Photo of Maryellen Jirak, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Maryellen Jirak
Counselor, MAED
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131
You will learn powerful parenting techniques transforming your child's behavior.
Powerful Change and Success Is Possible! If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, frustrated and without hope that your child will ever learn and behave I can help. In a few short months your child can become more empowered in all areas of their life and more self accepting of their gifts in order to take challenges and turn them into assets. I will share with you proven techniques so you can achieve amazing high-impact results in your child's behavior, socialization skills, and school performance using the fewest steps in the shortest amount of time.
You will learn powerful parenting techniques transforming your child's behavior.
Powerful Change and Success Is Possible! If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, frustrated and without hope that your child will ever learn and behave I can help. In a few short months your child can become more empowered in all areas of their life and more self accepting of their gifts in order to take challenges and turn them into assets. I will share with you proven techniques so you can achieve amazing high-impact results in your child's behavior, socialization skills, and school performance using the fewest steps in the shortest amount of time.
(415) 813-3554 View (415) 813-3554
Photo of Arthur Scappaticci Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Arthur Scappaticci Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Realizing our potential challenges the very essence of who we are: belief, self-esteem, identity. I have a comprehensive approach that will help unlock problematic thought and behavioral patterns, maximizing the resources available to you as you embark on a journey of self discovery and self worth. Identifying and understanding the obstacles that keep you stuck and hold you back are at the heart of personal and professional growth. Recovering from past wounds clears the way towards a wholesome self, reaffirms personal power, and ultimately leads to a greater sense of worth and self-acceptance.
Realizing our potential challenges the very essence of who we are: belief, self-esteem, identity. I have a comprehensive approach that will help unlock problematic thought and behavioral patterns, maximizing the resources available to you as you embark on a journey of self discovery and self worth. Identifying and understanding the obstacles that keep you stuck and hold you back are at the heart of personal and professional growth. Recovering from past wounds clears the way towards a wholesome self, reaffirms personal power, and ultimately leads to a greater sense of worth and self-acceptance.
(628) 265-8349 View (628) 265-8349
Photo of Jennifer Jimenez Wong, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jennifer Jimenez Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I use concepts and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and overall, I have been practicing psychotherapy for 16 years, and have been in private practice for 8 years. I have extensive experience in working with children and families, and I also work with individuals. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, struggles with anger management, relationship issues, and domestic violence.
I use concepts and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Expressive Arts Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and overall, I have been practicing psychotherapy for 16 years, and have been in private practice for 8 years. I have extensive experience in working with children and families, and I also work with individuals. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, struggles with anger management, relationship issues, and domestic violence.
(415) 813-5193 View (415) 813-5193
Photo of Edit Vidalon in San Francisco, CA
Edit Vidalon
Somatic, Coach
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I am a Somatic Coach who specializes in somatic coaching with neuroscience that understands how the triune nature of the brain explains human behavior in ways that empower us. Using a blend of evidence-based in somatic techniques, and psychology, you will transform your life immediately. I want you to know you can understand yourself, heal, rewire, move forward, and become a new version. Your brain interacts with your emotions, behavior, and body as a whole. I can help you become conscious of how science and your fantastic brain play a role in your thoughts, environment, relationships with others, habits, and values.
I am a Somatic Coach who specializes in somatic coaching with neuroscience that understands how the triune nature of the brain explains human behavior in ways that empower us. Using a blend of evidence-based in somatic techniques, and psychology, you will transform your life immediately. I want you to know you can understand yourself, heal, rewire, move forward, and become a new version. Your brain interacts with your emotions, behavior, and body as a whole. I can help you become conscious of how science and your fantastic brain play a role in your thoughts, environment, relationships with others, habits, and values.
(321) 204-8712 View (321) 204-8712
Photo of Alaina Bigger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alaina Bigger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
My therapeutic orientation/expertise is cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic and systems.
I am licensed in California & Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
My therapeutic orientation/expertise is cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic and systems.
I am licensed in California & Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
(619) 313-5549 View (619) 313-5549
Photo of Phuong Le, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
(341) 766-0650 View (341) 766-0650
Photo of Jessica Hegedus, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Jessica Hegedus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I can help you make changes in your life. I work with adults, couples, families and children to address stress, emotion and identity. I provide a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive space for you to explore stuck and challenging relationships, alter unproductive thoughts and behavior patterns and navigate transitions in your life. While therapy doesn't have all the answers, working together on some of these issues can help you to feel more empowered. I enjoy working with LGBTQ families, those who identify as polyamorous, and women of all shapes and sizes.
I can help you make changes in your life. I work with adults, couples, families and children to address stress, emotion and identity. I provide a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive space for you to explore stuck and challenging relationships, alter unproductive thoughts and behavior patterns and navigate transitions in your life. While therapy doesn't have all the answers, working together on some of these issues can help you to feel more empowered. I enjoy working with LGBTQ families, those who identify as polyamorous, and women of all shapes and sizes.
(415) 914-8923 View (415) 914-8923
Photo of Ken Stamper, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ken Stamper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
(628) 214-5147 View (628) 214-5147
Photo of Jana Gottfried, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jana Gottfried
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
(415) 993-4536 View (415) 993-4536
Photo of Christina A. Rodriguez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Christina A. Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I incorporate mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies as needed.
I welcome individual adults, parenting couples and teens into my private practice. My clients often wish to discuss improving their mood, increasing performance at work/school, identifying problems in relationships, exploring their gender identity and establishing healthy screen time/social media habits. With all clients, my initial goal is to offer a safe, non-judgemental space in which we can discover what facets of life most impact them, and how. The goal of my therapies is always to unravel with clients how they arrived in the stressful circumstances they currently inhabit, and how to work on reducing emotional pain.
I incorporate mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies as needed.
I welcome individual adults, parenting couples and teens into my private practice. My clients often wish to discuss improving their mood, increasing performance at work/school, identifying problems in relationships, exploring their gender identity and establishing healthy screen time/social media habits. With all clients, my initial goal is to offer a safe, non-judgemental space in which we can discover what facets of life most impact them, and how. The goal of my therapies is always to unravel with clients how they arrived in the stressful circumstances they currently inhabit, and how to work on reducing emotional pain.
(415) 527-0414 View (415) 527-0414
Photo of Shawn Michael Nichols in San Francisco, CA
Shawn Michael Nichols
PhD, MA, CC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Perception and Approach - What is holding you in a difficult space and relationship? I help my clients untangle the important strategic facts of thought and behavior from the monkey noise and lack of confidence.
Executive Coaching. Frustrated with managing your coworkers, staff, or children? I'm an Organizational Psychologist, helping people develop better Behaviors and Systems. Success is in the way you speak, strategize, and hold others to healthier actions every day. Be the best leader or parent - they have a great deal in common. What you should find through our work is: relationships become more positive, you are understood, and you can lead others to develop their own improved social skills and interactions. You will understand emotional responses and they will learn daily methods to reject fear and ambivalence.
Perception and Approach - What is holding you in a difficult space and relationship? I help my clients untangle the important strategic facts of thought and behavior from the monkey noise and lack of confidence.
Executive Coaching. Frustrated with managing your coworkers, staff, or children? I'm an Organizational Psychologist, helping people develop better Behaviors and Systems. Success is in the way you speak, strategize, and hold others to healthier actions every day. Be the best leader or parent - they have a great deal in common. What you should find through our work is: relationships become more positive, you are understood, and you can lead others to develop their own improved social skills and interactions. You will understand emotional responses and they will learn daily methods to reject fear and ambivalence.
(707) 205-4638 View (707) 205-4638
Photo of Francine Filzen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Francine Filzen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94134
Hello! My name is Franni Filzen and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and credentialed art therapist. I work with youth, individuals, and families from a strength-based relational approach. I believe that every person is unique, and I employ an eclectic approach choosing from my years of experience and modality that I feel will work best with each individual. I use family systems, attachment theory, trauma-informed care, neuro-sequential model of therapeutics, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, collaborative problem solving, and other modalities as well as incorporating art therapy when appropriate.
Hello! My name is Franni Filzen and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and credentialed art therapist. I work with youth, individuals, and families from a strength-based relational approach. I believe that every person is unique, and I employ an eclectic approach choosing from my years of experience and modality that I feel will work best with each individual. I use family systems, attachment theory, trauma-informed care, neuro-sequential model of therapeutics, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, collaborative problem solving, and other modalities as well as incorporating art therapy when appropriate.
(510) 867-3650 View (510) 867-3650
Photo of Beth Myler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Beth Myler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, JD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and received training in CBT from the Beck Institute in addition to my Master’s from University of Texas.
Currently accepting new clients in California and Texas. In addition to psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, I also provide counseling and coaching to clients managing various kinds of change in their lives. I help clients navigate challenges presented by relationships, career, and changes in their health status due to aging, illness or injury. I trained as a psychotherapist after a long career as a lawyer and enjoy helping clients focus on pragmatic goals as well as developing insight and personal growth.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and received training in CBT from the Beck Institute in addition to my Master’s from University of Texas.
Currently accepting new clients in California and Texas. In addition to psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, I also provide counseling and coaching to clients managing various kinds of change in their lives. I help clients navigate challenges presented by relationships, career, and changes in their health status due to aging, illness or injury. I trained as a psychotherapist after a long career as a lawyer and enjoy helping clients focus on pragmatic goals as well as developing insight and personal growth.
(415) 200-3465 View (415) 200-3465
Photo of Ellen B Klyce, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ellen B Klyce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Do feel like you are your own worst enemy? I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) to discover how your thinking may be unproductive.
I mostly treat couples who are navigating parenting and communication. But I work with individual clients too, Bay area residents who have multiple responsibilities and many demands placed on them daily. I help clients ease their doubt in social situations, calm down the inner critic. In my sessions we explore new ways to connect in many different circumstances. If you have fallen into negative thinking patterns, this constant worry may wear you down. I am there to be your collaborator, to find the best solution for you.
Do feel like you are your own worst enemy? I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) to discover how your thinking may be unproductive.
I mostly treat couples who are navigating parenting and communication. But I work with individual clients too, Bay area residents who have multiple responsibilities and many demands placed on them daily. I help clients ease their doubt in social situations, calm down the inner critic. In my sessions we explore new ways to connect in many different circumstances. If you have fallen into negative thinking patterns, this constant worry may wear you down. I am there to be your collaborator, to find the best solution for you.
(510) 768-7175 View (510) 768-7175
Photo of Ruth Krumbhaar, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ruth Krumbhaar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, CYT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other modalities including Internal Family Systems, mindfulness and non-violent communication.
Do you want to feel comfortable in your skin? Do you need support dealing with overwhelming emotions, a traumatic life event, or a life transition. I offer a grounding space where you can let your guard down and get to the heart of your personal work. With years of experience and training paired with a warm, playful, and pragmatic spirit. I encourage clients to explore their edge and find the connection between mind, body, behavior, and heart. Clients' unique cultural identity is honored throughout this process. I believe you are the expert on You and I help you connect with this innate wisdom to find your balance and potential.
I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other modalities including Internal Family Systems, mindfulness and non-violent communication.
Do you want to feel comfortable in your skin? Do you need support dealing with overwhelming emotions, a traumatic life event, or a life transition. I offer a grounding space where you can let your guard down and get to the heart of your personal work. With years of experience and training paired with a warm, playful, and pragmatic spirit. I encourage clients to explore their edge and find the connection between mind, body, behavior, and heart. Clients' unique cultural identity is honored throughout this process. I believe you are the expert on You and I help you connect with this innate wisdom to find your balance and potential.
(415) 528-5711 View (415) 528-5711
Photo of Kathryn A R James, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kathryn A R James
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Do you want to create a more balanced and meaningful life? Are your obstacles or patterns preventing you from achieving your goals and full potential in relationships & career? Are you trapped in the chains of depression, anxiety, or addiction? I work to help you attain your goals and aspirations in a stoic, no nonsense, proactive, and empathic manner with cognitive behavioral techniques. I have a general practice & specialize in relationships, life transitions such as motherhood/fatherhood, depression/anxiety, addiction/substance abuse, & grief.
Do you want to create a more balanced and meaningful life? Are your obstacles or patterns preventing you from achieving your goals and full potential in relationships & career? Are you trapped in the chains of depression, anxiety, or addiction? I work to help you attain your goals and aspirations in a stoic, no nonsense, proactive, and empathic manner with cognitive behavioral techniques. I have a general practice & specialize in relationships, life transitions such as motherhood/fatherhood, depression/anxiety, addiction/substance abuse, & grief.
(415) 367-0977 View (415) 367-0977
Photo of Gwendolyn Evans, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Gwendolyn Evans
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
" Certified Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapist,certified Cognitive-Behavioral therapist.
Are you anxious or depressed? Struggling with emotional or physical infidelity? Has the passion died in your relationship? Do you want more sex and intimacy? Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued by your partner? Are you lonely in your marriage? Are you struggling with racial or cross-cultural issues? Tired of the same fights with your spouse, your family, your boss, your kids?
" Certified Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapist,certified Cognitive-Behavioral therapist.
Are you anxious or depressed? Struggling with emotional or physical infidelity? Has the passion died in your relationship? Do you want more sex and intimacy? Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued by your partner? Are you lonely in your marriage? Are you struggling with racial or cross-cultural issues? Tired of the same fights with your spouse, your family, your boss, your kids?
(415) 799-7968 View (415) 799-7968
Photo of Peggy Kwok, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Peggy Kwok
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
My theoretical orientation includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
My theoretical orientation includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
(650) 727-5390 View (650) 727-5390
Photo of Maxwell J Berlyant, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Maxwell J Berlyant
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I specialize in the treatment / assessment of Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Child Behavioral Problems, and ADHD – incorporating Psycho-education, Coping Skills Training, Parent Coaching, and Mindfulness approaches.
I obtained my Doctorate/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, from APA-accredited Palo Alto University, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. My Postdoctoral Residency was completed at the Psychiatry Department in Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents and adults providing individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I provide evidence based treatment from a strengths based perspective and have specialty training in CBT and DBT.
I specialize in the treatment / assessment of Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Child Behavioral Problems, and ADHD – incorporating Psycho-education, Coping Skills Training, Parent Coaching, and Mindfulness approaches.
I obtained my Doctorate/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, from APA-accredited Palo Alto University, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. My Postdoctoral Residency was completed at the Psychiatry Department in Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents and adults providing individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I provide evidence based treatment from a strengths based perspective and have specialty training in CBT and DBT.
(628) 243-4484 View (628) 243-4484
Photo of Esther Oh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Esther Oh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Placing an emphasis on self-care, I help adults with anxiety and/or depression, prevent burn-out, promote self-healing in relationships, help individuals cope with grief or loss and reduce and/or resolve destructive patterns in thinking and behavior.
Are you thriving in your life? Do your pursuits fulfill you, or make you second guess yourself? Perhaps you're caught in constant comparison to your peers. I specialize in helping individuals get past these common hurdles - the ones that hold you back from living a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking to resolve core issues, or trying to achieve balance between work, love and play, people can sometimes feel "stuck." I am here to be your coach, to help you experience your life in a more purposeful way - one that holds value independent of the expectations of others.
Placing an emphasis on self-care, I help adults with anxiety and/or depression, prevent burn-out, promote self-healing in relationships, help individuals cope with grief or loss and reduce and/or resolve destructive patterns in thinking and behavior.
Are you thriving in your life? Do your pursuits fulfill you, or make you second guess yourself? Perhaps you're caught in constant comparison to your peers. I specialize in helping individuals get past these common hurdles - the ones that hold you back from living a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking to resolve core issues, or trying to achieve balance between work, love and play, people can sometimes feel "stuck." I am here to be your coach, to help you experience your life in a more purposeful way - one that holds value independent of the expectations of others.
(917) 563-4490 View (917) 563-4490

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Behavioral Issues Therapists

What happens in therapy for behavioral issues?

No matter the type of therapy, individuals form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is often therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Individuals learn to identify situations that are especially troublesome for them and acquire new patterns of thinking and behaving. In therapy for ADHD, one of the most common behavior issues for children, individuals learn how to improve frustration tolerance, control impulsivity, manage attentional focus, and gain skills of self-organisation.

What therapy types help with behavioral issues?

Many types of therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Perhaps best-known and most widely tested is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), in which individuals learn new behavioral strategies and curb reactivity to frustrating or distressing situations that trigger disruptive behaviour. Anger, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control problems are commonly addressed in CBT. Family therapy or parent management training is often helpful to reduce parent-child conflict and behavioral difficulties at home.

How long does therapy last for behavioral issues?

Among popular approaches to treating behavioral concerns, CBT is considered a short-term therapy intended to be administered in 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Parent training in behavior management, often used when the underlying cause of behavior issues is ADHD in children under 12, usually occurs in weekly sessions for 8 to 16 weeks. When behavioral issues stem from persistent aggression or defiance, therapy may last for months, and usually targets both children and their parents.

How effective is therapy for behavior issues?

Studies show that therapy for behavior issues in children is highly effective and may prevent the development of antisocial behavior later in life. Family intervention—parent management training or family therapy, both of which involve parents and children together—is considered most effective, notably for children under age 12 who persistently engage in aggressive, defiant, rule-breaking or other disruptive behavior. Whether provided alone or in combination with medication, CBT is highly effective in helping people regulate their emotions, and for people with ADHD, it addresses impulsiveness, hyperactivity and attentional focus.