CHILD & ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR CENTER

Behavioral problems pose numerous challenges for the child and his or her family. Constant arguing, endless fights, anger and hostility turn the home into a battleground. As the child or adolescent becomes more explosive or withdrawn, the parents’ sense of helplessness and hopelessness grows. Siblings are affected as well, sometimes feeling responsible, other times living in fear. When problems continue to escalate, further damage might occur. Grades drop and school teachers complain about the child’s behaviors. Conflicts with peers leave the child either isolated or drawn to the wrong crowd.

In the Child and Adolescent Behavior Center we provide families with the skills to stop this negative cycle, reduce disruptive and harmful behaviors, and reconnect in a positive way. Our approach is based on a unique integration of child developmental theory, parent training, and conflict studies. We provide an updated 21st century program that is relevant to the challenges of kids and parents in our times.

In our center we view most problem behaviors as a result of difficulties in one or more of three domains:

Problem Behaviors Associated with Rigidity
For some kids being flexible, accepting other’s opinion and flowing from one activity to another is very difficult. They kids usually have low frustration tolerance, they often argue, become locked on one way of doing things and refuse to listen to any other option. They can be very controlling and bossy. They tend to think in a black or white manner and want everything to be done their way. They show stubbornness, defiance and inability to adapt to different situations. When these behaviors intensify these kids will usually be diagnosed as suffering from OCD, Asperger’s Disorder or ADHD.

Problem Behaviors Associated with Regulation of Emotions
Kids who have difficulty in regulating their emotions often lose their temper. They are moody (one minute will be happy the next angry) and have unpredictable reactions. Family members usually feel obligated to walk on eggshells around them. They tend to be impulsive and at times deliberately annoy other people (especially siblings and parents). Their motivation is also unpredictable - They can lose interest in activities that they really preformed well. When these behaviors intensify these kids will usually be diagnosed as suffering from Bipolar Disorder or Depression.

Problem Behaviors Associated with Self- Esteem
Kids with self-esteem problems will often fluctuate between low self esteem (I’m not worth anything!) to feeling above other people, feeling often a sense of self entitlement and deserving. When things do not go their way they will humiliate and put others down. They have difficulty in being accountable and often blame others for their mistakes. While often displaying meanness to others they will feel as if they are the victims. When these behaviors intensify these kids will usually be diagnosed as suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder.

These difficulties lead kids to develop problems in their relationship with their parents and siblings, social and academic problems at school, and problems with their peer group.

In dealing with these problems, our center offers a number of structured treatment options:

• Parent Training
  In this type of therapy we focus on providing parents the needed skills to manage their child’s behavior without any involvement of the child. We coach parents on implementing a set of innovative interventions for reducing acting out behaviors, regulating the child’s emotions, and de-escalating intense interactions. Parents learn to implement powerful strategies to counter the child’s harmful behaviors, non-cooperation, and aggressiveness. This track is recommended for parents whose child is unwilling to go to therapy, who have tried individual therapy for the child without success, or simply parents who prefer receiving the help themselves without involving the child in therapy.

• Child/Adolescent Therapy
  In this type of therapy the child learns how to better regulate himself/herself and develop more self-control. We focus on improving the child’s ability to deal successfully with frustration and interact more effectively with others. This therapy is recommended for kids who are open to individual work and show some level of motivation. It is also recommended for kids who are isolated and withdrawn from their parents.

• Combined Parent-Child Therapy
  This therapy involves improving communication between parent and child/adolescent. Problem solving is emphasized and collaboration is cultivated. Here parents and child learn how to resolve conflicts together with the assistance of the therapist. This type of therapy is recommended for kids who do not show intense behavioral problems. At times we will recommend this option after the parents or the child received either Parent Training or Child Therapy.

• Social Skills Group Therapy
  This type of therapy is usually combined with one of the other therapeutic options. Since some children act out as a result of lack in social skills we provide an opportunity for these kids to improve their skills in a safe environment. We recommend it for kids who have a history of problems in relationships with peers (changing friends frequently, becoming easily disappointed with friends, not being sensitive to others needs).

Appointment Inquiries
To make an appointment or for more information please contact the Director Uri Weinblatt PhD, at 215-382-6680 ext. 3163.

Child and Adolescent Behavior Center at Council for Relationships
4025 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-382-6680 Ext. 3163