Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists in Portland, OR
When a child is navigating autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD), it can deeply impact their emotional world—and yours.
Grounded in behavioral frameworks, my approach focuses on understanding the function of your child’s behaviors and teaching new, more effective ways to communicate needs and manage challenges. Together, we’ll identify patterns and implement strategies that foster long-term change in both your child’s behavior and your family dynamic.
When a child is navigating autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD), it can deeply impact their emotional world—and yours.
Grounded in behavioral frameworks, my approach focuses on understanding the function of your child’s behaviors and teaching new, more effective ways to communicate needs and manage challenges. Together, we’ll identify patterns and implement strategies that foster long-term change in both your child’s behavior and your family dynamic.
Let me help you trace the developmental roots of your anxiety. You will find strength in your Shadow and the purpose of your Shame. When you come into therapy it is a time to expand the sense of yourself. Our job is to get familiar with the values that have helped you get through difficult situations and use them now. You may be a combat veteran, mental health or law enforcement worker having family or relationship problems. You need clear and practical strategies for replacing automatic reactions with mindful responses. Feeling understood by another human being is useful for flexible problem solving and clarifying your values.
Let me help you trace the developmental roots of your anxiety. You will find strength in your Shadow and the purpose of your Shame. When you come into therapy it is a time to expand the sense of yourself. Our job is to get familiar with the values that have helped you get through difficult situations and use them now. You may be a combat veteran, mental health or law enforcement worker having family or relationship problems. You need clear and practical strategies for replacing automatic reactions with mindful responses. Feeling understood by another human being is useful for flexible problem solving and clarifying your values.
Welcome to Phoenix Ignite LLC. My name is Dr. Robert Cummerlander Jr, PsyD better known as, “Dr. Bob” and I am a psychologist who will be supporting you on your journey to live a better life. I have been a practitioner of mental health counseling for 17 years in various settings in the Midwest, South, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest of the United States. In addition to living abroad for a year, I was able to obtain unique educational experiences that have equipped me to work with a wide array of people. Throughout my journey, both personal and professional, I’ve learned that resiliency and support are key to accomplish pursuits.
Welcome to Phoenix Ignite LLC. My name is Dr. Robert Cummerlander Jr, PsyD better known as, “Dr. Bob” and I am a psychologist who will be supporting you on your journey to live a better life. I have been a practitioner of mental health counseling for 17 years in various settings in the Midwest, South, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest of the United States. In addition to living abroad for a year, I was able to obtain unique educational experiences that have equipped me to work with a wide array of people. Throughout my journey, both personal and professional, I’ve learned that resiliency and support are key to accomplish pursuits.
Hello! I am Chad Ernest, Owner and Counselor of Sunny Sky Counseling, LLC. Every one could use some sunny sky in Portland now and again. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon, who believes in the best in all of us and tries to help you find that in yourself. Whether that means I am working with you as an individual, your family, or as a couple, I am working to help you find the best outcomes. I believe in a client/family centered approach with collaboration in treatment between you and myself.
Hello! I am Chad Ernest, Owner and Counselor of Sunny Sky Counseling, LLC. Every one could use some sunny sky in Portland now and again. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon, who believes in the best in all of us and tries to help you find that in yourself. Whether that means I am working with you as an individual, your family, or as a couple, I am working to help you find the best outcomes. I believe in a client/family centered approach with collaboration in treatment between you and myself.
As a therapist, I know there are times when we feel lost or lack confidence to navigate through critical and life-changing circumstances. Although we often have many strengths and skills, we have difficulty accessing these during periods of family changes or crises, depression, anxiety, or prolonged grief/loss. In therapy, I will facilitate the process of helping you reconnect with your strengths and discover new skills, strategies, and resources toward a more healthier approach to life challenges.
As a therapist, I know there are times when we feel lost or lack confidence to navigate through critical and life-changing circumstances. Although we often have many strengths and skills, we have difficulty accessing these during periods of family changes or crises, depression, anxiety, or prolonged grief/loss. In therapy, I will facilitate the process of helping you reconnect with your strengths and discover new skills, strategies, and resources toward a more healthier approach to life challenges.
Molly McDavitt Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LAT, LPC
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT TAKING NEW INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MY GROUPS LISTED BELOW. I am a Licensed Art Therapist (LAT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) offering individual, group, and family art therapy and counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and love to work creatively with people to address issues in a new and different way. I am trained in both art therapy and general counseling so I can use any combination depending on your preference and what will best fit your needs.
PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT TAKING NEW INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MY GROUPS LISTED BELOW. I am a Licensed Art Therapist (LAT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) offering individual, group, and family art therapy and counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and love to work creatively with people to address issues in a new and different way. I am trained in both art therapy and general counseling so I can use any combination depending on your preference and what will best fit your needs.
Children don’t come with a manual. Navigating parenting and life's challenges can feel overwhelming. If your child is struggling with big emotions, anxiety, or difficult behaviors, you are not alone. I am here to help. Together we will work closely to understand what is causing the behavior and work on practical skills and tools to help you support your child and improve your relationship. Like life, counseling is a journey. We’re in this together.
Children don’t come with a manual. Navigating parenting and life's challenges can feel overwhelming. If your child is struggling with big emotions, anxiety, or difficult behaviors, you are not alone. I am here to help. Together we will work closely to understand what is causing the behavior and work on practical skills and tools to help you support your child and improve your relationship. Like life, counseling is a journey. We’re in this together.
I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe to share their stories, explore difficult emotions, and begin moving toward healing. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I will approach therapy with empathy, curiosity, and deep respect for each client’s strengths, values, and lived experiences. My goal is to work collaboratively with clients to better understand their thoughts and emotions, help build practical coping strategies, and develop greater self-compassion and resilience.
I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe to share their stories, explore difficult emotions, and begin moving toward healing. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I will approach therapy with empathy, curiosity, and deep respect for each client’s strengths, values, and lived experiences. My goal is to work collaboratively with clients to better understand their thoughts and emotions, help build practical coping strategies, and develop greater self-compassion and resilience.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism, depression, relationship challenges, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, therapy can help. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, providing a supportive, judgment-free space where we identify practical solutions, build resilience, and create lasting emotional well-being together.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism, depression, relationship challenges, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, therapy can help. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, providing a supportive, judgment-free space where we identify practical solutions, build resilience, and create lasting emotional well-being together.
If you would like support while addressing: current stressors, pains, trauma, struggles, transitions, communication needs, healing from relationships, or identity I can help guide you within your own journey to ease these feelings for you and develop fulfilling coping skills. I am also supportive of incorporating your partner or your family to aid in healing, communication and healthier dynamics. I am client centered and focus on what you would like your journey in therapy to look and feel like. I am attachment theory and trauma focused in my modalities.
If you would like support while addressing: current stressors, pains, trauma, struggles, transitions, communication needs, healing from relationships, or identity I can help guide you within your own journey to ease these feelings for you and develop fulfilling coping skills. I am also supportive of incorporating your partner or your family to aid in healing, communication and healthier dynamics. I am client centered and focus on what you would like your journey in therapy to look and feel like. I am attachment theory and trauma focused in my modalities.
Some things are too private to say anywhere else. I work with individuals and couples carrying sexual shame, compulsive behavior, intimacy struggles, or relationship patterns that feel stuck. Many of my clients are men wrestling privately with porn use, sexual compulsivity, or ED — and couples rebuilding trust and connection. I also support those exploring non-monogamy, kink, and alternative dynamics. Similarly, I hold my PMH-C and work with new parents navigating this powerful transition. With 15 years of specialized experience, I offer a sex-positive, trauma-informed space where you can finally say the quiet parts out loud.
Some things are too private to say anywhere else. I work with individuals and couples carrying sexual shame, compulsive behavior, intimacy struggles, or relationship patterns that feel stuck. Many of my clients are men wrestling privately with porn use, sexual compulsivity, or ED — and couples rebuilding trust and connection. I also support those exploring non-monogamy, kink, and alternative dynamics. Similarly, I hold my PMH-C and work with new parents navigating this powerful transition. With 15 years of specialized experience, I offer a sex-positive, trauma-informed space where you can finally say the quiet parts out loud.
Therapy for Nerds, Overthinkers, and People Figuring Stuff Out.
Let’s be real... trying therapy can feel weird. Maybe you’re worried it’ll feel awkward, overly clinical, or just another place where you have to filter yourself. Not here. I create a space where you can show up exactly as you are - whether that means talking through deep stuff, cracking jokes to cope, or using Star Wars analogies to explain your life. (I will absolutely understand and appreciate your nerdy references. LOTR, D&D, video games? You’re in good company.)
Therapy for Nerds, Overthinkers, and People Figuring Stuff Out.
Let’s be real... trying therapy can feel weird. Maybe you’re worried it’ll feel awkward, overly clinical, or just another place where you have to filter yourself. Not here. I create a space where you can show up exactly as you are - whether that means talking through deep stuff, cracking jokes to cope, or using Star Wars analogies to explain your life. (I will absolutely understand and appreciate your nerdy references. LOTR, D&D, video games? You’re in good company.)
My goal is to guide my clients to be their genuine selves, to feeling whole and complete. Helping my clients reach their fullest potential is the most rewarding feeling. The journey to being who we are rather than who others would like us to be, behaving in a manner that exemplifies self-love, self-worth, and confidence is a daily task that requires re-committing each day. The wounds of yesterday must be healed in order to move forward. I believe the client determines the direction and pace to which we accomplish this knowing all the while, self-discovery and actualization is never ending.
My goal is to guide my clients to be their genuine selves, to feeling whole and complete. Helping my clients reach their fullest potential is the most rewarding feeling. The journey to being who we are rather than who others would like us to be, behaving in a manner that exemplifies self-love, self-worth, and confidence is a daily task that requires re-committing each day. The wounds of yesterday must be healed in order to move forward. I believe the client determines the direction and pace to which we accomplish this knowing all the while, self-discovery and actualization is never ending.
Being a teen can be tough! There’s a lot going on emotionally, socially, mentally and physically. I provide a space where they can be themselves, judgement free. No matter if a child or teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, or is neurodivergent, I’m here to support them in a way that feels right for who they are. I specialize in working therapeutically with children and teens, and that focus allows me to better understand their world.
Another area I focus on is working with children & adults who are seeking an autism evaluation, exploring whether they may be on the autism spectrum and looking for clarity.
Being a teen can be tough! There’s a lot going on emotionally, socially, mentally and physically. I provide a space where they can be themselves, judgement free. No matter if a child or teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, or is neurodivergent, I’m here to support them in a way that feels right for who they are. I specialize in working therapeutically with children and teens, and that focus allows me to better understand their world.
Another area I focus on is working with children & adults who are seeking an autism evaluation, exploring whether they may be on the autism spectrum and looking for clarity.
I specialize in supporting women through life transitions, including perinatal and postpartum mental health, as well as individuals navigating ADHD and executive functioning challenges. My work is trauma-informed and integrates approaches like CBT, DBT, and IFS to support both insight and action. This means we can work on shifting unhelpful thought patterns, building effective coping skills for overwhelming emotions, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I often blend these approaches to meet your needs—whether you’re looking for concrete coping skills, deeper self-understanding, or both.
I specialize in supporting women through life transitions, including perinatal and postpartum mental health, as well as individuals navigating ADHD and executive functioning challenges. My work is trauma-informed and integrates approaches like CBT, DBT, and IFS to support both insight and action. This means we can work on shifting unhelpful thought patterns, building effective coping skills for overwhelming emotions, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I often blend these approaches to meet your needs—whether you’re looking for concrete coping skills, deeper self-understanding, or both.
I believe that it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. There are many wonderful therapists, but it is important for you to feel that you are understood, supported, and sometimes gently challenged by your therapist.
I will ask you to identify what you want help with or what you are feeling distress around and then will actively work with you toward your goals.
I believe that it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. There are many wonderful therapists, but it is important for you to feel that you are understood, supported, and sometimes gently challenged by your therapist.
I will ask you to identify what you want help with or what you are feeling distress around and then will actively work with you toward your goals.
My approach to counseling is to create a safe space for you and your family to build hope. We will work to raise awareness around the emotions that so often drive our behaviors. As emotional awareness increases we can choose different responses. Rather than the instantaneous reactions that plague many of us, we will be able to respond intentionally and thoughtfully. As we come to understand the emotional basis of our reactions, and choose to change our responses, we can break negative patterns of behavior with our partners, family, children, colleagues, and other people in our lives.
My approach to counseling is to create a safe space for you and your family to build hope. We will work to raise awareness around the emotions that so often drive our behaviors. As emotional awareness increases we can choose different responses. Rather than the instantaneous reactions that plague many of us, we will be able to respond intentionally and thoughtfully. As we come to understand the emotional basis of our reactions, and choose to change our responses, we can break negative patterns of behavior with our partners, family, children, colleagues, and other people in our lives.
Welcome! I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and walking alongside them in their healing. I believe therapy is a collaborative experience between the family and therapist, that each client has the resiliency and resources they need already within, and that it is our job to uncover them. My work with clients considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing relational distress, sex concerns, infertility/pregnancy issues, transracial/transnational family dynamics, processing trauma, religion and spirituality, body-image concerns, or low self esteem.
Welcome! I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and walking alongside them in their healing. I believe therapy is a collaborative experience between the family and therapist, that each client has the resiliency and resources they need already within, and that it is our job to uncover them. My work with clients considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing relational distress, sex concerns, infertility/pregnancy issues, transracial/transnational family dynamics, processing trauma, religion and spirituality, body-image concerns, or low self esteem.
Welcome! I am licensed clinical social worker that provides individual and family therapy services. I have specific interest working with children, youth, and families. I also provide individual therapy services for adults. My therapeutic approach is relational, person-centered, emotion focused, and trauma-informed. I have a variety of skill sets that I adapt to meet the unique needs of each individual that I work with. I use CBT, DBT, and Collaborative Problem Solving in my work. My goal is to support the process of personal growth, self-discovery, and promoting desired changes to inform a more meaningful quality of life.
Welcome! I am licensed clinical social worker that provides individual and family therapy services. I have specific interest working with children, youth, and families. I also provide individual therapy services for adults. My therapeutic approach is relational, person-centered, emotion focused, and trauma-informed. I have a variety of skill sets that I adapt to meet the unique needs of each individual that I work with. I use CBT, DBT, and Collaborative Problem Solving in my work. My goal is to support the process of personal growth, self-discovery, and promoting desired changes to inform a more meaningful quality of life.
Have you noticed anxious or intrusive thoughts interfering with your ability to navigate life? Do you find yourself avoiding particular people, places, or situations? Have you noticed difficulty getting out of the bed in the morning? Would you describe yourself as anxious, depressed, or unmotivated? If you’ve noticed any of these issues I can help you to navigate relationships, increase motivation, reduce intrusive thoughts, and improve coping skills. Anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts may be new issues or something you’ve dealt with your entire life. We can explore how these issues impact your unique situation.
Have you noticed anxious or intrusive thoughts interfering with your ability to navigate life? Do you find yourself avoiding particular people, places, or situations? Have you noticed difficulty getting out of the bed in the morning? Would you describe yourself as anxious, depressed, or unmotivated? If you’ve noticed any of these issues I can help you to navigate relationships, increase motivation, reduce intrusive thoughts, and improve coping skills. Anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts may be new issues or something you’ve dealt with your entire life. We can explore how these issues impact your unique situation.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists Searches for Portland
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Sherwood
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
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.