Photo of Choices Counseling & Skills Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Choices Counseling & Skills Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
Is ongoing daily stress taking its toll at work or home? Does it feel like the most important people in your life can't hear what you want or won't take "no" for an answer? Let's work together to manage stress and take control of emotional reactions and behaviors. When we're angry, hurt, afraid, or nervous we often react in ways that can make an already difficult situation worse. Or, we just freeze and it gets even bigger! It often feels like the more critical the situation, the less effective we are! We can help.
Is ongoing daily stress taking its toll at work or home? Does it feel like the most important people in your life can't hear what you want or won't take "no" for an answer? Let's work together to manage stress and take control of emotional reactions and behaviors. When we're angry, hurt, afraid, or nervous we often react in ways that can make an already difficult situation worse. Or, we just freeze and it gets even bigger! It often feels like the more critical the situation, the less effective we are! We can help.
(626) 935-9973 View (626) 935-9973
Photo of Pamela Coleman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Pamela Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
(951) 379-3477 View (951) 379-3477
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.