503) 902-7909
Photo of Richard Seigler, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard Seigler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Primarily, I use Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength Based Approaches; while including an array of other therapeutic modalities to help the individual, couple, and family accomplish their goals.
***Currently available for in-person and Teletherapy appointments*** I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I provide counseling services to diverse clients as they learn, change, grow, and function in increasingly inspired, creative, healthy, and adaptive ways. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. I am experienced in working with adults, couples, families, as well as adolescent clients, on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, identity, and unwanted thoughts or emotions.
Primarily, I use Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength Based Approaches; while including an array of other therapeutic modalities to help the individual, couple, and family accomplish their goals.
***Currently available for in-person and Teletherapy appointments*** I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I provide counseling services to diverse clients as they learn, change, grow, and function in increasingly inspired, creative, healthy, and adaptive ways. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. I am experienced in working with adults, couples, families, as well as adolescent clients, on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, identity, and unwanted thoughts or emotions.
(503) 483-8565 View (503) 483-8565
Photo of Brandie Lynne Imperial, LCSW, CADCI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brandie Lynne Imperial
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219
My approaches to treatment include: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approach, narrative therapy, and family systems theory.
If you want to improve your relationships in your life, desire support with managing your anxiety and/or depressive symptoms more effectively, understand how past trauma is affecting your life, address your alcohol/drug use, work through equity/inclusion issues, or want an objective therapist to listen and support your own personal empowerment, I would feel honored to assist you with your self discovery. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2006 and my Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in 2009. I received my linsencure as an LCSW in 2016.
My approaches to treatment include: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approach, narrative therapy, and family systems theory.
If you want to improve your relationships in your life, desire support with managing your anxiety and/or depressive symptoms more effectively, understand how past trauma is affecting your life, address your alcohol/drug use, work through equity/inclusion issues, or want an objective therapist to listen and support your own personal empowerment, I would feel honored to assist you with your self discovery. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2006 and my Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in 2009. I received my linsencure as an LCSW in 2016.
View
Photo of Renee Gestalt, MA, R-DMT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Renee Gestalt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, R-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I tend to view my work from a neurobiological perspective, and incorporate elements of mindfulness with behavior therapy, alternative and experiential techniques, EFT and eco therapy.
I know that you have walked through an entire lifetime of experience to get to this point. The path you have taken has now brought you to an impasse, and I promise you do not have to take these next steps on your journey alone. My name is Renee, and I am a body-based Licensed Professional Counselor in the Portland area. I would like to join you on this adventure you call your life. Together we can collaborate and discover new embodied ways of being, you can reconnect to the life force that flows through you, and I will be there as you uncover the clues to your present and future.
I tend to view my work from a neurobiological perspective, and incorporate elements of mindfulness with behavior therapy, alternative and experiential techniques, EFT and eco therapy.
I know that you have walked through an entire lifetime of experience to get to this point. The path you have taken has now brought you to an impasse, and I promise you do not have to take these next steps on your journey alone. My name is Renee, and I am a body-based Licensed Professional Counselor in the Portland area. I would like to join you on this adventure you call your life. Together we can collaborate and discover new embodied ways of being, you can reconnect to the life force that flows through you, and I will be there as you uncover the clues to your present and future.
(503) 468-4492 View (503) 468-4492
Photo of Dr. Valencia Campbell-Chapin, EdD, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCAPT, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Valencia Campbell-Chapin
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCAPT, LCDC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97216  (Online Only)
Are you tired of those frustrating phone calls from the school saying that your child got into another fight? Or has been suspended again? Are you tired of looking at your child's behavior sheet and seeing multiple numbers circled? If you are tired of your child's color being changed to red or number being change, I understand your frustration. Having 20 years of experience working in the public schools as a Certified School Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Special Ed Teacher, I can help.
Are you tired of those frustrating phone calls from the school saying that your child got into another fight? Or has been suspended again? Are you tired of looking at your child's behavior sheet and seeing multiple numbers circled? If you are tired of your child's color being changed to red or number being change, I understand your frustration. Having 20 years of experience working in the public schools as a Certified School Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Special Ed Teacher, I can help.
(817) 210-5674 View (817) 210-5674
Toeney Flowers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
Accepting New Clients! Hello and welcome! Life can present various challenges, transitions, and stressors that can be overwhelming at times – perhaps you are searching for help with: grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma; family conflict/parenting issues; unhealthy personal or professional relationships; child/teen with behavioral problems; or generational trauma or racial discrimination. I acknowledge the difficulty one may have with seeking help. This may be due to historical stigmas, masculinity associated with being male, or the feeling of “needing to do it all” and not having your power acknowledged or honored as a woman.
Accepting New Clients! Hello and welcome! Life can present various challenges, transitions, and stressors that can be overwhelming at times – perhaps you are searching for help with: grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma; family conflict/parenting issues; unhealthy personal or professional relationships; child/teen with behavioral problems; or generational trauma or racial discrimination. I acknowledge the difficulty one may have with seeking help. This may be due to historical stigmas, masculinity associated with being male, or the feeling of “needing to do it all” and not having your power acknowledged or honored as a woman.
View
Photo of Sharon Picard, PhD, Psychologist
Sharon Picard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201
Although it's true that children are resilient, there are times when children and their families need focused support and therapy in order to move forward and reach emotional health and balance. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist who uses cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve better mental health. Having been licensed for sixteen years, I have worked extensively with children who present with anxiety, depression, a history of trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, grief issues, and behavioral concerns.
Although it's true that children are resilient, there are times when children and their families need focused support and therapy in order to move forward and reach emotional health and balance. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist who uses cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve better mental health. Having been licensed for sixteen years, I have worked extensively with children who present with anxiety, depression, a history of trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, grief issues, and behavioral concerns.
(808) 346-8101 View (808) 346-8101
Photo of Todd Forsman, LCSW, CADC-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Todd Forsman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC-I
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97216
People dealing with mental / behavioral health, addiction or a mixture of the two (co-occurring).
Even in the darkest hours there is hope that healing and wholeness is possible. Do you suffer with the effects of depression, anxiety, addiction, self-loathing or lack of self-esteem? Do you have trouble with anger, communication or setting boundaries? There is hope! You are the author of your own story, and a skilled, caring counselor can help you find the tools you need to navigate through the hard times and be able to feel empowered to continue writing your story.
People dealing with mental / behavioral health, addiction or a mixture of the two (co-occurring).
Even in the darkest hours there is hope that healing and wholeness is possible. Do you suffer with the effects of depression, anxiety, addiction, self-loathing or lack of self-esteem? Do you have trouble with anger, communication or setting boundaries? There is hope! You are the author of your own story, and a skilled, caring counselor can help you find the tools you need to navigate through the hard times and be able to feel empowered to continue writing your story.
(503) 678-9191 View (503) 678-9191
Photo of Laura Placek, MS, LPC, CMHC, CADCIII, CMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Placek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CMHC, CADCIII, CMH
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97203  (Online Only)
My background is in Forensic, Behavioral, Mental Health and Addiction counseling.
Bringing you affordable, confidential, and comprehensive services locally. We are an independent behavioral agency providing dual diagnosis and treatment services. Board certified and Licensed. I meet you where you are in life. My goal is to help you to identify paths to achieve personal goals, recovery, and life balance. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I believe in compassionate and respectful person-centered care.
My background is in Forensic, Behavioral, Mental Health and Addiction counseling.
Bringing you affordable, confidential, and comprehensive services locally. We are an independent behavioral agency providing dual diagnosis and treatment services. Board certified and Licensed. I meet you where you are in life. My goal is to help you to identify paths to achieve personal goals, recovery, and life balance. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I believe in compassionate and respectful person-centered care.
(503) 486-3978 View (503) 486-3978
Photo of Elizabeth Suarez Snow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Suarez Snow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223  (Online Only)
The focus will be on learning about Growth mindset, Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other therapies that may better help each individual personal growth.
I teach about identifying emotions and learning to regulate emotions. Learning emotion regulation is helpful for everyone who is struggling with poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, poor social skills, and relationships.
The focus will be on learning about Growth mindset, Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other therapies that may better help each individual personal growth.
I teach about identifying emotions and learning to regulate emotions. Learning emotion regulation is helpful for everyone who is struggling with poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, poor social skills, and relationships.
(503) 213-9292 View (503) 213-9292
Photo of Nicole Green, MS,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223
I specialize in working with young children & parents for a variety of concerns including: behavior issues, developmental delays, anxiety, etc.
Do you feel you don’t know how to manage your child’s behaviors or wish you had a better relationship with them? You are not alone! Many parents experience this and begin to feel lost & hopeless. If you are ready for help, please contact me. No one knows your child better than you & you are a crucial part in helping them build the skills to be successful. As a team we focus on building new skills to understand & manage difficult feelings and behaviors. *****Providing support for a variety of women's issues is also a passion of mine.*****
I specialize in working with young children & parents for a variety of concerns including: behavior issues, developmental delays, anxiety, etc.
Do you feel you don’t know how to manage your child’s behaviors or wish you had a better relationship with them? You are not alone! Many parents experience this and begin to feel lost & hopeless. If you are ready for help, please contact me. No one knows your child better than you & you are a crucial part in helping them build the skills to be successful. As a team we focus on building new skills to understand & manage difficult feelings and behaviors. *****Providing support for a variety of women's issues is also a passion of mine.*****
(503) 506-4742 View (503) 506-4742
Photo of Drew Caesar, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Drew Caesar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
* adolescents and adults facing victimization, mood anxiety issues, sexual issues, problem sexual behavior.
Maybe your teen or partner is depressed? Stuck on Internet Porn? Maybe you have somehow been victimized? Feel anxious, or alone? Loss of loved ones? I offer a relationship based, non-judgmental approach informed by tested, evidence-based practices, including CBT and EMDR therapies - neither of which demand medication. EMDR directly targets traumatic or hurtful memories and helps put them "in the past." This has been shown to help with anxiety/fear, panic attacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues and various other symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. CBT further offers you the chance to not be overwhelmed by your experience.
* adolescents and adults facing victimization, mood anxiety issues, sexual issues, problem sexual behavior.
Maybe your teen or partner is depressed? Stuck on Internet Porn? Maybe you have somehow been victimized? Feel anxious, or alone? Loss of loved ones? I offer a relationship based, non-judgmental approach informed by tested, evidence-based practices, including CBT and EMDR therapies - neither of which demand medication. EMDR directly targets traumatic or hurtful memories and helps put them "in the past." This has been shown to help with anxiety/fear, panic attacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues and various other symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. CBT further offers you the chance to not be overwhelmed by your experience.
(503) 567-5361 View (503) 567-5361
Photo of Sara A Post, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara A Post
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
I utilize trauma informed, strength-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) along with other evidence-based and mindfulness interventions.
I have over 20 years of experience and specialty in working with teens, young adults, and caregivers. As teenagers and young adults navigate through changes of life, there are often struggles such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Parenting can be accompanied by stress, confusion, and moments of doubt while supporting children of any age. We will work together to identify and build upon your strengths, improve communication, learn new coping skills, and create lasting changes. I will actively support you as you learn to navigate life stressors more effectively and and improve your overall sense of well-being.
I utilize trauma informed, strength-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) along with other evidence-based and mindfulness interventions.
I have over 20 years of experience and specialty in working with teens, young adults, and caregivers. As teenagers and young adults navigate through changes of life, there are often struggles such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Parenting can be accompanied by stress, confusion, and moments of doubt while supporting children of any age. We will work together to identify and build upon your strengths, improve communication, learn new coping skills, and create lasting changes. I will actively support you as you learn to navigate life stressors more effectively and and improve your overall sense of well-being.
(503) 832-6557 View (503) 832-6557
Photo of Colby Schneider, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colby Schneider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
I offer guidance and unconditional positive regard to help people understand themselves using Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused/Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
Accepting New Clients - I help individuals and couples understand the deeper meaning of the problems that are holding them back and work with them so they can break free and reach their full potential. I use empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard to guide my practice while helping people understand themselves. Working together collaboratively but acknowledging that people are the experts of their own life, we will work together to end suffering while building self growth.
I offer guidance and unconditional positive regard to help people understand themselves using Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused/Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
Accepting New Clients - I help individuals and couples understand the deeper meaning of the problems that are holding them back and work with them so they can break free and reach their full potential. I use empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard to guide my practice while helping people understand themselves. Working together collaboratively but acknowledging that people are the experts of their own life, we will work together to end suffering while building self growth.
(503) 213-6068 View (503) 213-6068
Photo of Joey Ellen Kramer O'Connell, LPC, MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joey Ellen Kramer O'Connell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
My work with families focuses on the unique challenges of: adoption, involvement with the foster care system, the effect of children on the couples' relationship, co-parenting and shared custody, infertility, blended families, divorce/separation, behavior challenges specific to young children or children with developmental delays.
All families experience transitions, and even positive change can cause stress. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong emphasis on attachment, structural, and solution-focused family therapies. I work with young children and their caregivers to form secure attachments early on. This leads to more effective communication and problem solving patterns and a higher level of resilience down the road. My work tends to be short term and builds on the existing strengths of your family. My work with couples is attachment informed as we look at past and current relationships to elucidate our most fulfilling ways of connecting.
My work with families focuses on the unique challenges of: adoption, involvement with the foster care system, the effect of children on the couples' relationship, co-parenting and shared custody, infertility, blended families, divorce/separation, behavior challenges specific to young children or children with developmental delays.
All families experience transitions, and even positive change can cause stress. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong emphasis on attachment, structural, and solution-focused family therapies. I work with young children and their caregivers to form secure attachments early on. This leads to more effective communication and problem solving patterns and a higher level of resilience down the road. My work tends to be short term and builds on the existing strengths of your family. My work with couples is attachment informed as we look at past and current relationships to elucidate our most fulfilling ways of connecting.
(503) 766-5894 View (503) 766-5894
Photo of Samantha Tracy, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Tracy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
I will help you to work through past behavioral & emotional patterns that have prevented you from having fulfilling relationships, identify root causes keeping you stuck, create healthier boundaries & offer effective tools to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Are you struggling with stressors causing an emotional or physical response? Or feeling excessive worry and uncertainty creating difficulty to manage it on your own? Have you felt disconnected from the people you care about and it’s creating challenges in your life that have led to relational conflicts? I thrive as a therapist to work with individual adults who are neurodivergent, struggle with anxiety, stressful life transitions, relational issues, exploring sobriety, perimenopause/menopause phases, & childhood trauma.
I will help you to work through past behavioral & emotional patterns that have prevented you from having fulfilling relationships, identify root causes keeping you stuck, create healthier boundaries & offer effective tools to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Are you struggling with stressors causing an emotional or physical response? Or feeling excessive worry and uncertainty creating difficulty to manage it on your own? Have you felt disconnected from the people you care about and it’s creating challenges in your life that have led to relational conflicts? I thrive as a therapist to work with individual adults who are neurodivergent, struggle with anxiety, stressful life transitions, relational issues, exploring sobriety, perimenopause/menopause phases, & childhood trauma.
(503) 461-8093 View (503) 461-8093
Photo of Robert Markell, LMHC,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robert Markell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
I believe the role of a therapist is to be more than a reflective and empathetic companion in the client’s journey and must also incorporate directive approaches in order to alternate between being a companion and being a leader on that journey. Inherent in this belief is that clients are coming to therapy because they want something different than what they currently have. This can be as simple as a new perspective on a past or current struggle or as complex as a new skill set for managing and overcoming emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational, or somatic patterns that have arisen in response to emotional distress.
I believe the role of a therapist is to be more than a reflective and empathetic companion in the client’s journey and must also incorporate directive approaches in order to alternate between being a companion and being a leader on that journey. Inherent in this belief is that clients are coming to therapy because they want something different than what they currently have. This can be as simple as a new perspective on a past or current struggle or as complex as a new skill set for managing and overcoming emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational, or somatic patterns that have arisen in response to emotional distress.
(503) 382-8553 View (503) 382-8553
1
...
Behavioral Issues Therapists

What happens in therapy for behavioral issues?

No matter the type of therapy, individuals form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is often therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Individuals learn to identify situations that are especially troublesome for them and acquire new patterns of thinking and behaving. In therapy for ADHD, one of the most common behavior issues for children, individuals learn how to improve frustration tolerance, control impulsivity, manage attentional focus, and gain skills of self-organisation.

What therapy types help with behavioral issues?

Many types of therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Perhaps best-known and most widely tested is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), in which individuals learn new behavioral strategies and curb reactivity to frustrating or distressing situations that trigger disruptive behaviour. Anger, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control problems are commonly addressed in CBT. Family therapy or parent management training is often helpful to reduce parent-child conflict and behavioral difficulties at home.

How long does therapy last for behavioral issues?

Among popular approaches to treating behavioral concerns, CBT is considered a short-term therapy intended to be administered in 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Parent training in behavior management, often used when the underlying cause of behavior issues is ADHD in children under 12, usually occurs in weekly sessions for 8 to 16 weeks. When behavioral issues stem from persistent aggression or defiance, therapy may last for months, and usually targets both children and their parents.

How effective is therapy for behavior issues?

Studies show that therapy for behavior issues in children is highly effective and may prevent the development of antisocial behavior later in life. Family intervention—parent management training or family therapy, both of which involve parents and children together—is considered most effective, notably for children under age 12 who persistently engage in aggressive, defiant, rule-breaking or other disruptive behavior. Whether provided alone or in combination with medication, CBT is highly effective in helping people regulate their emotions, and for people with ADHD, it addresses impulsiveness, hyperactivity and attentional focus.