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Behavioral Concerns

● Difficulty regulating emotions 
● Big reactions and feelings to small situations 
● Impulsivity with their bodies or words 
● Difficulty with transitions 
● Defiance or aggression 
● Social struggles 
● Inability to maintain attention or focus 
● Sensory sensitivities 
● Difficulties with boundaries and personal space 
● Sleep struggles 

While some of these behaviors are a natural part of growing up, they could also indicate that your child is facing challenges and may benefit from additional support and resources. To determine whether your child's behavior is typical or more concerning, consider how it might be impacting other areas of their life. Are they struggling academically? Having trouble making friends? Finding it hard to self-soothe? Acting out verbally or physically? Is there increased tension at home?

Are you noticing any of the following behaviors in your child?

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Treatment for
Behavioral Concerns

At Ballard Clinic, we use proven therapy techniques to help children understand and improve their behaviors. Our goal is to help kids gain better control over their actions, build self-awareness, and develop healthier ways to cope with emotions. Parents play a key role in this process, as we provide guidance on how to reinforce these skills at home. Every child is unique, so we tailor our approach to fit their specific needs and goals.

More information about the treatment approaches we use...

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  • Therapeutic Play – Using toys like puppets, dolls, or art activities to explore and express emotions.
  • Sensory Play – Engaging in soothing sensory activities, such as play-doh, kinetic sand, or water tables/jars.
  • Identifying Emotions – Using tools like emotion charts or thermometers to help children recognize and label their feelings.
  • Calming Techniques – Teaching relaxation practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, or grounding techniques.
  • Size of the Problem – Helping children differentiate between small, medium, and large problems, and how to react accordingly.

PLAY & ART BASED THERAPY

EMOTIONAL REGULATION STRATEGIES & COPING SKILLS

  • Perspective-Taking – Role-playing and storytelling to help children understand other people's feelings.
  • Turn-Taking & Sharing – Practicing these social skills through structured play and reinforcement.
  • Problem-Solving Techniques – Teaching conflict resolution using tools like “Think it Through” worksheets.
  • Gradual Exposure – Gently introducing feared situations in a controlled and supportive environment.
  • Cognitive Reframing – Helping children shift from catastrophic thinking to more helpful perspectives.

IMPULSE CONTROL INTERVENTIONS

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SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING, EXPOSURES, and DESENSITIZATION

  • Pause & Think Strategies – Encouraging children to stop and think before responding (e.g., "Stop, Think, Act").
  • Self-Control Games – Using activities like Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, or impulse-control card games to practice self-regulation.
  • Visual Supports – Utilizing schedules, timers, and cues to enhance executive functioning skills.

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You're not alone in your health and wellness journey. Together, we can create a path of renewal and hope.

Providing a safe space for health, wellness and renewal.

We are experts in helping children, adolescents, ​young adults, and families.