Behavioral Issues Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
We don't just "talk about" behavior; we move quickly into implementing high-level protocols (PCIT, PMT, ERP, etc.) to target specific symptoms.
If you feel like you’ve tried every "calm-down corner," sticker chart, and deep-breathing exercise only to end up back at square one, you aren’t alone. You don’t need years of talk therapy to see a shift in your home. You need a battle-tested plan and the confidence to lead it. I work with motivated parents who are ready to trade "hope it works" for "know it works." Using scientifically backed strategies that have been refined by real families, we’ll map out why the meltdowns are happening and build a roadmap to stop them.
We don't just "talk about" behavior; we move quickly into implementing high-level protocols (PCIT, PMT, ERP, etc.) to target specific symptoms.
If you feel like you’ve tried every "calm-down corner," sticker chart, and deep-breathing exercise only to end up back at square one, you aren’t alone. You don’t need years of talk therapy to see a shift in your home. You need a battle-tested plan and the confidence to lead it. I work with motivated parents who are ready to trade "hope it works" for "know it works." Using scientifically backed strategies that have been refined by real families, we’ll map out why the meltdowns are happening and build a roadmap to stop them.
Michael Van Ness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
Life is hard! There is no instructional manual for how to figure it all out! I value authenticity and attunement in session-my job is to be someone you can trust and someone you feel comfortable with I hope that we can come up with a way of exploring your life in a way that is meaningful to you and helps you make sense of your life and your experiences.
Come skeptical! Come with questions! Its not your job to trust me, or open up to me if you don’t want to-its my job to help create a genuine and authentic space so we can sort out the problems you are dealing with together, and help you come up with a better way to handle them.
Life is hard! There is no instructional manual for how to figure it all out! I value authenticity and attunement in session-my job is to be someone you can trust and someone you feel comfortable with I hope that we can come up with a way of exploring your life in a way that is meaningful to you and helps you make sense of your life and your experiences.
Come skeptical! Come with questions! Its not your job to trust me, or open up to me if you don’t want to-its my job to help create a genuine and authentic space so we can sort out the problems you are dealing with together, and help you come up with a better way to handle them.
I have experience helping children and adults facing numerous emotional and behavioral challenges.
Is something keeping you from being your best? We all have great value and the ability to achieve great things. Sometimes, the burdens of this life, including past trouble, negative thinking/emotions, difficult circumstances, poor choices and lack of support can hold us back from reaching our potential. I believe my role as a counselor is to help others be more aware of their own strengths and abilities, so they can set and achieve positive goals. I believe in welcoming people with unconditional acceptance and support, and helping them work through difficulty to build and execute a plan to become the best version of themselves.
I have experience helping children and adults facing numerous emotional and behavioral challenges.
Is something keeping you from being your best? We all have great value and the ability to achieve great things. Sometimes, the burdens of this life, including past trouble, negative thinking/emotions, difficult circumstances, poor choices and lack of support can hold us back from reaching our potential. I believe my role as a counselor is to help others be more aware of their own strengths and abilities, so they can set and achieve positive goals. I believe in welcoming people with unconditional acceptance and support, and helping them work through difficulty to build and execute a plan to become the best version of themselves.
I use a client-centered, cognitive- behavioral approach (art, play, & music therapy with younger clients) to teach coping strategies, new skills, and behavior modification techniques for managing ADHD, ASD, anxiety, stress, and life transitions such as divorce, loss of a job, moving, changing schools, or the death of a loved one.
I have years of helping parents understand child development and identifying areas that may be impeding their academic and/or social success. Working from a family systems approach, we'll enact a plan to address these challenges and monitor progress weekly. I have extensive experience with IEPs, 504's and helping parents understand and navigate the process.
I use a client-centered, cognitive- behavioral approach (art, play, & music therapy with younger clients) to teach coping strategies, new skills, and behavior modification techniques for managing ADHD, ASD, anxiety, stress, and life transitions such as divorce, loss of a job, moving, changing schools, or the death of a loved one.
I have years of helping parents understand child development and identifying areas that may be impeding their academic and/or social success. Working from a family systems approach, we'll enact a plan to address these challenges and monitor progress weekly. I have extensive experience with IEPs, 504's and helping parents understand and navigate the process.
I use evidence-based theories to help with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma disorders, & general behavioral challenges.
I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and families to understand, accept, and overcome challenges related to their mental health. I support my clients and their families by collaborating every step of the way to process emotions, create attainable goals, learn new skills, and improve everyday behaviors and routines across home, school, and community environments.
I use evidence-based theories to help with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma disorders, & general behavioral challenges.
I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and families to understand, accept, and overcome challenges related to their mental health. I support my clients and their families by collaborating every step of the way to process emotions, create attainable goals, learn new skills, and improve everyday behaviors and routines across home, school, and community environments.
Unconditional Positive Regard is something that we are all deserving of. A lot of times, life becomes all-consuming, and not only do we feel a lack of acceptance from others; but many of us internalize our experiences in a way that keeps us from feeling confident. Self-Actualization is a fancy way to say "I love myself and I trust myself". It takes a lot of courage to step into the realm of discomfort and ask for support - but it's not out of our reach.
Unconditional Positive Regard is something that we are all deserving of. A lot of times, life becomes all-consuming, and not only do we feel a lack of acceptance from others; but many of us internalize our experiences in a way that keeps us from feeling confident. Self-Actualization is a fancy way to say "I love myself and I trust myself". It takes a lot of courage to step into the realm of discomfort and ask for support - but it's not out of our reach.
I provide psychotherapy for people with angry, fearful, depressed and anxious moods; obsessive thoughts; impulsive behavior, adult or child attention deficits; posttraumatic stress and other common problems.
Often emotional or behavioral problems emerge as a symptom of an underlying family problem. In these cases intervention that includes the whole family can be most effective. I have a great deal of training and experience working with families and couples.
I provide psychotherapy for people with angry, fearful, depressed and anxious moods; obsessive thoughts; impulsive behavior, adult or child attention deficits; posttraumatic stress and other common problems.
Often emotional or behavioral problems emerge as a symptom of an underlying family problem. In these cases intervention that includes the whole family can be most effective. I have a great deal of training and experience working with families and couples.
My specialty is working with children diagnosed with ASD, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma and stressor related disorders, and anxiety disorders. I believe in using a strengths-based approach to support clients in achieving their treatment goals and building confidence within themselves. My therapy style includes a mixture of play therapy, CBT, sensory based activities, and DBT used in creative ways to keep clients engaged and having fun while building their knowledge of healthy emotion regulations skills, self-awareness, and positive communication skills.
My specialty is working with children diagnosed with ASD, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma and stressor related disorders, and anxiety disorders. I believe in using a strengths-based approach to support clients in achieving their treatment goals and building confidence within themselves. My therapy style includes a mixture of play therapy, CBT, sensory based activities, and DBT used in creative ways to keep clients engaged and having fun while building their knowledge of healthy emotion regulations skills, self-awareness, and positive communication skills.
I am a Specialist in Problematic Sexual Behavior (SPSB) as well as Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
I believe the behaviors that interfere with our lives are merely defenses that are no longer useful, but at one point saved us in very painful situations. It is my goal to help others get past the pain into a healthy life.
I am a Specialist in Problematic Sexual Behavior (SPSB) as well as Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
I believe the behaviors that interfere with our lives are merely defenses that are no longer useful, but at one point saved us in very painful situations. It is my goal to help others get past the pain into a healthy life.
Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital difficulties, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others.
We all deal with changes. Change is inevitable in our lives and you can either manage change and shape it to your advantage, or let those changes manage and shape you. We have the abilities to cope with the changes in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize that we can and feel overwhelmed in dealing with stress. At other times we find ourselves in unexpected or extreme situations for which our normal coping skills are inadequate. Whatever the sources of your stress, the result could be anxious or depressed moods, panic attacks and more.
Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital difficulties, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others.
We all deal with changes. Change is inevitable in our lives and you can either manage change and shape it to your advantage, or let those changes manage and shape you. We have the abilities to cope with the changes in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize that we can and feel overwhelmed in dealing with stress. At other times we find ourselves in unexpected or extreme situations for which our normal coping skills are inadequate. Whatever the sources of your stress, the result could be anxious or depressed moods, panic attacks and more.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to search for a therapist. It can be overwhelming selecting a therapist and I appreciate you taking the first steps to do so. I am a passionate mental health clinician seeking motivated clients who are looking for change. I have four years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in the community mental health setting including Wrap-around services and Family-Focused mental health. It is inspiring and motivating to see clients change and become the best versions of themselves.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to search for a therapist. It can be overwhelming selecting a therapist and I appreciate you taking the first steps to do so. I am a passionate mental health clinician seeking motivated clients who are looking for change. I have four years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in the community mental health setting including Wrap-around services and Family-Focused mental health. It is inspiring and motivating to see clients change and become the best versions of themselves.
PCIT is focused on helping caregivers learn effective ways to address problematic behavior from their children who are between the ages of 2 and 7.
I utilize a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Parts Work Therapy, and PCIT. I enjoy getting to talk about counseling theory, therapeutic techniques related to those theories, the theoretical rationale behind them, and practical ways they can be applied.
PCIT is focused on helping caregivers learn effective ways to address problematic behavior from their children who are between the ages of 2 and 7.
I utilize a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Parts Work Therapy, and PCIT. I enjoy getting to talk about counseling theory, therapeutic techniques related to those theories, the theoretical rationale behind them, and practical ways they can be applied.
I completed my Master of Counseling at Geneva College and utilize multiple treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
I am a Licensed Therapist passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them become the best version of themselves. I have experience addressing a wide range of mental health issues and daily life stressors, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anger, and ADHD. My specialties include depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, anger, grief, and stress.
I completed my Master of Counseling at Geneva College and utilize multiple treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
I am a Licensed Therapist passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them become the best version of themselves. I have experience addressing a wide range of mental health issues and daily life stressors, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anger, and ADHD. My specialties include depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, anger, grief, and stress.
They tell us with their behavior.
My blend of evidence-based and cutting-edge treatment equips children and their parents with the strategies they need to overcome hurdles, relieve symptoms, increase confidence, and restore balance. My approach goes beyond traditional child therapy to help your child to realize their full potential for emotional wellness, personal and academic success.
They tell us with their behavior.
My blend of evidence-based and cutting-edge treatment equips children and their parents with the strategies they need to overcome hurdles, relieve symptoms, increase confidence, and restore balance. My approach goes beyond traditional child therapy to help your child to realize their full potential for emotional wellness, personal and academic success.
Everyone has a story, and that novel molds us into who we are today. As we walk through the chapters in your book, we will be able to better understand how your experiences have impacted daily living. In doing so, we will be able to make the breakthroughs necessary to positively enhance your future.
Everyone has a story, and that novel molds us into who we are today. As we walk through the chapters in your book, we will be able to better understand how your experiences have impacted daily living. In doing so, we will be able to make the breakthroughs necessary to positively enhance your future.
accepting new clients.I believe therapy should be a safe space for everyone. I am neurodiversity and LGBTQ confirming. Everyone has a story to tell. I am able to help sit beside you as we write it. In the darkest, uncertain, up-and-down times I will be your cheerleader, supporter, guidance, and motivation. I believe everyone is able to achieve their goals and dreams. I help Individuals with autism spectrum disorder from childhood to adulthood. Individuals who have experienced trauma during their life time. Individuals who are experiencing anxiety in daily living.
accepting new clients.I believe therapy should be a safe space for everyone. I am neurodiversity and LGBTQ confirming. Everyone has a story to tell. I am able to help sit beside you as we write it. In the darkest, uncertain, up-and-down times I will be your cheerleader, supporter, guidance, and motivation. I believe everyone is able to achieve their goals and dreams. I help Individuals with autism spectrum disorder from childhood to adulthood. Individuals who have experienced trauma during their life time. Individuals who are experiencing anxiety in daily living.
Howard has been a providing psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and consultation to mental health and developmentally disabled populations since 1973.
The experience that accompanies him varies from recovery program development for children following tornado's, staff development and counseling training to local agencies, and to government agencies for interventions with sexual offenders, drug & alcohol, and behaviorally problematic consumer's who show co-morbid diagnostic areas.
Howard has been a providing psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and consultation to mental health and developmentally disabled populations since 1973.
The experience that accompanies him varies from recovery program development for children following tornado's, staff development and counseling training to local agencies, and to government agencies for interventions with sexual offenders, drug & alcohol, and behaviorally problematic consumer's who show co-morbid diagnostic areas.
Together we explore the concerns which bring you into my office – whether trauma, adjustment, anxiety, school related concerns, or behavioral challenges.
I use a holistic, client-centered approach, drawing on behavioral, interpretive and solution-focused models to improve your life. My partnership with you is an opportunity to share joy and cope with “bumps and hurdles” by gently guiding you. I serve all ages, individuals, and families, specializing in adolescents. Life is about balance, let’s begin today.
Together we explore the concerns which bring you into my office – whether trauma, adjustment, anxiety, school related concerns, or behavioral challenges.
I use a holistic, client-centered approach, drawing on behavioral, interpretive and solution-focused models to improve your life. My partnership with you is an opportunity to share joy and cope with “bumps and hurdles” by gently guiding you. I serve all ages, individuals, and families, specializing in adolescents. Life is about balance, let’s begin today.
Developmental Therapy Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , MSCP, LPC
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
My extensive education, experience and knowledge provides me with a unique perspective of psychological development that addresses any issue at any age. Emotional development happens before birth and understanding your neurological makeup and learning styles enables me to make precise treatment decisions.
My extensive education, experience and knowledge provides me with a unique perspective of psychological development that addresses any issue at any age. Emotional development happens before birth and understanding your neurological makeup and learning styles enables me to make precise treatment decisions.
Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with children, including my work in Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) and family-based therapy.
I am a Licensed Practicing Counselor with over 9 years of experience, and I am passionate about working with people, especially autistic individuals. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I earned my BA in English and Psychology from Thiel College in 2007 and my MA in Counseling from Edinboro University in 2013.
Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with children, including my work in Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) and family-based therapy.
I am a Licensed Practicing Counselor with over 9 years of experience, and I am passionate about working with people, especially autistic individuals. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I earned my BA in English and Psychology from Thiel College in 2007 and my MA in Counseling from Edinboro University in 2013.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Behavioral Issues Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Aspinwall
- Carnegie
- Crafton
- East Liberty
- McKees Rocks
- Mount Lebanon
- Munhall
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Swissvale
- West Mifflin
- Wilkinsburg
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.