When a child has conduct disorder, life at home can feel hard. They may break rules, get into fights, or hurt people and things on purpose. Parents often feel tired and worried, while brothers and sisters might feel scared or upset.
Family therapy is one way many families find help. It’s a type of counseling where the whole family works together to talk better, set fair rules, and help the child grow.
At Synergy Behavioral Health in Westchester, Illinois, we know how much conduct disorder can affect every family member. We guide families through these challenges and help children find better ways to behave.
What Is Conduct Disorder?
Conduct disorder is more than just “acting out.” It is a real mental health problem. A child or teen with conduct disorder often shows behavior that breaks rules or hurts others.
This can include:
- Aggression toward people or animals
- Breaking or damaging things
- Lying or stealing
- Skipping school or running away
If a child doesn’t get help, the problem can get worse. At Synergy Behavioral Health, we help children and teens with conduct disorder learn better ways to act and help parents know how to guide and support them.
Why Family Matters in Conduct Disorder Care
Children grow and learn inside their families. The language and manner in which problems are handled and stresses are coped with by a family can influence children’s behavior.
Everybody is stressed when one of the children has a conduct disorder.
Many families find relief when they work with a therapist, even if it’s not the only way to get help. At Synergy Behavioral Health, we encourage families to be an integral part of the plan, so children feel supported at home and in therapy.
What Role Does Family Therapy Play in Treating Conduct Disorder?
Family therapy may provide an essential treatment for conduct disorder. It is not about pointing fingers; it is about fixing problems.
It can help families:
- Talk and Listen Better
Learning to share feelings calmly can reduce yelling and arguments.
- Set Clear Rules
Consistent, fair rules help the child know what is expected.
- Solve Problems Together
Families can learn step-by-step ways to handle conflicts.
- Build Trust and Connection
When family members spend positive time together, relationships grow stronger.
At Synergy Behavioral Health, these skills are valuable in any treatment plan for conduct disorder.
What Happens in Family Therapy?
The therapist is expected to meet the child and the entire family in a family therapy session. The sessions may involve:
- Talking about recent challenges
- Practicing calm and respectful talk
- Setting small, reachable goals
- Role-playing real-life situations
Although family therapy may be just one component of the treatment, at Synergy Behavioral Health, our team teaches families how to use these skills at home for better results.
Why It Works
Family therapy works because it focuses on the child’s main environment, the home.
When parents and siblings learn to:
- Respond calmly
- Set clear limits
- Give positive attention
The child feels safer, more understood, and more willing to change. At Synergy Behavioral Health, we know a strong family can make a big difference in recovery from conduct disorder.
The Role of Parents
Parents are the most essential helpers in this process. In therapy or other programs, they can learn to:
- Stay calm during challenging times
- Notice and praise good behavior
- Work together as a parenting team
- Take care of their mental health
At Synergy Behavioral Health, we guide parents in developing these skills as part of conduct disorder treatment.
Helping Siblings
Siblings can be frightened, upset, or tend to become excluded when one of them has conduct disorder.
Family therapy gives them a safe space to share their feelings. At Synergy Behavioral Health, we also help parents ensure every child in the home feels loved and supported.
When to Get Help
Seek assistance if your family argues daily, struggles with guidelines, or feels despair about your child’s actions.
Synergy Behavioral Health offers caring, evidence-based treatment for conduct disorder. We listen, understand, and make a plan to help your child build respect, responsibility, and healthy habits.
How Synergy Behavioral Health Helps
At Synergy Behavioral Health, we know every family is unique. Our treatment plans for conduct disorder are designed for your child’s needs.
We help with:
- Understanding the causes and signs of conduct disorder
- Teaching skills for better behavior
- Supporting families in creating a safe, structured home
Hope for the Future
Conduct disorder is challenging, but it does not have to be a determinant of your child’s future. Children can learn to make better choices with the proper care and family support.
At Synergy Behavioral Health, we are here to help your child and your family get to a more peaceful and joyful life.
Contact us today to learn more about our conduct disorder treatment and how we can support your family.
FAQs
How can I tell if my child has a conduct disorder?
When your child is regularly breaking rules, hurting people, or breaking things and has been doing that for months, then it could be a conduct disorder. A professional at Synergy Behavioral Health can make an evaluation.
Can conduct disorder improve with help?
Yes. Kids can learn to behave and make friends with the proper support.
