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Part 1: Cracking the Code on ODD (understanding the why behind the behavior)

  Is It Just Stubbornness? Understanding Why Your Child Says "No" So Often Let's talk about kids who seem to say "no" to everything! Maybe they always argue or throw tantrums that make you want to pull your hair out. If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering if your child has something called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). This blog series will help you understand ODD and what you can do about it. Click Here to Read the Introduction: Stubbornness vs. ODD: What's the Difference? It's normal for kids to be stubborn sometimes. They might not want to clean their room, eat their vegetables, or go to bed when you tell them to. But this is usually just a temporary thing. They might get a little frustrated, but they eventually come around. ODD is different. It's when a child's defiance and arguments become a daily struggle that disrupts their life at home, school, and with friends. They might argue constantly, even over small things. They cou

Understanding and Managing ODD - 10-Part Series

Does your child struggle with frequent outbursts, defiance, and anger? You're not alone. This 10-part blog series is designed to be a lifeline for parents navigating the complexities of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). We understand the frustration and challenges that come with ODD. This series will be your roadmap, guiding you through the causes and treatments available, and most importantly, equipping you with practical skills to manage these behaviors. Get ready to: Crack the code on ODD:  We'll delve into the "why" behind the behavior, helping you understand what might be driving your child's defiance. Explore treatment options:  Learn about different approaches to address ODD and find the one that best suits your child's needs. Develop strong parenting skills:  We'll equip you with strategies for building a positive parent-child relationship, managing behavior effectively, and taking care of yourself in the process. This series is packed with act

Parenting and Child Conduct Counseling Receives 2024 Best of St. Charles Award

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St. Charles Award Program ST. CHARLES, April 3, 2024 -- The St. Charles Award Program has selected Parenting and Child Conduct Counseling for the 2024 Best of St. Charles Award in the Counseling & Mental Health category. Each year, the St. Charles Award Program identifies companies we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These local companies enhance small businesses' positive image through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the St. Charles area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2024 St. Charles Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the St. Charles Award Program and data provided by third parties. About St. Charles Award Program The St. Charles Award Program is an annual aw

Bridging the Distance: Why Telehealth Therapy is Just as Effective

Welcome to Telementalhealth Hey there! I’m Andy, a therapist who specializes in training parents to better manage and change their children’s Disruptive Behavior Problems (Engelbrektsson et al., 2023a; Engelbrektsson et al., 2023b; Engelbrektsson et al., 2023c) , reduce Anxiety ( Lebowitz, 2020;  SPACE , n.d.) , and D epression (Eckshtain et al., 2015) . Behavioral Parent Training research into the effectiveness of  treating  ADHD has found  promising yet inconclusive positive results   ( 12 Behavioral Programs for Managing ADHD , 2018; Ciesielski et al., 2019; Hornstra et al., 2023) . My approach to child therapy, Parent Training, focuses on empowering parents to provide a home environment that enhances and treats their child’s recovery from behavioral, emotional, and social problems. And guess what? I offer counseling services exclusively through Telementalhealth or Live Online, as I call it. Why Telementalhealth? Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve shifted my private pra

Taming the Pixelated Monster: A Guide to Healthy Gaming for Youths

  Video games are a constant presence in today's youth culture. While they provide entertainment, social connection, and cognitive benefits, excessive gaming can lead to severe problems. This blog post will explore the potential downsides of problematic gaming and equip parents and educators with tools to foster healthy gaming habits in youngsters. Understanding the Risks Research by Gentile (2009) suggests that problematic gaming can manifest in several ways, impacting a youth's mental health, social life, academic performance, and even finances. Excessive gaming has been linked to anxiety, depression, and negative moods (King & Delfabbro, 2021). Gaming addiction can lead to social isolation and hinder a young person's ability to develop strong face-to-face interaction skills. Studies have also shown a correlation between problematic gaming and neglecting schoolwork (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Financial strain can also be a concern, especially for y

Self-Expression: Finding Your Voice in the Identity Shuffle

Ever stare in the mirror and wonder, "Who am I, really?" This question pops up throughout life and can feel especially poignant during the teen years. Introspection is part of identity formation, the ongoing process of figuring out who you are and your place in the world. Sometimes, this journey leads to confusion—that's called identity confusion. But fear not; it's a normal part of growth! Imagine your identity is a mosaic. Each piece represents your values, experiences, interests, and even your sense of humor. Self-expression is the mortar that binds these pieces together. It's about finding ways to communicate your inner self to the world (Branje et al., 2021a). Here's how self-expression helps navigate identity confusion and build a strong sense of self: Exploration Playground:  Self-expression allows you to experiment and discover what resonates with you. Maybe you try a bold new haircut and discover a side of yourself you love. Perhaps you de

Beyond Just Therapy: Why Supportive Parents are Key to Helping Kids with Depression and Anxiety

When it comes to helping children and teenagers struggling with depression and anxiety, parents often feel lost and unsure how to support their kids (e.g., Weisz et al., 2006). While therapy is a crucial resource, a growing body of research suggests that a robust support system at home goes a long way in the journey toward recovery (e.g., Weisz et al., 2006). This is where parent training programs offer valuable tools and strategies to empower parents in their supportive role. Understanding the Bigger Picture: Depression and anxiety in young people are not simply individual struggles. Researchers like Cicchetti and Toth (1998) emphasize the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Imagine these factors as a web – individual vulnerabilities, family dynamics, and environmental stressors are all interconnected. Recognizing this complexity is crucial to finding practical solutions (Sander & McCarty, 2005). Beyond Medication and Therapy: Traditional