Defiance & Oppositionality · Children & Teens
When every day feels like a power struggle.
Constant arguing, refusals, and meltdowns can exhaust the whole family. Therapy helps children develop the self-regulation they need — and gives parents the tools to break the cycle.
Defiance is more than just bad behavior.
Defiant behavior rarely improves on its own. But with the right approach, children can learn to regulate — and thrive.
Changing the pattern, not just the behavior.
Effective treatment for defiance and oppositionality goes beyond consequences and discipline. I work with both children and parents to understand what's driving the behavior — and to build new patterns that actually stick.
Depending on your child's age and needs, this may include PCIT for younger children, individual therapy, or a combination of child-focused work and parent support. The goal is a calmer home and a child who feels more in control of themselves.
Understand what's fueling the defiance
Oppositional behavior almost always has roots worth exploring — anxiety, frustration, and unmet needs are common drivers.
Build emotional regulation skills
Children learn to recognize and manage their emotions before they escalate.
Equip parents with effective strategies
How you respond in the moment matters. I'll help you find approaches that de-escalate rather than inflame.
Rebuild the relationship
Constant conflict takes a toll. Treatment creates space to strengthen the connection between parent and child.
What working together looks like
Understanding the full picture
We start with a thorough intake — your child's history, what the behavior looks like at home and school, and what's been tried. Parents are central to this conversation.
Targeted treatment
Using evidence-based approaches matched to your child's age, we work on the emotional and behavioral skills that reduce defiance and improve family dynamics.
Lasting change
The goal isn't just fewer arguments — it's a child who can regulate themselves and a family that communicates more effectively. Skills built in therapy carry into everyday life.
The power struggles don't have to continue.
Defiant behavior is one of the most treatable challenges in childhood. Reach out and let's talk about what's going on — and what we can do about it.
— Katrina