Anger Management and Conduct Disorder Treatment for Children
The Counseling Corner | Orlando, FL | Est. 1998
Guiding Parents Since 1998
Anger Management, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder
Understanding Anger, ODD, and Conduct Disorder
Big emotions and challenging behaviors are part of growing up—but sometimes they go beyond “typical” and start to seriously impact home, school, and relationships. At The Counseling Corner, we help parents understand the difference between age-appropriate behavior, anger management concerns, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD) so you can respond with clarity and confidence.
Anger Management in Children and Teens
Anger management challenges can range from mild to severe. For some children, it looks like eye-rolling, slamming doors, or grumbling under their breath. For others, it can escalate into yelling, name-calling, threats, or physical aggression.
Anger becomes a concern when:
Outbursts are frequent or intense
Small frustrations trigger big reactions
Siblings, peers, or adults feel unsafe or “walk on eggshells”
School performance, friendships, or family life are being affected
Unmanaged anger is like a spark in dry grass: sometimes it fizzles out quickly, but other times it can spread rapidly and do real damage. Addressing anger management early helps children learn healthy coping skills, communication tools, and emotional regulation—before patterns become more entrenched.
This page is for you if your child’s anger, defiance, or behavior has gone beyond “typical” and you’re feeling worried, exhausted, or unsure what to do next.
Conduct Issues vs. Conduct Disorder
Conduct Issues
Conduct issues range from mild defiance and occasional rule-breaking to frequent disruptive or disrespectful behaviors. While some pushing of limits is a normal part of child and teen development, persistent patterns require proactive guidance.
Managing conduct issues early is like pulling weeds before they overrun a garden; timely intervention keeps things manageable and prevents larger issues.
Like Florida palm trees in a hurricane or wildfire, effective parenting involves a combination of strength and flexibility. Just as these trees bend but rarely break, parents who establish firm yet adaptable structures help their children weather behavioral storms successfully.
Oppositional Defiant Behaviors
Some defiance is expected. Temporary defiance, arguments, or irritability often show up during developmental stages or stressful life changes.
Occasional pushback can be like passing storm clouds—unpleasant but temporary and manageable with patience, consistency, and calm boundaries.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves persistent patterns of angry, argumentative, and defiant behavior toward authority figures that significantly interfere with home, school, and social functioning.
Signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder may include:
Frequent temper tantrums or explosive outbursts
Persistent arguing with adults
Refusal to comply with rules or reasonable requests
Deliberately annoying or provoking others
Blaming others for their own mistakes or misbehavior
Vindictive or spiteful behaviors
ODD often coexists with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and may precede more serious behavior problems if left unaddressed.
Practical Guidance for Managing Anger, ODD, and Defiant Behaviors
Clear Communication: Speak calmly and directly to minimize misunderstandings.
Realistic Expectations: Set clear, achievable expectations for behavior.
Emotion Coaching: Help your child identify, name, and manage their emotions through structured conversations.
Consistent Routines: Predictable routines reduce anxiety, power struggles, and stress.
Avoid Power Struggles: Choose your battles wisely; focus on safety and core values rather than every minor issue.
Model Respectful Behavior: Demonstrate the calm, respectful responses you want your child to learn.
Skill Development: Engage in activities that build empathy, problem-solving, and social skills.
Professional Intervention: Seek specialized support such as PCIT, CBT, TF-CBT, and Parent Coaching at The Counseling Corner.
“Therapy taught us to view our daughter’s defiance as a sign she needed emotional support, completely changing our family dynamics,” shared one parent.
Understanding ODD vs. Conduct Disorder
With Oppositional Defiant Disorder, it can feel like: you say black, they say white; you say up, they say down; you ask them to do something, and they refuse or argue.
With Conduct Disorder, you often see the same defiance, but the behaviors escalate: after saying “no,” they might key your car, hurt the dog, punch someone, or steal from you. Conduct Disorder is more severe and requires immediate, specialized intervention.
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Conduct Disorder involves severe, repeated behaviors that violate social norms and infringe on the rights and safety of others. These actions are harmful, dangerous, and often illegal.
Behaviors that may indicate Conduct Disorder:
Aggression toward people or animals
Intentional fire-setting
Cruelty to animals
Frequent truancy or running away
Property destruction
Theft or shoplifting
Breaking and entering
Physical aggression and fights
Coercing or bullying others
Persistent rule-breaking and lying
Manipulative or deceitful behaviors
Significant academic decline
If your child consistently exhibits three or more of these behaviors over a six-month period, seek professional evaluation immediately.
Practical Guidance for Managing Conduct Issues and Conduct Disorder
Establish Clear Household Rules: Define expectations and consequences as a family so everyone understands the boundaries.
Routine and Structure: Consistent daily routines reduce chaos and give children a sense of security.
Positive Reinforcement: Frequently notice, praise, and reward desirable behaviors in the moment.
Consistent Consequences: Calmly follow through with predetermined consequences when rules are broken.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Teach peaceful problem-solving, negotiation, and compromise.
Safe Home Environment: Secure potentially harmful items to protect everyone’s safety.
School Partnership: Collaborate closely with teachers and school staff to ensure consistent expectations and support.
Professional Support: Consult specialists at The Counseling Corner experienced in child and adolescent behavior management, anger, ODD, and Conduct Disorder.
“When Lucas began therapy, our family experienced improved communication and fewer conflicts almost immediately.”
A mother noted, “Counseling gave us clarity on our son's behaviors, making us feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. It was like finally having a compass in unfamiliar territory.”
Common Misconceptions about ODD and Conduct Disorder
Misconception: “If we just keep adjusting everything around them, things will get better.”
Fact: Over-accommodating reinforces negative behaviors and can make them worse. Children need consistent expectations, boundaries, and coping skills—not a world that constantly rearranges itself to avoid conflict.
Misconception: “Children naturally outgrow serious behavior problems.”
Fact: Without proper intervention, behavior problems often escalate over time, emphasizing the importance of early help.
Misconception: “Harsh discipline alone will fix the problem.”
Fact: Effective behavior change requires consistent structure, emotional support, skill-building, and often professional intervention—not just punishment.
Proven Treatment Methods Offered by The Counseling Corner
Our therapists at The Counseling Corner have extensive experience, specialized training, and certifications in:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and (TF-CBT)
Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
“The Counseling Corner guided our family from constant turmoil to meaningful communication and mutual understanding.”
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Change
1. Reach out – Call 407-843-4968 or contact us online and tell us what you’re seeing at home or school.
2. Get a clear assessment – We’ll help you understand whether your child is struggling with anger management, ODD, Conduct Disorder, or age-appropriate behavior—and what that means.
3. Follow a tailored plan – Together, we’ll create a step-by-step plan using proven therapies and parent coaching to reduce outbursts, improve behavior, and strengthen your family relationships.
You don't have to face these challenges alone.
The Counseling Corner offers compassionate, expert support tailored to your family's unique needs. With limited appointments available, we encourage you to act promptly.
📞 Call The Counseling Corner at 407-843-4968 to schedule an assessment for your child today.
📧 info@counselingcorner.net
📍 Serving Central Florida families in Orlando, Clermont, and Orange City/DeLand/DeBary with online services available across Florida.
Parent coaching and child/family therapy can be provided in person or online, including support for families outside the local area when appropriate.
Taking the first step can transform seemingly impossible challenges into achievable successes. Let us help you rediscover harmony, hope, and stability within your family.