Behavior Problems
We assist with behavior problems in a number of ways
Problematic behaviors are a function of both nature and nurture. Improving behavior begins with building trusting relationships and requires involvement of both children and caregivers in the process. We offer a variety of evidence-based services based on your child’s age and presenting problems.
What do behavior problems look like?
Tantrums
Emotion Dysregulation
Noncompliance
Defiance
Aggression
Impulsivity & Hyperactivity
“Our life consisted of spending hours on end every day of our daughter attacking us and destroying our home. We had very few times that we could enjoy as a family. After only a few months of (hard) work, our norms have reversed. She's more brave and confident. She's funny and silly and kind and generous - and seeing those aspects of her is now the norm instead of a rare occasion.”
-Parent of child with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, & behavior problems
How We Can Help
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is the gold-standard treatment for young children (ages 2-7) with behavior problems. This treatment is conducted through a series of live coaching sessions with both parent and child. PCIT is divided into two treatment phases, first helping parents to develop warm and supportive relationships with their child, followed by the introduction of limit setting and discipline techniques. It targets growth of self-regulation skills, increased compliance, decreased attention-seeking behavior and aggression, as well as improved impulse control, With consistent attendance following this structured program, parents can address behavior problems effectively in as little as 12-20 weeks. This program is proven effective in both the virtual and office format. We also offer an older child (ages 7-10) and toddler (9-24 months) adaptation of PCIT.
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Parent Training
Parent training provides parents with skills to manage behaviors at home. While raising children will come with its challenges, parent training gives caregivers strategies to incorporate into the everyday moments to reduce oppositional behaviors, impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and non-compliance. We utilize role play and live coaching, as needed, to modify strategies for each family. Parent training emphasizes building positive and trusting relationships, while setting effective, fair limits. We use reinforcement and a strengths-based approach to manage the most difficult behaviors to ensure children feel successful from the outset of treatment. Parent training sessions are typically 12-15 sessions.
Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT)
We provide behavioral consultation services to schools and teachers within the Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT) model. This approach helps teachers manage disruptive behaviors in the school setting by first helping teachers identify positive behaviors to grow within the classroom, followed by practice at giving effective directions. We tailor limit setting to best fit the needs of each teacher and school. Live coaching, coupled with didactic training, is the key to helping our teachers gain confidence in managing behaviors in the classroom. With this understanding, teachers are better able to do what they love most: teach!
School Consultation
Navigating the school system can be confusing and frustrating, especially when your child is disruptive in the classroom. We can help you understand what services your child needs to access their education and how to make sure your child receives these services. We work directly with school staff to support each student. As trained school psychologists, we understand the bridge between the clinical and academic needs of children with behavior problems and can be by your side through the process. If you are a school looking for training for your staff, we offer a variety of interactive trainings to help educators stay current on evidence-based practices, effective strategies, and important research developments to better equip teachers to educate students in the classroom in light of behavior problems. Our goal is to educate and empower so that we can all do our best in supporting the growing minds around us.
Frequently Asked Questions about Behavior Problems
+ Won’t my child grow out of behavior problems?
If you child suddenly presents with behavior problems, particularly around a change or developmental shift, then it is possible that these challenges will pass. If you child presents with persistent, impairing behavior that impact your family, your child’s friendships, and their schooling, then you likely need more support.
+ Why do I need to attend sessions with my child?
Behavior problems tend to be the result of learned behaviors. Especially when children are young, they need the consistency and support of their caregivers to change their behaviors. We want you to feel equipped to help your child manage their behaviors outside of sessions and need your involvement to practice within sessions first. So yes, you will attend sessions both with and without your child.
+ How long will we be in treatment?
We believe that treatment should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It should always be goal-directed and transparency is key to ensure we are achieving those goals together. However, the length of treatment varies based on the severity of your child’s needs, the consistency of sessions, and commitment to between session work.
+ What if my child struggles with behavior because of anxiety or other challenges?
Problematic behavior is often the result of another challenge. Since we specialize in both anxiety and behavior management, we can help guide you in which treatment would be most appropriate first as well as how to apply strategies effectively based on your child’s specific needs. We often find that while addressing one problematic behavior, the other becomes more manageable as well.