Photo of Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C., Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Waitlist for new clients
I have received extensive training in empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
I have received extensive training in empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
(630) 518-4204 View (630) 518-4204
Photo of Sarah Anne Creasor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Sarah Anne Creasor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Taking the first step takes a lot of courage. Wherever you are on your journey to a more authentic, healthy you, I can help. My warm, caring approach combines compassion, trust, and strength-based practices to provide a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals and families to learn and grow. Together, we can set short/long term goals, identify negative thought and behavior patterns, develop a variety of coping skills, and gain new insight with each session. I provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I also offer group sessions. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders etc.
Taking the first step takes a lot of courage. Wherever you are on your journey to a more authentic, healthy you, I can help. My warm, caring approach combines compassion, trust, and strength-based practices to provide a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals and families to learn and grow. Together, we can set short/long term goals, identify negative thought and behavior patterns, develop a variety of coping skills, and gain new insight with each session. I provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I also offer group sessions. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders etc.
(331) 260-9699 x702 View (331) 260-9699 x702
Photo of Goodman Psychologist Associates, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Goodman Psychologist Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families struggling with emotional regulation and behavioral control due to a mood disorder, Autism, ADHD, or life stress.
We are a child and family psychology practice. My associates and I believe in a cooperative treatment experience where client and therapist share responsibility for the identification and mutual direction of problem solving strategies. We are convinced of the importance of involving significant others in the treatment process when possible. Often children and adolescents react to problems in the context of school and family. We value feedback from teachers and staff professionals and look for collaborative relationships in pursuing the best needs of the child or adolescent.
I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families struggling with emotional regulation and behavioral control due to a mood disorder, Autism, ADHD, or life stress.
We are a child and family psychology practice. My associates and I believe in a cooperative treatment experience where client and therapist share responsibility for the identification and mutual direction of problem solving strategies. We are convinced of the importance of involving significant others in the treatment process when possible. Often children and adolescents react to problems in the context of school and family. We value feedback from teachers and staff professionals and look for collaborative relationships in pursuing the best needs of the child or adolescent.
(630) 733-1852 View (630) 733-1852
Photo of Andrea Reffett, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Andrea Reffett
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I have training and experience working with children and adolescents on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns and developmental disorders. I enjoy doing work on parenting and improving family functioning by treating the whole family system. Of particular interest to me is helping individuals who are on the autism spectrum and their families learn healthy ways to find success in daily life. I also enjoy working with young adults who have cognitive and developmental challenges transition towards independence. In my work with adults, I often treat a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression and life transition.
I have training and experience working with children and adolescents on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns and developmental disorders. I enjoy doing work on parenting and improving family functioning by treating the whole family system. Of particular interest to me is helping individuals who are on the autism spectrum and their families learn healthy ways to find success in daily life. I also enjoy working with young adults who have cognitive and developmental challenges transition towards independence. In my work with adults, I often treat a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression and life transition.
(331) 207-9388 x203 View (331) 207-9388 x203
Photo of Shannon M Underwood, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Shannon M Underwood
Counselor, MS, Ed, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
In my practice, I provide individual, family, couples, and group counseling for ages 4-60 years of age. I have high levels of competence ranging from behavioral/conduct issues, adjustment disorders, high functioning Autism, blended family/divorce issues, ADHD, self esteem issues, relational aggression/bullying, anxiety, depression, Bipolar and other mood disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, marital issues/relational issues, life transition and a myriad of other complex challenges.
In my practice, I provide individual, family, couples, and group counseling for ages 4-60 years of age. I have high levels of competence ranging from behavioral/conduct issues, adjustment disorders, high functioning Autism, blended family/divorce issues, ADHD, self esteem issues, relational aggression/bullying, anxiety, depression, Bipolar and other mood disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, marital issues/relational issues, life transition and a myriad of other complex challenges.
(630) 504-2363 x103 View (630) 504-2363 x103
Photo of Gerard David Widmann, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Gerard David Widmann
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Psychotherapy is a type of behavioral intervention that has been proven to help people with many different types of behavioral and emotional difficulties.
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Psychotherapy is a type of behavioral intervention that has been proven to help people with many different types of behavioral and emotional difficulties.
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
(708) 419-3695 View (708) 419-3695
Photo of Meghan Dean, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Meghan Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
(331) 214-3083 View (331) 214-3083
Photo of Brittany Snow, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Brittany Snow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Her areas of specialty include autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and life transitions among clients of all ages.
Dr. Snow specializes in administering psychological and neuropsychological testing with children, adolescents, and adults. She frequently assesses learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mood disorders, defiance, and conducts pre-surgical evaluations. She is trained in the ADOS-2, a measure that is considered the “gold standard” assessment for diagnosing autism. Her psychological reports include easy to read language and unique recommendations tailored to each client.
Her areas of specialty include autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and life transitions among clients of all ages.
Dr. Snow specializes in administering psychological and neuropsychological testing with children, adolescents, and adults. She frequently assesses learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mood disorders, defiance, and conducts pre-surgical evaluations. She is trained in the ADOS-2, a measure that is considered the “gold standard” assessment for diagnosing autism. Her psychological reports include easy to read language and unique recommendations tailored to each client.
(331) 979-3008 View (331) 979-3008
Photo of Courtney Van Acker @ St Charles Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Courtney Van Acker @ St Charles Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I've worked with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy, existential models, trauma-focused interventions, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused therapy all while maintaining an overarching client-centered approach.
Being able to discuss your current challenges and roadblocks to living as the best version of yourself in a safe, compassionate, comfortable environment is the basis of growth and success in therapy. As a counselor, I strive to provide a space where you are shown unconditional support, encouragement, and help as you navigate your own journey towards healing and restoration. I've worked with individuals struggling with many mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship problems. I utilize an eclectic approach when working with clients, choosing therapeutic
I've worked with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy, existential models, trauma-focused interventions, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused therapy all while maintaining an overarching client-centered approach.
Being able to discuss your current challenges and roadblocks to living as the best version of yourself in a safe, compassionate, comfortable environment is the basis of growth and success in therapy. As a counselor, I strive to provide a space where you are shown unconditional support, encouragement, and help as you navigate your own journey towards healing and restoration. I've worked with individuals struggling with many mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship problems. I utilize an eclectic approach when working with clients, choosing therapeutic
(630) 448-8141 View (630) 448-8141
Photo of Silvia Gomez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Silvia Gomez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I am a bilingual behavioral cognitive therapist with 25-years of experience in Social Services.
Life throws all of us (as humans), many difficult situations that at times are hard to navigate without extra support. I empower individuals and families to create healthier coping skills. These skills help create a happier sense of self in individuals, and the positive impact extends to their homes. It also helps create a better society. My approach encompasses a variety of clinical interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to name a few. I consider myself an Integrative and Holistic therapist.
I am a bilingual behavioral cognitive therapist with 25-years of experience in Social Services.
Life throws all of us (as humans), many difficult situations that at times are hard to navigate without extra support. I empower individuals and families to create healthier coping skills. These skills help create a happier sense of self in individuals, and the positive impact extends to their homes. It also helps create a better society. My approach encompasses a variety of clinical interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to name a few. I consider myself an Integrative and Holistic therapist.
(331) 207-9053 View (331) 207-9053
Photo of St Charles Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
St Charles Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I provide therapy from a cognitive behavioral approach that emphasizes the individual and incrementally increase your awareness and education on topics that you want to develop within our sessions.
Being able to discuss our current challenges calls for a supportive conversation. Often these challenges contribute to depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts if not addressed. I work with individuals from all walks of life whether you are looking for individual, couples, or group counseling; I will ensure that your voice is heard.
I provide therapy from a cognitive behavioral approach that emphasizes the individual and incrementally increase your awareness and education on topics that you want to develop within our sessions.
Being able to discuss our current challenges calls for a supportive conversation. Often these challenges contribute to depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts if not addressed. I work with individuals from all walks of life whether you are looking for individual, couples, or group counseling; I will ensure that your voice is heard.
(630) 381-5817 View (630) 381-5817
Photo of Plum Tree Psychology, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Plum Tree Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD, CPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Plum Tree's offers CBIT - a non-medicated treatment (behavioral therapy) for tics/tourettes that teaches a person to become aware of their behavior and helps them improve.
Plum Tree is a collection of practitioners who provide therapy and medication management for kids. We conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing for academic, diagnostic, and clinical disorders. Our team includes specialists for Tourette’s, PTSD, Suicide/Self-Injury, ADHD, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Developmental delays, impaired self-esteem, grief, academic under-performance, and family struggles are all within our purview to support. Services also include ADHD Coaching and Transition Support from high school to college/career.
Plum Tree's offers CBIT - a non-medicated treatment (behavioral therapy) for tics/tourettes that teaches a person to become aware of their behavior and helps them improve.
Plum Tree is a collection of practitioners who provide therapy and medication management for kids. We conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing for academic, diagnostic, and clinical disorders. Our team includes specialists for Tourette’s, PTSD, Suicide/Self-Injury, ADHD, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Developmental delays, impaired self-esteem, grief, academic under-performance, and family struggles are all within our purview to support. Services also include ADHD Coaching and Transition Support from high school to college/career.
(630) 365-7926 View (630) 365-7926
Photo of Rita Rippentrop, LCPC, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Rita Rippentrop, LCPC
Counselor, MDiv, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
It might mean learning to set boundaries, working through a loss, or life transition or helping you change a pattern of behavior that is keeping you stuck.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put yourself at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life ought feel somehow better? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers, and their lives. Pushing away your needs & not not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it ought not be so hard to live a more fulfilling life.
It might mean learning to set boundaries, working through a loss, or life transition or helping you change a pattern of behavior that is keeping you stuck.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put yourself at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life ought feel somehow better? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers, and their lives. Pushing away your needs & not not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it ought not be so hard to live a more fulfilling life.
(708) 726-0078 View (708) 726-0078
Mari Wittum
Counselor, MSCP, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I use positive and cognitive behavioral styles to meet clients where they are at.
I will provide a safe place, an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a listening ear. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or in a crisis? I will provide an appointment within 24 hours if needed. Not in a crisis but just need some life coaching, I will help with that too. I utilize an eclectic approach taking into account age, background, and the individual needs of each of my clients. In my 25+ years of experience I have assisted individuals, adolescents, couples, families when faced with challenges in journey of life.
I use positive and cognitive behavioral styles to meet clients where they are at.
I will provide a safe place, an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a listening ear. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or in a crisis? I will provide an appointment within 24 hours if needed. Not in a crisis but just need some life coaching, I will help with that too. I utilize an eclectic approach taking into account age, background, and the individual needs of each of my clients. In my 25+ years of experience I have assisted individuals, adolescents, couples, families when faced with challenges in journey of life.
(630) 796-4448 View (630) 796-4448
Photo of Warren Matson, Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Warren Matson
Counselor, MSEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Related to families, I have developed a premier program to address behavioral issues in the home.
After serving a wide range of clients, I have focused in on family systems and working with family members to insure the best outcomes for parents, cohesion for couples, and stability for children, thus working with individuals of all ages, families and couples. In family work I have had extensive experience with issues related to adoption and foster parenting. I also work with individuals addressing a wide range of issues that may or may not be directly related to family and relationships. In addition, I facilitate equine assisted therapy, focusing on addressing boundaries, assertiveness, emotional regulation, and confidence.
Related to families, I have developed a premier program to address behavioral issues in the home.
After serving a wide range of clients, I have focused in on family systems and working with family members to insure the best outcomes for parents, cohesion for couples, and stability for children, thus working with individuals of all ages, families and couples. In family work I have had extensive experience with issues related to adoption and foster parenting. I also work with individuals addressing a wide range of issues that may or may not be directly related to family and relationships. In addition, I facilitate equine assisted therapy, focusing on addressing boundaries, assertiveness, emotional regulation, and confidence.
(630) 463-6177 View (630) 463-6177
Photo of Tanya Gluzerman, Psychologist in Saint Charles, IL
Tanya Gluzerman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families in outpatient, residential, and school settings. I provide psychotherapy as well as psychological testing if needed. I completed my post-doctoral training working with children and adolescents on the Autistic Spectrum including those with sensory integration issues, co-morbid ADHD, and learning disorders. What makes me unique is that I have also worked with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ODD, OCD, ADHD, conduct disorder, and PTSD). I am particularly interested in women's issues and family therapy. I am also fluent in Polish.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families in outpatient, residential, and school settings. I provide psychotherapy as well as psychological testing if needed. I completed my post-doctoral training working with children and adolescents on the Autistic Spectrum including those with sensory integration issues, co-morbid ADHD, and learning disorders. What makes me unique is that I have also worked with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ODD, OCD, ADHD, conduct disorder, and PTSD). I am particularly interested in women's issues and family therapy. I am also fluent in Polish.
(630) 984-6691 View (630) 984-6691
Photo of Kristin Hultgren, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Saint Charles, IL
Kristin Hultgren
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CTMH
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I have worked in many behavioral health settings, including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, managed care, and now private practice.
After 10 years in marketing, I pursued my calling to work with individuals, couples and families as they re-imagine their lives and relationships. Together, we address concerns like anxiety, chronic illness, grief, marital issues and family conflict. I also work with postpartum depression including traumatic births and parents of children with special needs. I know that taking a step into the unknown can be scary and overwhelming, but I believe that beginning this journey will change your life.
I have worked in many behavioral health settings, including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, managed care, and now private practice.
After 10 years in marketing, I pursued my calling to work with individuals, couples and families as they re-imagine their lives and relationships. Together, we address concerns like anxiety, chronic illness, grief, marital issues and family conflict. I also work with postpartum depression including traumatic births and parents of children with special needs. I know that taking a step into the unknown can be scary and overwhelming, but I believe that beginning this journey will change your life.
(331) 305-6067 View (331) 305-6067
Michael Pica
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I bring to the practice over ten years of working with adults, adolescents, and their families in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. For a period, I served as clinical director of a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. As a result, I frequently takes on adolescents with more significant emotional and behavioral disorders and families in crisis in which hospitalization may be required. Outside of working with adolescents, one of my particular interests is doing marital therapy. Additionally, my specialties with adults are anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, pain management, and men's issues.
I bring to the practice over ten years of working with adults, adolescents, and their families in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. For a period, I served as clinical director of a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. As a result, I frequently takes on adolescents with more significant emotional and behavioral disorders and families in crisis in which hospitalization may be required. Outside of working with adolescents, one of my particular interests is doing marital therapy. Additionally, my specialties with adults are anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, pain management, and men's issues.
(630) 318-4998 View (630) 318-4998
Photo of Jacqueline Marshall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Jacqueline Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
My treatment expertise is in Psycho-dynamic, Motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral and Relational/Client Centered modalities.
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
My treatment expertise is in Psycho-dynamic, Motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral and Relational/Client Centered modalities.
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
(847) 565-1381 View (847) 565-1381
Photo of Michelle Gomberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Saint Charles, IL
Michelle Gomberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
While I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual, I draw upon cognitive-behavioral, Internal Family Systems and solution-focused therapies.
I believe that everyone does the best they can with the resources they have. However, when bad things happen, people often find themselves stuck in roles and situations they do not want to be in. I can help you re-discover your true self and be a leader in your own life. I have over 15 years of experience counseling adults and couples.
While I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual, I draw upon cognitive-behavioral, Internal Family Systems and solution-focused therapies.
I believe that everyone does the best they can with the resources they have. However, when bad things happen, people often find themselves stuck in roles and situations they do not want to be in. I can help you re-discover your true self and be a leader in your own life. I have over 15 years of experience counseling adults and couples.
(630) 756-5313 View (630) 756-5313

See more therapy options for Saint Charles


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.