Children’s Therapy for Aggression:

What We Actually Do

We use evidence-based psychosocial treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent child interaction therapy, and behavioral parent training. For young children, therapy may include play therapy, sand tray therapy, and directive art-based interventions to help children externalize frustration and explore anger without escalating. Every plan addresses the child’s aggressive behavior while supporting other family members affected by outbursts, damage, or fear.

Aggressive Behavior Can Point to Underlying Mental Health Needs

Children with aggressive behavior often struggle with mental health concerns like oppositional defiant disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or conduct disorder. Anger issues don’t always come from defiance—they may result from sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, or mental health disorders that haven’t yet been diagnosed. We assess each child’s behavior through clinical evaluation aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and build a treatment path that fits the root issue—not just the surface reaction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy That Builds Real Control

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children learn how to spot anger triggers, apply problem solving skills, and practice anger control. We teach children what anger feels like before it explodes and show them how to respond with appropriate behavior. Sessions combine skill repetition, role play, and emotion-focused processing to reduce frequent temper outbursts and aggressive child responses at school or home. Art therapy and sand tray therapy offer structured outlets for children who cannot yet describe what they’re feeling in words.

Parent-Focused Interventions That Actually Shift Behavior

We teach parents how to track behavior, respond without escalation, and reinforce positive behaviors without relying on guesswork. Parent management training, behavioral parent training, and collaborative and proactive solutions are core to our approach. In sessions, parents learn how to reduce problem behaviors, apply positive reinforcement, and model emotional regulation during real stress. We coach through common pressure points: mealtime battles, morning routines, aggression toward other children, and bedtime shutdowns. Supporting children starts with helping parents feel confident in what actually works.

Meet Our Therapy Team for Childhood Aggression

Our licensed therapists specialize in treating aggression in children through cognitive behavioral therapy, parent-focused interventions, and structured emotional support. With training in child psychiatry, behavioral parent training, and developmentally appropriate modalities like play therapy and art therapy, our team works with both the child and family. 

What Progress Looks Like in the Real World

Aggression fades when children learn how to pause before reacting, recognize rising tension, and respond with self control. We track progress not just in the therapy room, but through how children respond to difficult moments—sharing toys, recovering from frustration, or walking away from anger provoking situations. These are real changes, not theory.

Most children show early shifts at home: fewer screaming episodes, more flexible responses to limits, less damage to property or relationships. We document changes in behavior, language, and mood, working with parents and schools to track how the child is functioning across daily settings.

Collaboration With Families, Schools, and Mental Health Providers

When needed, we consult with medical teams or refer to a child study center for diagnostic clarity. We support mental health diagnoses without rushing to label. Every recommendation fits your child’s needs and builds toward long-term improvement. Our goal is functional, peaceful, emotionally stable family life.