Impulsivity Therapy for Children & Teens
Helping Your Child Develop Self-Control and Thoughtful Decision-Making
Impulsivity—acting without thinking through consequences—is a common challenge for many children and teens. While some impulsivity is a normal part of development, persistent impulsive behaviors can lead to school difficulties, social challenges, safety concerns, and family conflict. As both a therapist and mother of three San Francisco teenagers, I understand how impulsivity can impact daily life and the importance of developing effective self-regulation skills.
Impulse control therapy provides children and teens with practical strategies to pause, reflect, and make more thoughtful choices. Whether your child's impulsivity stems from ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, or is simply part of their temperament, specialized therapeutic techniques can help them develop the brain circuitry needed for improved self-regulation and decision-making.
Ready to help your child develop better impulse control? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to build these essential life skills.
Understanding Impulsivity in Children & Teens
Impulsivity can manifest in many ways across development:
Preschool/early elementary: Grabbing toys, interrupting, difficulty waiting in lines or for turns
School-age children: Blurting out answers, physical overexcitement, rushing through work
Tweens and teens: Risk-taking behaviors, emotional reactions, impulsive decisions, social media misuse
Impulsivity often coexists with other challenges like ADHD, anxiety, oppositional defiance, behavioral challenges, or learning differences. It can significantly impact academic performance, peer relationships, family dynamics, and self-esteem.
My Approach to Impulsivity Therapy
My therapeutic approach to impulsivity combines several evidence-based methodologies:
Cognitive behavioral techniques: Developing "stop and think" patterns and understanding consequences
Mindfulness practices: Building awareness of urges and creating space between thought and action
Executive function training: Strengthening working memory, planning, and organization skills
Emotional regulation strategies: Identifying and managing feelings that trigger impulsive responses
Behavior modification: Creating reward systems and meaningful feedback loops
Play-based approaches: Using games and activities that reinforce self-control
As both a therapist and mother of three teenagers in San Francisco, I bring professional expertise and real-world understanding to our work together. I focus on practical strategies that can be implemented in the contexts where impulsivity creates the most challenges—at school, with peers, during family activities, and in public settings.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Impulsivity Therapy
Consider reaching out if your child:
Acts without thinking about consequences
Has difficulty waiting their turn or interrupts frequently
Shows problems with emotional regulation and quick reactions
Engages in potentially dangerous behaviors
Experiences frequent conflicts with peers or siblings
Receives consistent feedback about impulsive behaviors from school
Makes decisions they later regret
Struggles with transitions between activities
Supporting Parents in Managing Impulsivity
Parents play a crucial role in helping children develop self-regulation. Through our work together, I'll help you:
Create home structures that support impulse control
Provide effective feedback about impulsive behaviors
Model thoughtful decision-making
Use discipline approaches that teach rather than punish
Advocate for appropriate school accommodations when needed
For parents seeking additional guidance, I also offer specialized parent coaching sessions focused on managing impulsivity at home and in school.
Begin Building Your Child's Self-Regulation Skills
While impulsivity can present significant challenges, with the right support, children and teens can develop remarkable self-regulation abilities that will serve them throughout life. As both a therapist and mother of three teenagers here in San Francisco, I bring professional knowledge and practical understanding to our therapeutic relationship.
Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to help your child develop better impulse control and thoughtful decision-making skills.
