Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

It is totally normal, and even expected, for children and teens to test boundaries and defy authority every now and then. However, if the young person is displaying behavior that is excessive for their age and lasts longer than six months it may be oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a behavior disorder that is characterized by a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance and/or vindictiveness toward authority figures that disrupts activities school and/or home. ODD can vary is severity, from mild to severe, and typically begins to emerge during early childhood.  Therapy for ODD can help the child develop more effective coping skills and can also be helpful for parents struggling to parent a child with ODD.  If a child in your care is suffering from ODD (or you think they might be), reach out to one of TherapyDen’s ODD experts today.

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I love working with "naughty" children. Not because I enjoy seeing parents stressed out - I understand how taxing it can be to parent a strong willed child. Rather, I love working with these families because I have seen over and over again the radical shift in parents lives when they learn PCIT and how to channel their child's defiance against them into resilience and perseverance with them. "Naughtiness" is just a sign that peace and warmth can come back to the family with PCIT.

— DC Hamilton, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Claremont, CA
 

I have a history of working with children with ODD and their parents. I work with both the client and their family to help them understand how to better communicate their needs to reduce fighting, aruging, and tears.

— Trevor Barger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, MO

If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler, you might be feeling stuck in the daily power struggles and lost in the sea of conflicting parenting information about what to do. If you're an expecting or new parent, you might be struggling to manage your own stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. It is not uncommon for me to hear parents say, “I love my child, but it’s hard, because everything’s a fight.” A strategy session may be all you need to recalibrate a starting point and find your footing.

— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL
 

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.

— Nicholas Moore, Clinical Psychologist

Research has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for treating children 2-7 years of age with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

— Christopher Campbell, Psychologist in Oklahoma City, OK
 

I am trained and certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which is for 2-7 year old's that may display anger/aggression, ADHD symptoms, and oppositional to commands. PCIT is an evidenced based model, which yields high success when utilized.

— Mark Lesniewski, Counselor in Erie, PA