Most children, even those with normally excellent behavior, will defy authority occasionally. As part of growing up, they may go through periods of arguing with parents, disobeying teachers, or talking back to adults in general. However, when this contrary behavior is extreme and goes beyond the bounds of what is typical for the child’s age, it may mean that the child has a type of behavior disorder called oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

ODD is characterized by an ongoing (at least six months) pattern of temper tantrums, stubbornness, anger, disobedience, and hostility toward authority figures. If your child shows signs of ODD, it is important to get help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. A qualified therapist can help the child to develop ways to cope with their anger and improve their communication skills.

Therapists specialising in ODD

Penny Mackay

Person-centred Humanistic Counsellor

Quick View View Profile
Martine van den Berg

Counsellor (MBACP)

Quick View View Profile
Emma Russell

Humanistic Integrative Counsellor

Quick View View Profile
Blanca Balaguer

Psychotherapeutic Counsellor | MBACP

Quick View View Profile
Jade Elizabeth

Hypnotherapist | NLP Practitioner | Therapeutic Coach

Quick View View Profile
Clara Fantoni

Reiki Therapist & Integrative Arts Psychotherapy trainee

Quick View View Profile
Jack Stannard

Dramatherapist

Quick View View Profile
Jilna Shah

Craniosacral Therapist (R.C.S.T)

Quick View View Profile
Nicky Edland

Integrative Counsellor (MBACP)

Quick View View Profile
Frederique Lambrakis-Haddad

Adolescent and Adult Therapist

Quick View View Profile
Richard Allan

Psychotherapist

Quick View View Profile
Soraya Kirsch

Integrative Counsellor

Quick View View Profile
Amanda Copeland

Cognitive analytic psychotherapist and ecotherapist

Quick View View Profile
Tom Maxwell

Body Psychotherapist

Quick View View Profile
Maria Guinazu

Existential Integrative Psychotherapist

Quick View View Profile
Christina Mills

Therapeutic Life Coach, NLP Master Coach Practitioner, Solution Focussed Therapist

Quick View View Profile