Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists in El Cerrito, CA
Are you worried that your child is not showing the expected growth this year? Do you have concerns about your child's development, academic progress, or social development? Don't lie awake at night worrying. Call me for a free consultation and we can discuss your child's needs. I have been effectively and compassionately helping children with learning, behavioral, or emotional difficulties for over 30 years.
Are you worried that your child is not showing the expected growth this year? Do you have concerns about your child's development, academic progress, or social development? Don't lie awake at night worrying. Call me for a free consultation and we can discuss your child's needs. I have been effectively and compassionately helping children with learning, behavioral, or emotional difficulties for over 30 years.
Thank you for reading my bio. My focus in our work will be on meeting you where you are at and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate and explore what can be helpful in addressing your needs, wants, and barriers to getting them met. My hope in our work together is that you'll come away with a renewed sense of self and identity that not only addresses the hardships and challenges you have endured, but also empowers you to affirm your sense of agency and make your mark on the world.
Thank you for reading my bio. My focus in our work will be on meeting you where you are at and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate and explore what can be helpful in addressing your needs, wants, and barriers to getting them met. My hope in our work together is that you'll come away with a renewed sense of self and identity that not only addresses the hardships and challenges you have endured, but also empowers you to affirm your sense of agency and make your mark on the world.
In today’s world, we are surrounded by stressors at every level—personal, community, national and global. There’s no doubt that when there is so much chaos in the world and our lives it can feel like we are out of control. We may feel “stuck” perhaps with unbearable sadness, grief, overwhelm or worry that have ripple effects in our daily lives including work, school, family, and relationships. Talking to loved ones can be helpful, but sometimes we’d rather talk to someone who is impartial. Our work will focus on creating a space where you feel heard, understood, cared for, and accepted as you are.
In today’s world, we are surrounded by stressors at every level—personal, community, national and global. There’s no doubt that when there is so much chaos in the world and our lives it can feel like we are out of control. We may feel “stuck” perhaps with unbearable sadness, grief, overwhelm or worry that have ripple effects in our daily lives including work, school, family, and relationships. Talking to loved ones can be helpful, but sometimes we’d rather talk to someone who is impartial. Our work will focus on creating a space where you feel heard, understood, cared for, and accepted as you are.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we explore your personal story, identity, and relationships, with a focus on healing, empowerment, and social justice. My work is grounded in narrative and relational therapies, and I strive to create a safe, affirming space for individuals, especially those from marginalized communities to challenge limiting beliefs and reconnect with their values and purpose. My work with clients is rooted in narrative therapy, where we explore the stories, you talk about yourself and how those stories shape your identity, relationships, and choices.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we explore your personal story, identity, and relationships, with a focus on healing, empowerment, and social justice. My work is grounded in narrative and relational therapies, and I strive to create a safe, affirming space for individuals, especially those from marginalized communities to challenge limiting beliefs and reconnect with their values and purpose. My work with clients is rooted in narrative therapy, where we explore the stories, you talk about yourself and how those stories shape your identity, relationships, and choices.
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
Healing is not a solo journey—it’s rooted in connection, culture, and courage. I honor the strength it takes to seek support, and I welcome you into a space where your story matters. As a bilingual, trauma-informed therapist and clinical leader, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and the impact of trauma. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, shaped by your lived experience, cultural identity, and personal goals.
Healing is not a solo journey—it’s rooted in connection, culture, and courage. I honor the strength it takes to seek support, and I welcome you into a space where your story matters. As a bilingual, trauma-informed therapist and clinical leader, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and the impact of trauma. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, shaped by your lived experience, cultural identity, and personal goals.
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
Hello there! My name is Jackie Frias Gonzalez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on studying relationships with both the self and others. As your therapist, I aim to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism to create a safe and comfortable space where you can be your true self while also gaining the skills to navigate the challenges you are facing. Whether you are struggling with personal issues or relationship conflicts, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Hello there! My name is Jackie Frias Gonzalez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on studying relationships with both the self and others. As your therapist, I aim to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism to create a safe and comfortable space where you can be your true self while also gaining the skills to navigate the challenges you are facing. Whether you are struggling with personal issues or relationship conflicts, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
More Therapists Nearby
We understand many people feel ashamed having to seek therapy for their child, family or themselves. However, no one is perfect and we all need help from time to time. We have created a relaxing atmosphere where you will not feel judged. We are here to assist you through a difficult time and to make the changes you need to make. Teens need help to. It is very common for teens to need therapy to deal with an issue in their life.
We understand many people feel ashamed having to seek therapy for their child, family or themselves. However, no one is perfect and we all need help from time to time. We have created a relaxing atmosphere where you will not feel judged. We are here to assist you through a difficult time and to make the changes you need to make. Teens need help to. It is very common for teens to need therapy to deal with an issue in their life.
My name is Scott Jensen, and I have been a therapist for 20+ years. In addition, I am a professor of psychology and do research on parenting and other intervention. I believe in the power of individuals to face and overcome their difficulties, and love supporting them in the process. I have expertise in working with clients across a variety of struggles. I have worked a lot with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, as well as with parents struggling with child behavior issues. I use cognitive-behavioral and choice theory/reality therapy techniques.
My name is Scott Jensen, and I have been a therapist for 20+ years. In addition, I am a professor of psychology and do research on parenting and other intervention. I believe in the power of individuals to face and overcome their difficulties, and love supporting them in the process. I have expertise in working with clients across a variety of struggles. I have worked a lot with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, as well as with parents struggling with child behavior issues. I use cognitive-behavioral and choice theory/reality therapy techniques.
he Bay Area Oppositional and Conduct Clinic empowers parents and caretakers to help their children become better behaved, happier at home, and more successful in school.
School Defiance,
Disrespectful at Home,
Running Away,
Attachment Disorders,
Drug &/or Alcohol Use,
Defiance,
Bullying Others, and
Fighting with Siblings.
he Bay Area Oppositional and Conduct Clinic empowers parents and caretakers to help their children become better behaved, happier at home, and more successful in school.
School Defiance,
Disrespectful at Home,
Running Away,
Attachment Disorders,
Drug &/or Alcohol Use,
Defiance,
Bullying Others, and
Fighting with Siblings.
I work with teens through early-30s who are navigating truama related symptoms, ADHD, ODD, substance use, and the everyday challenges of growing into themselves.
I believe therapy should feel like a partnership. Together, we’ll look at what’s getting in your way, build practical tools that actually fit your life, and create a path that feels grounded, doable, and hopeful. You’ll always know you have someone in your corner who listens deeply, challenges you when needed, and keeps the focus on solutions—not shame.
I work with teens through early-30s who are navigating truama related symptoms, ADHD, ODD, substance use, and the everyday challenges of growing into themselves.
I believe therapy should feel like a partnership. Together, we’ll look at what’s getting in your way, build practical tools that actually fit your life, and create a path that feels grounded, doable, and hopeful. You’ll always know you have someone in your corner who listens deeply, challenges you when needed, and keeps the focus on solutions—not shame.
I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent, I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.
I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent, I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
I am bilingual in Spanish, and offer therapy for individual adults, couples, families, teens, and children 6 and older. My specialties include trauma, interpersonal violence (IPV), and loss, especially for human beings who have experienced displacement and/migration. I offer services for expecting and new mothers to aid in the transitions and attachment issues that arise. Also I am interested in bridging periods in human development. I embrace a culturally humble stance, and am LBGT welcoming.
I am bilingual in Spanish, and offer therapy for individual adults, couples, families, teens, and children 6 and older. My specialties include trauma, interpersonal violence (IPV), and loss, especially for human beings who have experienced displacement and/migration. I offer services for expecting and new mothers to aid in the transitions and attachment issues that arise. Also I am interested in bridging periods in human development. I embrace a culturally humble stance, and am LBGT welcoming.
Do you feel that your life needs more balance? Do you question your self-worth and identity? Are you realizing that you do so much for others and the various systems in your life that you forgot about you? I motivate children, teens, young adults, and women to build their self-esteem and overcome the hardship of living with anxiety and depression. Working together, we can build on healthy ways of coping with life stressors and find ways to achieve your emotional goals. I will use a client centered approach to bring the power of healing back into your hands.
Do you feel that your life needs more balance? Do you question your self-worth and identity? Are you realizing that you do so much for others and the various systems in your life that you forgot about you? I motivate children, teens, young adults, and women to build their self-esteem and overcome the hardship of living with anxiety and depression. Working together, we can build on healthy ways of coping with life stressors and find ways to achieve your emotional goals. I will use a client centered approach to bring the power of healing back into your hands.
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
See more therapy options for El Cerrito
Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for oppositional defiant disorder?
The treatment of Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) will involve multiple approaches designed to help both the youngster and their parents, sometimes including medication. A therapist will help a child learn ways to regulate their emotions, curb their impulsiveness, and counteract anger, defiance, and disruption, while showing parents ways to bring these lessons into their home. A technique designed for children with conditions like ODD, known as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), may also be used. CPS addresses a child’s concerns and rewards appropriate responses while discouraging harsh punishment or criticism.
How does treatment for oppositional defiant disorder work?
Treatment for ODD addresses the issues underlying a child’s defiance and disruption, the emotional regulation and impulse-control skills they lack, and the way adults respond to them. ODD therapy is based on the idea that children with the disorder understand the difference between right and wrong, that they want to behave well, and that, with help, they can. By responding to the child with empathy instead of harsh criticism, ignoring nonviolent behaviors, and rewarding positive actions, a therapist, and the other adults in a child’s life, can help children improve their behavior.
How long does therapy for oppositional defiant disorder take?
Therapy for oppositional defiant disorder is not a short-term undertaking. Depending on the severity of a child’s symptoms, their age, the presence of other conditions like ADHD, anxiety or a mood disorder, and their family dynamic, it can take months before improvement is noted. The cooperation of parents and teachers is crucial, because the skills learned in therapy must be practiced in real-world situations, with all their potential triggers.
Does oppositional defiant disorder go away?
ODD can remit following treatment. ODD is often diagnosed in nursery school, and early intervention is essential for a positive prognosis. In two-thirds of children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, symptoms resolve within three years.


