Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing problematic or maladaptive patterns of behavior. This approach is based on the idea that most behavioral problems are learned and can be unlearned and replaced by more adaptive patterns of behavior that enable people to get what they want out of life. Behavior Therapy has been found to be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, depression, anger and stress, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also be effective in addressing children’s behavioral issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a child thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help your child identify and change maladaptive thought patterns so they can cope more effectively with difficult situations. CBT has been found to helpful in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress and anger issues, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Stress and Anger Management Training teaches very specific skills to cope more effectively with difficult life situations. The training includes learning how to improve communication, the development of problem-solving strategies, relaxation techniques, methods for controlling negative and hostile thoughts, and self-care practices that lead to a strong sense of emotional self-control.

Parent Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific techniques for managing their children’s problem behavior. It is especially useful in dealing with tantrums, oppositional and aggressive behavior, school avoidance, and in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents learn how to improve their child’s social and interpersonal skills and increase their self-esteem, leading to success at school, at home, and in important relationships.

Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support during difficult life circumstances. The therapist will encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and problems in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. It is useful in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and many other issues.

Play Therapy helps children reduce inappropriate behavior, effectively handle difficult emotions, and learn new coping skills. It can teach empathy and respect for others, alleviate anxiety, and improve social skills and family relationships. Play Therapy has been used to address issues including problem behavior in school, aggressive and angry behavior, divorce, grief and loss, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. ABA teaches children and adults how to reduce or eliminate maladaptive patterns of behavior and learn social and interpersonal skills that are necessary for success in life. ABA is used in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities. In addition, ABA may be of benefit to people with depression, anxiety, fears and phobias, anger management problems, and many other behavioral issues.

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a type of behavior therapy that teaches people how to get rid of unwanted repetitive habits or behaviors. HRT is used in the treatment of anxiety, tics, hair pulling, nail biting, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is a form of behavior therapy that uses specific techniques to teach children and adults skills that are necessary for success in life. Skills that are taught include conversational skills, and non-verbal communication through facial expressions, eye contact and body language. Additional skills include active listening, behavioral self-control, and the development of empathy. Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is used in the treatment of social anxiety, marital and relationship problems, anger and stress issues, and in resolving problems in the workplace. This approach also has been shown to be helpful in children with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and those dealing with bullying.

Life skills are behaviors that enable people to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. A highly trained life skills coach uses specific techniques of learning and training to teach children and adults how to determine and achieve personal goals. Issues include social and interpersonal skills, decision-making and problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress, creative thinking, self-awareness and empathy, and skills necessary for success in the workplace .

Behavioral Self-Management Training uses specific methods of instruction and practice to increase independence and teach new skills and behaviors that are necessary for success in life. In schools, behavioral self-management enables children to control their own academic and social behavior, enabling teachers to devote more time to teaching. In children and adults, this training is used to reduce anxiety, manage anger, improve social and interpersonal interactions, and develop more effective organizational and time management skills.

Some of the approaches used in helping children and adults cope with grief and loss include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Supportive Psychotherapy.

Improving a child’s sleeping and eating habits can make life better for the child and the entire family. A highly experienced therapist teaches parents or caregivers very specific techniques to help children develop desirable eating and sleeping habits.

Successful treatment of School Avoidance depends on understanding the reasons why the child is refusing to go to school. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, extra help with schoolwork, and strategies developed by parents and teachers working together.

Special education advocates help parents make sure their child’s special needs are met. They help parents understand what services are available, interpret the results of tests, and work with schools to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Psychological Testing and Evaluation consists of a series of tests that help determine the causes of behavioral health problems and learning difficulties. The results allow the therapist to make a diagnosis and provide the best approaches to treatment. Common types of evaluation include personality tests, aptitude testing, the assessment of learning problems and intellectual disabilities, screenings for cognitive impairment, and the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).