Behavioral Issues Therapists in Austin, TX

Photo of Bradley Gerber - Bradley Gerber, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Bradley Gerber, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
My philosophy for therapy is that it is a collaborative process of partnering to develop new tools to create change. I believe in creating a strong therapeutic alliance in order to help you feel empowered to try out new strategies to maximize the positive results that you can achieve. I have significant experience providing evidenced-based treatment for anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, social skills deficits, and parent training/coaching. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. I provide psychological assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD, and social/emotional/behavioral concerns.
My philosophy for therapy is that it is a collaborative process of partnering to develop new tools to create change. I believe in creating a strong therapeutic alliance in order to help you feel empowered to try out new strategies to maximize the positive results that you can achieve. I have significant experience providing evidenced-based treatment for anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, social skills deficits, and parent training/coaching. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. I provide psychological assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD, and social/emotional/behavioral concerns.
(512) 524-7436 View (512) 524-7436
Photo of Deb Burkhardt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deb Burkhardt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78751  (Online Only)
I work from a relational, attachment-based perspective, helping clients create change through the recognition and dismantling of behavioral patterns that may be holding them back from living authentically.
Realizing our own needs for acceptance and validation can be hard, especially when we have not been taught to ask for them ourselves. If you feel like you are bursting at the seams with new ideas but don't know where to start or are feeling pressured by new life transitions or impending crises, therapy may be a helpful place to lay your cards on the table and decide the next step.
I work from a relational, attachment-based perspective, helping clients create change through the recognition and dismantling of behavioral patterns that may be holding them back from living authentically.
Realizing our own needs for acceptance and validation can be hard, especially when we have not been taught to ask for them ourselves. If you feel like you are bursting at the seams with new ideas but don't know where to start or are feeling pressured by new life transitions or impending crises, therapy may be a helpful place to lay your cards on the table and decide the next step.
(512) 890-0413 View (512) 890-0413
Photo of Dr. Melody Montano, PhD, LPC-S, Pre-Licensed Professional
Dr. Melody Montano
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, LPC-S
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78732  (Online Only)
Greetings! I'm a dedicated professional specializing in comprehensive psychological evaluations for adolescents and their families facing challenging behavioral concerns. In navigating the complexities of adolescence, I focus on uncovering underlying factors contributing to behaviors often mistaken as typical. For parents, educators, and support networks, psychological evaluations provide invaluable insights! My approach emphasizes fostering connections with teens and families, offering a tailored strategy to address challenges that may not have found resolution elsewhere.
Greetings! I'm a dedicated professional specializing in comprehensive psychological evaluations for adolescents and their families facing challenging behavioral concerns. In navigating the complexities of adolescence, I focus on uncovering underlying factors contributing to behaviors often mistaken as typical. For parents, educators, and support networks, psychological evaluations provide invaluable insights! My approach emphasizes fostering connections with teens and families, offering a tailored strategy to address challenges that may not have found resolution elsewhere.
(512) 598-5035 View (512) 598-5035
Photo of Sydney Head, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sydney Head
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I have specialties working with people struggling with trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, emotion dysregulation, and behavioral issues.
I like to think of therapy as investing in yourself. You're the one person you are guaranteed to spend your entire life with, and there's no breaks from being with you. Prioritizing your mental well-being is an important step in reaching a place where you can feel content and satisfied in the relationship with yourself. This, in turn, will move you forward in ways that help you create meaningful connections with others, build community, and stride toward your goals in life. That path might seem scary and uncertain, you might even think it impossible, but I want you to know it IS possible and you don't have to walk it alone.
I have specialties working with people struggling with trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, emotion dysregulation, and behavioral issues.
I like to think of therapy as investing in yourself. You're the one person you are guaranteed to spend your entire life with, and there's no breaks from being with you. Prioritizing your mental well-being is an important step in reaching a place where you can feel content and satisfied in the relationship with yourself. This, in turn, will move you forward in ways that help you create meaningful connections with others, build community, and stride toward your goals in life. That path might seem scary and uncertain, you might even think it impossible, but I want you to know it IS possible and you don't have to walk it alone.
(512) 559-1925 View (512) 559-1925
Photo of Katherine De La Paz, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Katherine De La Paz
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Kathy uses multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology.
Kathy Del La Paz is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals and couples address the issues they are facing by creating a safe, positive therapeutic relationship that facilitates meeting their individual goals. Kathy specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, postpartum depression and anxiety, stress, career, and life transitions.
Kathy uses multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology.
Kathy Del La Paz is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals and couples address the issues they are facing by creating a safe, positive therapeutic relationship that facilitates meeting their individual goals. Kathy specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, postpartum depression and anxiety, stress, career, and life transitions.
(512) 648-4896 View (512) 648-4896
Photo of Stacie LePage, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stacie LePage
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy.
The majority of my work has been with teenagers. I have experience in helping teenagers and adults with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence and depression.
My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy.
The majority of my work has been with teenagers. I have experience in helping teenagers and adults with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence and depression.
(512) 764-1087 View (512) 764-1087
Photo of Kyung Hee Kim - Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
We have numerous therapists with extensive training and experience for in-person sessions throughout the Austin/Round Rock areas or for online sessions anywhere in Texas-therapists that can help your child with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma & abuse, grief/loss, school and behavioral problems, autism, relationship problems, parental divorce, etc.
At Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families-clients who are in crisis or major life transitions. We work very closely with other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients, such as pediatricians, child psychiatrists, school counselors, OT/PT's and therapeutic tutors at Smiles-Tutoring (cl314516.wixsite.com/smilestutoring). If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
We have numerous therapists with extensive training and experience for in-person sessions throughout the Austin/Round Rock areas or for online sessions anywhere in Texas-therapists that can help your child with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma & abuse, grief/loss, school and behavioral problems, autism, relationship problems, parental divorce, etc.
At Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families-clients who are in crisis or major life transitions. We work very closely with other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients, such as pediatricians, child psychiatrists, school counselors, OT/PT's and therapeutic tutors at Smiles-Tutoring (cl314516.wixsite.com/smilestutoring). If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
(512) 750-5098 View (512) 750-5098
Photo of Nicole Stark, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Stark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
Nikki's approach to therapy combines evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy, tailored to meet each client's specific needs.
Nicole "Nikki" Stark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S) with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in treating addiction, ADHD, depression, stress, and much more. Nikki holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, obtained from Belhaven University in Mississippi where they played college soccer. She pursued her Master's degree in Social Work in Abilene, Texas from ACU, broadening their knowledge and skills. As a therapist, she brings a unique set of abilities to support their clients.
Nikki's approach to therapy combines evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy, tailored to meet each client's specific needs.
Nicole "Nikki" Stark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S) with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in treating addiction, ADHD, depression, stress, and much more. Nikki holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, obtained from Belhaven University in Mississippi where they played college soccer. She pursued her Master's degree in Social Work in Abilene, Texas from ACU, broadening their knowledge and skills. As a therapist, she brings a unique set of abilities to support their clients.
(737) 204-4410 View (737) 204-4410
Photo of Jennifer McCloskey - Jennifer Willoughby Sear, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Jennifer Willoughby Sear
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
Did you know that being skilled at setting boundaries actually brings your loved ones closer and can significantly improve all your interpersonal relationships? Our problems often stem from behavior that is self-protective. We may have learned ways to avoid emotional pain, disappointment, and grief, but sometimes those protective behaviors become roadblocks to personal growth. Perhaps we have unconsciously decided that living with the problems we already know seems safer than approaching the changes that will help us heal and move forward.
Did you know that being skilled at setting boundaries actually brings your loved ones closer and can significantly improve all your interpersonal relationships? Our problems often stem from behavior that is self-protective. We may have learned ways to avoid emotional pain, disappointment, and grief, but sometimes those protective behaviors become roadblocks to personal growth. Perhaps we have unconsciously decided that living with the problems we already know seems safer than approaching the changes that will help us heal and move forward.
(512) 675-5914 View (512) 675-5914
Photo of Danielle McGowan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle McGowan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78741  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Danielle McGowan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience working with young adults, individuals, and families in their crisis, trauma, or desire for change. I specialize in adjustment, trauma, grief, anxiety, and understanding behavior patterns that are set from childhood and family systems. My most common practices include cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional-focused therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and grief work. I believe that the most memorable therapy connections are with the most hesitant or unsure individuals.
Welcome! My name is Danielle McGowan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience working with young adults, individuals, and families in their crisis, trauma, or desire for change. I specialize in adjustment, trauma, grief, anxiety, and understanding behavior patterns that are set from childhood and family systems. My most common practices include cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional-focused therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and grief work. I believe that the most memorable therapy connections are with the most hesitant or unsure individuals.
(817) 660-7762 View (817) 660-7762
Photo of Albert Bellard - Albert Bellard, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Albert Bellard, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
My work is primarily informed by Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Reality Oriented theoretical orientations, and Mindfulness based concepts and practices.
Hi and thanks for checking out my Psychology Today profile.... I've worked for 35 years as a psychotherapist in the Austin area . My approach to my work is inclusive of mindfulness, compassion, graciousness and humility, always respectful of the notion that the client is ultimately the expert on and the decision maker for his/her life. Please visit my website for more about me and my work. All the best to you!
My work is primarily informed by Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Reality Oriented theoretical orientations, and Mindfulness based concepts and practices.
Hi and thanks for checking out my Psychology Today profile.... I've worked for 35 years as a psychotherapist in the Austin area . My approach to my work is inclusive of mindfulness, compassion, graciousness and humility, always respectful of the notion that the client is ultimately the expert on and the decision maker for his/her life. Please visit my website for more about me and my work. All the best to you!
(512) 523-4823 View (512) 523-4823
Photo of Erika J. Vivyan, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Erika J. Vivyan
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752  (Online Only)
I'm here to help! I'm a Licensed Psychologist and an expert in diagnosing and treating anxiety, OCD, and behavioral problems in young people (ages 3-23ish) through online therapy and parent coaching.
You’re looking for the right therapist to help. You’re overwhelmed and exhausted. The worries, what-ifs, and wonderings are just too much to handle. You’re sick of the tears, tantrums, and terrible nights. You wish this anxiety would just leave you alone. Sometimes you think that these fears are normal, but recently school is getting harder, friendships are falling apart, and life at home is so stressful you could cry. You want to find someone who can help you, your child, or your teen to gain the confidence and flexibility to get life back on track. You might even be wondering if a diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD, or OCD fits you.
I'm here to help! I'm a Licensed Psychologist and an expert in diagnosing and treating anxiety, OCD, and behavioral problems in young people (ages 3-23ish) through online therapy and parent coaching.
You’re looking for the right therapist to help. You’re overwhelmed and exhausted. The worries, what-ifs, and wonderings are just too much to handle. You’re sick of the tears, tantrums, and terrible nights. You wish this anxiety would just leave you alone. Sometimes you think that these fears are normal, but recently school is getting harder, friendships are falling apart, and life at home is so stressful you could cry. You want to find someone who can help you, your child, or your teen to gain the confidence and flexibility to get life back on track. You might even be wondering if a diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD, or OCD fits you.
(512) 641-9448 View (512) 641-9448
Photo of Ericka Connor, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ericka Connor
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioral Issues across all ages, I offer therapy for teenagers and adults.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in therapeutic work with young adults and adults. Over the last several years I have worked extensively with young adults and adults experiencing Depression and Anxiety. I take a client centered approach through the use of a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Therapy. It is my passion to assist young people with the coping skills to become healthy and high functioning individuals in life.
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioral Issues across all ages, I offer therapy for teenagers and adults.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in therapeutic work with young adults and adults. Over the last several years I have worked extensively with young adults and adults experiencing Depression and Anxiety. I take a client centered approach through the use of a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Therapy. It is my passion to assist young people with the coping skills to become healthy and high functioning individuals in life.
(737) 331-1725 View (737) 331-1725
Photo of Linda W. Melnick, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda W. Melnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78749  (Online Only)
Work areas include anxiety/depression, behavioral problems at school and/or home, parenting, relationship issues, interpersonal skills, work related issues, separation/divorce, trauma, abuse.
Life changes quickly, and we all hit speed bumps that stop or slow us down. Social and academic crises, trauma, grief, and life transitions are some of the challenges my clients face. I see children 11 years and up, adolescents, families and adults, and offer a safe, supportive environment for clients to find options. I work to help clients build and deepen healthy connections within families, fine tune or learn new skills, and increase confidence. My approach is direct, respectful, collaborative. I listen closely to help build an individual plan.
Work areas include anxiety/depression, behavioral problems at school and/or home, parenting, relationship issues, interpersonal skills, work related issues, separation/divorce, trauma, abuse.
Life changes quickly, and we all hit speed bumps that stop or slow us down. Social and academic crises, trauma, grief, and life transitions are some of the challenges my clients face. I see children 11 years and up, adolescents, families and adults, and offer a safe, supportive environment for clients to find options. I work to help clients build and deepen healthy connections within families, fine tune or learn new skills, and increase confidence. My approach is direct, respectful, collaborative. I listen closely to help build an individual plan.
(512) 861-8467 View (512) 861-8467
Photo of Katie Worrell - Topaz ABA, MA, BCBA, LBA
Topaz ABA
MA, BCBA, LBA
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), our Board Certified Behavior Analysts work with each family to create individualized goals and behavior intervention plans that are specific to each child's needs.
Topaz ABA provides behavior therapy and autism services to children and adolescents throughout the Austin and surrounding areas. We provide services in the home, in the community, or via telehealth.
Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), our Board Certified Behavior Analysts work with each family to create individualized goals and behavior intervention plans that are specific to each child's needs.
Topaz ABA provides behavior therapy and autism services to children and adolescents throughout the Austin and surrounding areas. We provide services in the home, in the community, or via telehealth.
(512) 488-3767 View (512) 488-3767
Photo of Sam Keffler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sam Keffler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
I hope you keep working to get the results you deserve. Life is worth living and it requires action steps. I have training in DBT, EMDR, ERP and certification in CPT. I specialize in working with adults and teens who need behavior change and/or trauma processing. These treatments are designed to help clients develop the skills to independently manage problematic behavior and thinking patterns.
I hope you keep working to get the results you deserve. Life is worth living and it requires action steps. I have training in DBT, EMDR, ERP and certification in CPT. I specialize in working with adults and teens who need behavior change and/or trauma processing. These treatments are designed to help clients develop the skills to independently manage problematic behavior and thinking patterns.
(737) 205-1582 View (737) 205-1582
Photo of Sara Manisco Chapo, LCSW, CPP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Manisco Chapo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78737
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include trauma, attachment, parenting, adoption and foster care, behavioral and school related problems, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, cultural/communication difficulties, and stress management.
Hi, I am Sara. I enjoy being the witness of positive change and the healing power of human relationships. Whatever the issue, I am honored to take part in your personal journey toward a better life. I can be your guide to help you process and envision the steps towards whatever goal you seek. I have trained in several evidence based models, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work with young children, adolescents, and adults.
My specialties include trauma, attachment, parenting, adoption and foster care, behavioral and school related problems, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, cultural/communication difficulties, and stress management.
Hi, I am Sara. I enjoy being the witness of positive change and the healing power of human relationships. Whatever the issue, I am honored to take part in your personal journey toward a better life. I can be your guide to help you process and envision the steps towards whatever goal you seek. I have trained in several evidence based models, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work with young children, adolescents, and adults.
(512) 866-2459 View (512) 866-2459
Photo of Kim Van de Vere - Psychotherapy Associates, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
Psychotherapy Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
We have numerous therapists with extensive training and experience to provide in-person therapy throughout the Austin/Round Rock areas or online sessions throughout Texas-therapists that can help you or your family with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, abuse, grief & loss, relationship problems, divorce, ADHD, autism, school and behavioral problems, etc.
At Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children and families in crisis or other major life transitions. We also offer play therapy, EMDR for teens and adults, as well as court and CPS-mandated services for all age groups. Additionally, we work very closely with doctors, pediatricians, schools and other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients. If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
We have numerous therapists with extensive training and experience to provide in-person therapy throughout the Austin/Round Rock areas or online sessions throughout Texas-therapists that can help you or your family with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, abuse, grief & loss, relationship problems, divorce, ADHD, autism, school and behavioral problems, etc.
At Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children and families in crisis or other major life transitions. We also offer play therapy, EMDR for teens and adults, as well as court and CPS-mandated services for all age groups. Additionally, we work very closely with doctors, pediatricians, schools and other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients. If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
(512) 750-5098 View (512) 750-5098
Photo of Carla Lopez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carla Lopez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
I have been working with adolescents/children since 2010 when I first began teaching children with Autism and doing in-home behavior therapy.
Hi! My name is Carla Lopez and here at The Eccentric Empath Counseling Services we offer individual, couples and family therapy. Life can throw some unexpected twists and turns at us that we might need help navigating. Let us help you manage all that life can throw at you!
I have been working with adolescents/children since 2010 when I first began teaching children with Autism and doing in-home behavior therapy.
Hi! My name is Carla Lopez and here at The Eccentric Empath Counseling Services we offer individual, couples and family therapy. Life can throw some unexpected twists and turns at us that we might need help navigating. Let us help you manage all that life can throw at you!
(512) 881-9876 View (512) 881-9876
Photo of Rachel Burgreen - Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S & Co, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S & Co
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
Our focus is evidence based behavioral therapies, and we are great at figuring out each person's right fit for therapy.
Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S & Co offers individual, couples, and group therapy. Our therapists, Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S, Isalys Pagani, LPC, & Shawn Wood, LCSW have a wealth of experience to share. Our specialties include Radically Open DBT, DBT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, ADHD coaching, CBT, ACT, PE, PRT, EMDR, ERP for OCD, & CBT for Adult ADHD. Depending on your needs we can help you find the right treatment and therapist.
Our focus is evidence based behavioral therapies, and we are great at figuring out each person's right fit for therapy.
Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S & Co offers individual, couples, and group therapy. Our therapists, Rachel Burgreen, LCSW-S, Isalys Pagani, LPC, & Shawn Wood, LCSW have a wealth of experience to share. Our specialties include Radically Open DBT, DBT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, ADHD coaching, CBT, ACT, PE, PRT, EMDR, ERP for OCD, & CBT for Adult ADHD. Depending on your needs we can help you find the right treatment and therapist.
(737) 232-6217 View (737) 232-6217
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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.