The LodeStone Center provides a variety of types of therapy for treating Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and other behavioral disorders. It is our goal of find a therapist that will best fit your needs and provide you with the best care possible. If you would like more information, or would like to request a first visit with a therapist, you can either fill out the contact form on this page and we will get in touch with you or you can also call us directly at 847-802-4058.

What is ODD?

Many children and teens have difficulty with maintaining good behavior and relationships with their parents. For some children, however, their problems with authority, behavior, anger, and attitude go beyond “normal” adolescent angst and begin to interfere with their ability to function well in school and at home. Some may even land in trouble with the legal system. When behavior and defiance spiral out of control, the difficulty may be due to a condition called Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or “ODD”.

Symptoms of the Disorder:

These symptoms cause significant problems in school, home, or work life. These symptoms are not due to another disorder. A pattern of behavior lasting at least 6 months that includes 4 of the following:

  • Often loses temper
  • Often argues with adults
  • Often actively defies rules
  • Often deliberately annoys people
  • Often blames others for mistakes or behavior
  • Is often “touchy” or easily annoyed
  • Is often angry and resentful
  • Is often spiteful and vindictive

Parents of children or teens with ODD or other behavioral disorders often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and have a sense that managing the behavior of their child has become the dominant focus in their lives. A lack of progress is not a failure in parenting. Children experiencing these symptoms are often unaffected by the normal consequence and reward strategies typically used by parents and therapists. A behavior modification strategy often has to be quite creative to begin to help set therapeutic structure in the home.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder, as well as other behavioral disorders, is primarily behavioral in nature. It can be tremendously helpful to meet with a trained, objective child therapist for new ideas to implement in the home. It is often easier for them to “think outside of the box,” since they are not dealing with the stress and frustration that the parents face.

Can Therapy Work?

Yes!! A combination of approaches that focus on teaching both the child or teen and the parents new skill sets can be hugely beneficial. Children and teenagers have not often learned positive strategies for getting what they want, and dealing with anger and frustration. Parents are usually doing as well as anyone else would in their situation, but can often get much better results with a few new techniques and ideas based on behavioral research. With professional help, we can put all the pieces together for the best results and improvements in behaviors.

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding therapy for ODD and behavioral disorders, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our therapists. We are happy to answer questions, help look into your insurance benefits or explain how counseling might be beneficial to you. If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, contact us today.

Care for adults, children, and families.

FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP