In order for parenting to be effective, a strong healthy marriage is the foundation. Many times, couples need to learn ways to negotiate and to compromise before they can carry out their parenting strategy effectively. A house is weakened when it is divided.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically-supported and behavioral based treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders. The goal of this program is to enhance the interactional relationship with the parent and child. We believe that this relationship will improve by changing parent-child interaction patterns. PCIT is a therapeutic treatment approach based on well-conducted research and training of our doctoral level licensed psychologist. This service aims at increasing the socially appropriate behaviors on the children through coaching the interaction between the parents and their children. Research suggests that this approach will also improve the self-esteem of both of the parents and children who are actively involved in this therapy. This is effective in dealing with oppositional defiant behaviors, attention deficit behaviors, impulsivity issue, sibling relationships, etc. Parents are expected to be highly involved and practice new skills at home while receiving the clinical coaching in the office. Assessment will be provided to explore the areas of treatment.
Watching this video will help you understand how a PCIT session is being carried out.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
How you do distinguish between a strong-willed or emotional child and one with oppositional defiant disorder. It is not uncommon to see children wanting their way and not following parents' direction; however there is a obvious gap between the usual independence-seeking behavior of children and that of oppositional defiant disorder.
Signs of ODD generally begin before a child is 8 years old. Sometimes ODD may develop later, but almost always before the early teen years. When ODD behavior develops, the signs tend to begin gradually and then worsen over months or years.
Your child may be displaying signs of ODD instead of normal moodiness if the behaviors:
Please be aware that there are other possible reasons for defiant behavior:
Oppositional defiant disorder often occurs along with other behavioral or mental health problems such as:
It's important to diagnose and treat any co-occurring illnesses because they can create or worsen irritability and defiance if left untreated. Additionally, it is important to identify and treat any related substance abuse and dependence. Substance abuse and dependence in children may be associated with irritability and changes in the child's usual personality.
How you do distinguish between a strong-willed or emotional child and one with oppositional defiant disorder. It is not uncommon to see children wanting their way and not following parents' direction; however there is a obvious gap between the usual independence-seeking behavior of children and that of oppositional defiant disorder.
Signs of ODD generally begin before a child is 8 years old. Sometimes ODD may develop later, but almost always before the early teen years. When ODD behavior develops, the signs tend to begin gradually and then worsen over months or years.
Your child may be displaying signs of ODD instead of normal moodiness if the behaviors:
- Are persistent
- Have lasted at least six months
- Are clearly disruptive to the home life, social life or school environment
- Negativity
- Defiance
- Disobedience
- Hostility directed toward authority figures
- Have temper tantrums
- Be argumentative with adults
- Refuse to comply with adult requests or rules
- Annoy other people deliberately
- Blames others for mistakes or misbehavior
- Acts touchy and is easily annoyed
- Feel anger and resentment
- Be spiteful or vindictive
- Act aggressively toward peers
- Have difficulty maintaining friendships
- Have academic problems
- Feel a lack of self-esteem
Please be aware that there are other possible reasons for defiant behavior:
Oppositional defiant disorder often occurs along with other behavioral or mental health problems such as:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
It's important to diagnose and treat any co-occurring illnesses because they can create or worsen irritability and defiance if left untreated. Additionally, it is important to identify and treat any related substance abuse and dependence. Substance abuse and dependence in children may be associated with irritability and changes in the child's usual personality.