Behavioral Issues

If you or your child acts out and has disruptive behavioral issues, turn to licensed clinical social worker Paula Williams, LCSW, at Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, a telehealth psychology practice based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She diagnoses the cause of behavioral challenges and offers therapies and other treatments to create healthier thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns. Schedule a telehealth appointment by phone or request one online today.

What are behavioral issues?

Behavioral issues are common among children, but also affect adults. They’re characterized by acting out, disobeying, throwing a temper tantrum, or becoming aggressive. 

Behavioral concerns might stem from genetics, mental health conditions, or environmental causes. Therapy with Paula at Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC can help people with behavioral issues develop more appropriate actions and maintain stronger interpersonal relationships.

What are the symptoms of behavioral issues?

The signs of behavioral concerns may include:

• Frequent arguing or fighting
• Yelling and screaming
• Temper tantrums
• Not being obedient at work or school
• Anger
• Aggression
• Defiance
• Acting out
• Losing your temper easily
• Being spiteful or resentful
• Blaming others for one’s own actions
• Intentionally breaking rules or the law
• Damaging property
• Bullying 
• Being cruel to animals
• Stealing
• Lying
• Threatening other people
• Poor interpersonal relationships
• Not showing remorse for hurtful actions

Examples of behavioral disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and conduct disorder.

What are the risk factors for behavioral issues?

The cause isn’t always clear, but risk factors for behavioral issues include:

• Family history of behavioral challenges
• Certain personality traits
• Brain changes
• Substance misuse
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Hormone imbalance
• Traumatic brain injury
• Lack of supervision, structure, or discipline
• Unstable home life

However, children with a healthy home environment may still develop behavioral problems. 

How are behavioral issues diagnosed?

Paula meets with you or your child virtually to complete a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria to screen for ODD, conduct disorder, and similar mental health conditions. 

She determines which type of therapy is most appropriate by discussing thoughts, moods, emotions, lifestyle, behavior patterns, and any past trauma to learn why someone may be frequently misbehaving.

How are behavioral issues treated?

A personalized treatment plan for behavioral issues often includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication management. Types of therapies Paula offers include:

• Anger management
• Parent skills training
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
• Problem-solving training
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Pre-adolescent and adolescent therapy
• Family therapy 
• Social skills training

She also offers referrals to community-based programs when appropriate. Paula follows up to ensure you or your child makes the healthy behavioral changes needed to thrive at work, school, and in relationships with other people.

Schedule a virtual visit for behavioral issues with Paula at Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.