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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When children act out persistently so that it causes serious problems at home, in school, or with peers, they may be diagnosed with ODD. For younger children, the treatment with the strongest evidence is behavior therapy training for parents, where a therapist helps the parent learn effective ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship and respond to the child’s behavior. Dr. Edwards provides behavioral parent training online.

— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL

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
 

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is one of the best treatments for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I coach you to use play therapy skills to strengthen your bond with their child and build your child's motivation to please you. When this strong foundation is established, I coach you in using very strict and consistent discipline skills that were developed especially for children with ODD.

— Lea Ray, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Durham, NC

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
 

I am trained to help children and parents with this disorder

— SUSAN RYAN-MICHALAK, Counselor in Palos Heights, IL

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.

— Latasha Teamer, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX