Group Therapy for Conduct Disorder at Cadabams CDC
When a child shows persistent aggression, rule-breaking, or defiance, parents often feel isolated and unsure where to turn. Group therapy for conduct disorder—delivered in a carefully supervised setting—can reduce antisocial behaviors while teaching healthier peer interaction. At Cadabams CDC, our multidisciplinary team has spent over three decades refining a program that blends clinical rigor with genuine warmth, so children and parents feel seen, heard, and hopeful.
Why Choose Cadabam’s Group Therapy for Conduct Disorder
Clinically-Proven Outcomes
- 78% of children show measurable reductions in aggression after one 8-week cycle.
- Improvements tracked via parent reports, teacher feedback, and standardized rating scales.
- Data published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national child-psychiatry conferences.
Multidisciplinary Team Led by Child Psychiatrists
Every group is co-facilitated by:
- A board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist.
- Two licensed clinical psychologists.
- A special-education expert for real-time classroom strategies.
Low Therapist-to-Child Ratio for Safety
- Maximum 4 children per therapist—well below industry norms.
- Trained behavior technicians provide “shadow support” for impulsive or escalatory moments.
- On-site pediatric nurse for medical oversight.
How Our Group Therapy Works
Assessment & Personalized Goal Setting
Before the first session, your child completes:
- A 90-minute diagnostic interview with parents and child separately.
- Questionnaires (e.g., SDQ, SNAP-IV) to capture baseline behaviors.
- A brief cognitive screening to rule out learning disorders that can mimic defiance.
Goals (e.g., “reduce physical fights at school from 3 to 0 per week”) are written in child-friendly language and shared with the family.
Structured 8-Week Modules
| Week | Core Focus | Sample Activity | Parent Homework |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safety & group rules | “Stop–Think–Act” role-play | Daily emotion-chart sticker game |
| 2 | Identifying triggers | Anger volcano worksheet | Praise log for prosocial moments |
| 3 | Empathy building | Feelings charades | Co-reading a story about kindness |
| 4 | Problem-solving | Group maze challenge | Practice ‘Plan A / Plan B’ at home |
| 5 | Peer feedback | “Hot Seat” constructive comments | Reflect on tone of voice at dinner |
| 6 | Emotional regulation | DBT TIPP skill (cold water, paced breathing) | Five-minute mindfulness together |
| 7 | Conflict resolution | Mock mediation | Sibling negotiation script |
| 8 | Relapse prevention | Personal success poster | Relapse drill & celebration plan |
Parent Feedback Sessions
- Weekly 15-minute check-ins by phone or secure video.
- Mid-cycle and end-cycle 45-minute in-person reviews.
- Dashboard snapshot emailed every Friday with graphs and next-step tips.
Evidence-Based Techniques We Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Groups
Kids learn to spot “thought distortions” like “Everyone is out to get me” and replace them with balanced thoughts. Activities include comic-strip sequencing to visualize before-and-after reactions.
Dialectical Behavior Skills for Emotional Regulation
- Distress tolerance (e.g., ice cube hold, paced breathing).
- Emotion labeling—expanding beyond “mad” to “frustrated,” “jealous,” or “embarrassed.”
- Interpersonal effectiveness scripts for joining a game without aggression.
Positive Peer Culture & Prosocial Modeling
Older “graduate” group alumni return as mentors once a month. Watching peers succeed normalizes change and reduces stigma.
Benefits of Group vs Individual Therapy
Peer Feedback Reduces Antisocial Cognitions
Real-time challenges (“You grabbed the marker—how did that make Sam feel?”) are safer coming from peers than adults. MRI studies show that peer-feedback circuits activate empathy regions more robustly.
Cost-Effective Without Compromising Quality
Group sessions cost ~40% less per hour than one-on-one therapy while delivering equal symptom-reduction outcomes in meta-analyses.
Real-Time Social Skills Practice
Unlike individual therapy where social scenarios are hypothetical, group settings allow live rehearsal: sharing materials, taking turns, handling teasing.
Our Specialized Group Programs
Early-Onset Conduct Disorder (Ages 6-9)
- Emphasis on storytelling, puppet play, and parent-child dyad activities.
- Primary goals: follow classroom rules, reduce tantrums, build empathy vocabulary.
Adolescent Aggression & Rule Violations (Ages 10-15)
- Focus on identity exploration, social media triggers, and future-oriented goal setting.
- Includes a weekend family retreat to practice skills in a neutral setting.
Parent-Child Dyad Groups
Two therapists coach simultaneous mini-sessions: one with kids on coping tools, one with parents on consistent discipline. Families reunite for joint practice.
What Parents Can Expect
Progress Tracking Dashboard
Log in to view:
- Weekly aggression frequency chart (updated by facilitators).
- Therapist notes in plain language.
- Achievement badges for your child to celebrate small wins.
Weekly Parenting Strategy Workshops
Free 60-minute sessions cover:
- How to deliver effective commands.
- Using token economies without bribery.
- Navigating school suspension meetings.
Crisis Support Hotline Access
Stuck in a meltdown at 8 p.m.? Text or call our 24/7 line; a clinician calls back within 15 minutes with de-escalation scripts.