Behavioral Challenges - A Secure Base Psychological Services, LLC

Understanding Behavioral Challenges in Children

Understanding Behavioral Challenges

Children often go through stages where they display difficult behaviors. While this can be a normal part of development, sometimes these behaviors become patterns that disrupt daily life, affecting the child’s functioning at home, school, and in social situations. If a child’s behavior has become a consistent concern, it may be time to seek professional help.

Signs to Look for: When to Seek Help

Recognizing when a child’s behavior requires professional intervention can be challenging. Some common signs that may indicate it’s time to seek help include:

Frequent outbursts or tantrums: If the child is regularly having emotional meltdowns that seem out of proportion to the situation.
Defiance or opposition: Consistently refusing to follow instructions or rules from parents, teachers, or authority figures.
Aggression: Displays of aggression, such as hitting, biting, or verbally abusive language toward others.
Difficulty with transitions: Struggles to move from one activity to another or becomes extremely upset with changes in routine.
Disruptive behaviors at school: Regular trouble focusing, following directions, or interacting appropriately with peers in the classroom.
Withdrawal or isolation: If the child begins avoiding social situations or withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed.
Persistent anxiety or fears: Ongoing worries or fears that interfere with daily life, often presenting through avoidance or refusal behaviors.

If one or more of these patterns are persisting over time, it may be helpful to seek a professional evaluation.

Effective Treatment Approaches for Behavioral Challenges

At A Secure Base, Dr. Vanegas utilizes evidence-based approaches to help children and families manage and overcome behavioral challenges. Her treatment approach is grounded in collaboration with both the child and their family, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the child’s unique needs. Some of the treatment approaches Dr. Vanegas uses include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching them healthier ways to manage emotions and reactions.

Parent Management Training:

Guides parents in implementing consistent, effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors at home.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

Focuses on modifying behaviors by reinforcing positive actions and reducing negative behaviors through structured techniques.

Play Therapy:

For younger children, play therapy can help them express emotions and process difficult situations in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.

Social Skills Training:

Works on improving communication, cooperation, and other skills necessary for positive peer interactions.

How Dr. Vanegas Can Help

Dr. Vanegas provides a safe, supportive environment where children can learn new skills and build confidence in managing their behaviors. Through structured, goal-oriented sessions, she works with children to identify their triggers, develop coping strategies, and foster emotional regulation. Involving parents throughout the process is a key part of her approach, ensuring that the tools and techniques learned in therapy are reinforced at home.

At A Secure Base, Dr. Vanegas understands the importance of early intervention. By addressing behavioral challenges in childhood, she helps children develop the tools they need to navigate difficulties and build a solid foundation for emotional well-being in the future.

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior and are ready to seek support, Dr. Vanegas is here to help. Please reach out to schedule a consultation.