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Behavioral Therapy for Children in Tampa & St. Petersburg
When your child’s behavior feels overwhelming and nothing seems to work, we know it’s easy to feel defeated at times. At IBW, we help families in Tampa and St. Petersburg turn chaos into clarity with expert support, proven strategies, and a renewed sense of hope.
What Is Child Behavioral Therapy?
Child behavioral therapy is an approach to treatment that helps children understand and manage challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Unlike traditional talk therapy, behavioral therapy for kids focuses on practical strategies to improve self-control, cooperation, and communication. It is one of the most evidence based approaches to address challenges such as tantrums, aggression, and emotional dysregulation.
Behavioral therapy is goal-oriented and skill based, making it a powerful approach for parents and their kids in the greater Tampa area struggling with daily functioning at home or school.
What Age Can Children Start Behavioral Therapy?
Therapy can be effective as early as age 3, especially when using approaches like play-based behavioral therapy or parent-child interaction approaches. Preschool-aged children often communicate their needs and emotions through their behavior rather than language, making behavioral therapy a developmentally appropriate and effective approach.
If your child is 3 to 12 years old and showing signs of consistent emotional or behavioral distress, now is the right time to explore support.
What Does a Behavior Therapist Do with Kids?
A behavior therapist helps children recognize and manage difficult emotions, reduce disruptive behaviors, and develop healthy coping strategies. Through structured therapy sessions, they teach kids how to respond more calmly to frustration, follow directions, and build problem-solving skills. Techniques can include things such as role-playing, interactive games, “playing” with behavior charts, and even offers guidance for parents to reinforce behavior at all.
“It’s not about fixing a child—it’s about helping them feel understood, regulated, and confident,” says Dr. Mary Perleoni, PhD, co-founder of It Begins Within
child behavior therapy often includes
Our Tampa child behavioral therapists work with children to:
Identify emotional triggers and patterns
Build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness
Practice new responses to stress and frustration
Develop social skills
Set boundaries and reinforce positive behaviors
Meet Our Child Behavioral Therapists Near You
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![pediatric behavior therapist supporting children with tantrums and defiance in Tampa]()
Ashley Canto, MSW, LCSW
Tampa Child Behavior Therapist & Certified TF-CBT Counselor
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![Child therapist using play therapy techniques for emotional regulation in St. Pete]()
Megan Midura, RMHCI
Play-Based Child Therapist in St. Petersburg | Supervised by a Licensed Clinician at IBW
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![Therapist working with young children ages 3–7 on behavior challenges and routines]()
Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC
Early Childhood Therapist for Behavior Issues
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![Tampa Therapist specializing in anxiety-related behavior issues in children]()
Ciana Nguyen, MSW, LCSW
Child Anxiety & Behavior Therapist in Tampa, FL
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![Child therapist helping kids manage anger and impulsivity through behavioral therapy]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Emotional Regulation Specialist for Children in St. Petersburg
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![Therapist helping teens navigate mood swings, defiance, and emotional dysregulation]()
Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW
Teen Behavior Therapist in Tampa
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![Therapist supporting teen boys through behavior-focused therapy for anger, emotional regulation, and social challenges]()
Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC
Adolescent Boys Therapist for Anger & Impulse Control
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![Experienced child therapist helping families navigate behavioral and emotional challenges for over 20 years in the Tampa Bay area]()
Trish Cunningham, MS, LMHC
Child & Family Therapist with 20+ Years Experience in Tampa
How Well Does Behavior Therapy Work for Kids?
Research consistently shows that behavioral therapy is highly effective for children with anxiety, ADHD, and behavior challenges.
With consistent participation, most families will start to achieve their therapeutic objectives within as little as 8–12 sessions. It’s important to note that generally speaking, earlier intervention not only can improve outcomes but also reduces stress for both the child and their caregivers.
Research & clinical evidence supporting behavior therapy for kids
Research by Kazdin (2003) found that skills-based behavior therapy (such as modeling, reinforcement, and cognitive problem-solving training) significantly reduces aggression and oppositional behavior in children (Kazdin, 2003).
For children with ADHD, behavioral therapy has also been shown to be as effective (if not more so) than medication alone. A seminal study by Pelham & Fabiano (2008) recommends behavioral therapy, particularly when combined with parent training, as a first-line treatment (Pelham & Fabiano, 2008).
keys to success | Defining consistent participation
Consistent participation means more than just showing up for weekly sessions—it involves a collaborative, committed approach between your child, the therapist, and you as the parent. This includes:
Attending sessions regularly and on time
Practicing skills at home between sessions
Communicating openly with your therapist about what’s working (and what’s not)
Reinforcing therapeutic strategies across daily routines
Progress happens when children feel safe, supported, and understood across settings—not just in the therapy room. Families who actively engage in the process often see faster and more sustainable outcomes.
Does Behavioral Therapy Help with ADHD?
Absolutely. In fact, behavioral therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for children with ADHD before or alongside medication.
The benefits of behavior therapy for kids with attention challenges include: learning impulse control, managing frustration, and creating more predictable routines.
our approach to treating childhood adhd in tampa & st. petersburg
Our approach to treating ADHD is holistic. We recognize that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not something that can be diagnosed through a blood test, brain scan, or any single medical report. Diagnosis and treatment require an understanding of the whole child (which includes their environment, emotional regulation, attention patterns, and behavioral history).
While medication may be an appropriate aspect of care for some children, it is never our first stop. Medications can be helpful, but they also can come with side effects and don’t always address the underlying behavioral or emotional challenges.
Our standard protocol includes:
A thoughtful evaluation and family consultation
A focus on behavioral therapy that builds tools for regulation and success (which benefits children regardless of diagnosis)
Integration of additional support as needed (which may include medication) school accommodations or parent coaching
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Behavioral Therapy?
What Is a Behavior Disorder vs. Typical Childhood Behavior?
This is one of the most confusing areas for parents. It’s normal for kids to:
Have tantrums in toddlerhood
Talk back during early school years
Struggle with big emotions around ages 3–7
However, if these behaviors:
Occur most days
Cause disruption at school/home
Don’t improve with structure or consequences
...they may reflect a behavioral or emotional disorder.
Our therapists help you understand what’s developmentally expected vs. what may need extra support.
What Are the Most Common Types of Behavior Therapy for Children?
Our therapists choose methods based on your child’s age, needs, and personality, which include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolscents
Best for: Children (age 7 and up) and teens struggling with anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, or behavioral challenges.
How it works: CBT helps children understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (parent coaching)
Best for: Children ages 2–7 with frequent tantrums, aggression, noncompliance, or difficulty following rules.
How it works: Parents are coached to reinforce positive behavior, reduce power struggles, and improve emotional connection.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)
Best for: Tweens and teens who experience intense emotions, frequent outbursts, relationship struggles, or self-harm behaviors.
How it works: Teens learn how to identify triggers, manage distress, and build healthier relationships.
Play Therapy
Best for: Young children (ages 3–10) who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, or aggression.
How it works: A trained therapist observes and interacts with the child in a therapeutic playroom, using toys, art, and stories to support emotional growth, self-expression, and behavioral improvement.
What’s the Difference Between Behavioral Therapy and Regular Therapy?
Unlike “regular” or talk therapy, which often centers on emotional processing, behavioral therapy takes a more structured, skills-based approach. It focuses on targeting specific behaviors and goals, frequently includes direct parent involvement, and emphasizes measurable progress over time.
Can I Use Behavioral Techniques at Home?
Yes and we’ll show you how. Many parents benefit from:
Positive reinforcement strategies
Visual schedules and routines
Emotion & regulation tools
Calm, consistent discipline plans
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer, More Connected Home
We provide expert behavioral therapy for children across Tampa and St. Petersburg with a free 15-minute consultation to help you get started. At It Begins Within, we believe the most important factor in therapy success is the relationship your child builds with their therapist—and we’re here to help make that match feel easy and supportive.