Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

I have dedicated over four years to supporting adolescents and families navigating the challenges associated with an ODD diagnosis. Behavioral interventions, parent-child interaction therapy, and parenting classes are some of what I provide for my clients.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (see PCIT.org) is a very well-researched and effective family therapy for children who argue, refuse to follow directions, and may even be aggressive. It helps parents enjoy their children again, reinforce and increase desired behaviors, and also respond calmly and consistently to misbehavior so that it decreases, typically within 12-20 sessions. In office or virtual. I also have several years’ experience working with foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.

ODD can be a very difficult diagnosis for any child or parent. Understanding it is important for the child or adolescent to succeed. I have experience working with children with ODD and helping them thrive at home, in the community and at school. I believe if we help the child to express their needs, appropriately and allow them to have personal power while cooperating in structured environments both the child and overall family will succeed.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is defined as a pattern of disruptive, and noncompliant behaviors (anger, outbursts, defiance, etc ) usually directed towards an authority figure like parents and teachers. These behaviors can cause significant distress for both the parents and the child. Behavioral parent training has been shown to be effective in helping parents manage difficult behaviors and reduce family stress.

I work with children and adolescents who struggle with ODD. I have a behavioral training background and believe in treating the whole child. That means for those who are diagnosed with ODD it impacts their home, school and the community. I work with all three of those areas, consulting and treating to make sure the child/adolescent receives the best care. ODD is a diagnosis that very easily can burn out families. I provide family/ caregiver support on treatment needs.

You noticed the increasing presence of heightened emotions, refusal to follow directions, constant arguing, and difficulty getting along with others. Your child is easily frustrated and becomes angry on a daily basis. I work to resolve behavioral and emotional difficulties by identifying the source and creating a plan for your child to engage in effective communication, control negative impulses, manage anger responses, and increase compliance.

I utilize a number of different therapies including, but not limited to, behavioral therapy, family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy

I have experience working in a school- based setting and offered crisis support to children and teens with a history of behavioral problems. Used the nationally recognized Teaching Family Model to assist youth with learning social skills, anger management, goal setting and basic living skills.