Child Counsellor for Conduct Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
If your child’s behaviour feels “out of control”—aggression, lying, truancy, or cruelty toward others—you may have heard the term Conduct Disorder. Finding the right child counsellor for Conduct Disorder can feel overwhelming, but early, expert support can change the entire family’s future. At Cadabam’s CDC, we combine decades of experience with evidence-based therapies to help children learn healthier ways to connect, regulate emotions, and thrive.
What is Conduct Disorder in Children?
Definition & Diagnostic Criteria
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive pattern of behavior in which a child violates the basic rights of others or age-appropriate societal norms. To meet diagnostic criteria, at least three core behaviors—such as bullying, destroying property, or serious rule violations—must be present in the past 12 months, with at least one in the past 6 months.
Types of Conduct Disorder
- Childhood-Onset (before age 10): Often more severe and persistent.
- Adolescent-Onset (after age 10): Generally milder, with a better prognosis.
- Unspecified Onset: Age of first symptom unclear.
Difference Between ODD & CD
| Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) | Conduct Disorder (CD) |
|---|---|
| Defiance, argumentativeness | Physical aggression, cruelty, serious rule-breaking |
| Blames others for mistakes | Lacks guilt or remorse |
| Home & school disruption | Violates laws & rights of others |
Signs & Symptoms of Conduct Disorder
Behavioral Symptoms
- Bullying or threatening peers
- Frequent fights or use of weapons
- Deliberate fire-setting or vandalism
- Stealing with confrontation (e.g., mugging)
- Chronic truancy beginning before age 13
Emotional Indicators
- Low empathy or indifference to others’ pain
- Shallow or absent guilt after wrongdoing
- Irritability and difficulty handling frustration
Impact on Academic & Social Life
- Suspensions, expulsions, or repeated detentions
- Peer rejection leading to isolation or deviant friendships
- Falling grades due to classroom disruptions or absenteeism
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Factors
- Neurotransmitter imbalances (low serotonin, high dopamine)
- Impaired frontal-lobe executive function
- Genetics: First-degree relatives with CD, ADHD, or substance abuse
Environmental Triggers
- Exposure to community violence
- Easy access to weapons or substances
- Media glorification of aggression
Family Dynamics
- Harsh, inconsistent discipline
- Parental substance misuse or criminality
- Chronic marital conflict or domestic violence
Our Approach to Conduct Disorder Counseling
Evidence-Based Therapies We Use
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe hostile attributions
- Parent Management Training (PMT) for consistent, positive discipline
- Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) to teach prosocial alternatives
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills modules for emotion regulation
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, special educators, and occupational therapists collaborate weekly to track every child’s progress.
Parent Involvement Program
- Fortnightly coaching sessions
- 24x7 tele-support line for crisis moments
- Homework assignments to practice strategies at home
Therapy Options Available
Individual Child Therapy
One-on-one sessions (45–50 min) focusing on anger management, empathy building, and social skills.
Family Therapy Sessions
Structured sessions with parents and siblings to improve communication patterns and reduce conflict triggers.
Group Therapy Programs
4–6 peers working on cooperative games, peer feedback, and conflict-resolution role-plays under therapist guidance.
Online/Offline Flexibility
Choose in-person sessions at our Bangalore or Hyderabad centers, or secure video sessions for continuity during travel or school exams.
Why Choose Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Our Specialized Team
- Over 30 years of cumulative experience in child mental health
- In-house developmental pediatricians for co-morbid assessments
- Continuous CBT and DBT certification training for all clinicians
Success Stories
- 78% reduction in school disciplinary incidents after 6 months
- 85% of parents report improved sibling relationships
- National Award for Child-Friendly Practices, 2023
Child-Friendly Environment
- Sensory-sensitive therapy rooms
- Secure outdoor play area for behavioral rehearsals
- Reward-based token economy wall visible to children
Getting Started: Assessment Process
Initial Consultation
A 60-minute session with parents and child to outline concerns, timelines, and goals.
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Conners 4 & CSI-4 rating scales
- School observation (with consent)
- IQ and academic achievement testing if indicated
Personalized Treatment Plan
Delivered within 72 hours; includes frequency of sessions, measurable goals, and expected timelines.