Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Teens

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioural condition where a young person shows a persistent pattern of anger, irritability, defiance, or hostility towards authority figures. While all teenagers push boundaries from time to time, ODD goes beyond typical rebellion.

For families, ODD can create constant conflict, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or helpless. Recognising the difference between normal behaviour and ODD is important in seeking the right help.

Signs and Symptoms of ODD

Young people with ODD may show:

Frequent arguments with parents, teachers, or other adults
Defiance of rules and refusal to comply with requests
Deliberately annoying or provoking others
Blaming others for mistakes or misbehaviour
Irritability, spitefulness, or anger that lasts longer than typical mood swings
Difficulty maintaining friendships or positive relationships

When these behaviours persist for six months or more and disrupt daily life at home, school, or in social settings, ODD may be present.

UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus.

Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus on the 25th of October 2022 at the premises of the British University of Cyprus. The purpose of the Memorandum is to provide a framework of collaboration between UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus, in areas of teaching, research, science, innovation and applied experience, aiming to support the well-being of Holina Cyprus’s residents, to foster, as well as develop employability skills for youth and young adults who deal with behavioural health issues.

Holina Cyprus serves as a young person’s community, offering its residents a holistic mental and spiritual support system for youth and young adults to feel safe and trusted and thus overcome behavioural health issues of various forms. With the support of a team of psychologists and psychotherapists who are among the best in the world, Holina Youth Village creates a life-changing programme, which offers an innovative approach to the healing process by incorporating educational and teaching objectives. UCLan Cyprus, with its unique blend of academic and practical experience, as well as its unparallel commitment to initiatives which promote the health and well-being of youth, will develop an innovative educational programme on various courses which present a special interest to Holina Village Youth residents.

Causes and Contributing Factors

ODD does not have a single cause. It often develops through a combination of:

Genetic predispositions, including a family history of mental health conditions
Trauma or chronic stress during childhood or adolescence
Inconsistent or harsh parenting approaches
Underlying conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression
Difficulty with emotional regulation, especially during adolescence

Understanding the root causes helps guide effective treatment.

How ODD Affects Families

ODD doesn’t only impact the young person—it affects the entire household. Families may feel trapped in cycles of argument, punishment, and resentment. Parents often describe “walking on eggshells” to avoid conflict, while siblings may also feel neglected or stressed.
The good news is that with the right support, both the young person and the family can break free of these patterns.

Treatment for ODD in Teens.

Successful treatment for ODD focuses on improving emotional regulation, communication, and family relationships. At Holina Cyprus, our programmes for ODD include:

Individual therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT) to help young people manage anger, frustration, and impulsivity
Family therapy to rebuild trust, improve communication, and create healthier boundaries
Therapeutic community living, teaching responsibility, empathy, and cooperation
Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga, and equine therapy, to reduce stress and build resilience
Education and life skills training, ensuring young people continue progressing academically and socially

The Holina Cyprus Approach

Our recovery centre specialises in working with adolescents and young adults aged 16–25. We know that ODD is not just “bad behaviour” but a signal that a young person needs help in developing emotional and social skills.

At Holina Cyprus, we provide a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where young people can:

Learn healthier ways to express anger and frustration
Develop problem-solving and social skills
Rebuild confidence and self-esteem
Strengthen family bonds through guided counselling

Guidance for Parents

If your teen or young adult may be struggling with ODD:

Stay calm during conflict—avoid power struggles where possible
Set clear, consistent boundaries without harsh punishment
Focus on positive reinforcement rather than only consequences
Seek professional support early—ODD rarely improves without guidance
Remember it is not your fault—ODD is a recognised condition, not a reflection of poor parenting

A Path Forward

Living with ODD can feel exhausting, but with the right support, young people can learn to manage their emotions and behaviours in healthier ways. Families, too, can heal from the cycle of conflict and find new strength together.

Holina Cyprus offers specialised treatment for ODD within a holistic, youth-focused setting—helping teens and young adults rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of self.

📞 To learn more, contact info@holinacyprus.com or call +66 (0) 62641-8369.

Locations

Holina Global Locations

Holina Rehabilitation Services are also available in Thailand at our Holina Treatment Centre on Koh Phangan Island where we provide a holistic recovery program for mind, body & soul. A robust 12-step program, psychotherapy & trauma resolution, body movement, breathwork, somatic therapy, partially submerged in the pool, massages & physical wellness, art therapy, therapeutic activities, spiritual practices like meditation & mindfulness as well as a tailored post-rehab program – these are just a few of the main ingredients for the successful long-term recovery offered at Holina. We also cater for the corporate and business world with our Spiritual Retreats at our forthcoming location on Koh Phangan Island.

Holina Koh Phangan

Addiction Treatment Centre

Some of the world’s leading addiction specialists are some of the key components that lead to our client’s long term success.

Holina Retreat

Corporate Spiritual Retreat

Specialising in healing our emotions and expanding our spirit through our beautiful retreat in Koh Phangan.

Prepare Your Journey to Holina Village

Holina Cyprus Care Center FAQ’s

Why should I go to Holina Village?

If you are experiencing challenges or struggles in your life that are giving you uncomfortable consequences – for example, failing at school, getting arrested, hurting your friends or losing them, experiencing strong anxiety, self-harming, cutting yourself off from people and hiding, etc, then Holina Village would make a great place for you to transform yourself from unnecessary pain or discomfort and discover joy and vitality back into your life.

What do you treat?

Holina Village is focused on emotional and behavioural health, including addictions, self-harming, anti-social behaviours, stress, diminished motivation, isolation,
insecurity, anxiety and other challenges socially awkward feelings or attitudes.

How long do people stay?

Our minimum commitment is 4 weeks, though realistically this is rarely enough time to bring about long-lasting change. Therefore we strongly suggest 6 to 12 months, particularly if they want to engage in the educational opportunities our partners UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire) offer us. Whilst our minimum commitment is 4 weeks, many, probably most of our residents stay around 3 to 6 months.

Are you a residential environment or can I just drop by?

We are a fully immersed residential experience, with a minimum of one-month commitment, though most residents stay for 3 or more months, often 6 months or even longer.

No one is allowed to visit unscheduled without an appointment, though family members are encouraged to come and visit on weekends, in the second month onwards.

It is important to us that we protect the sanctity of the Holina Village space and keep them safe. We are not a daycare facility or outpatient service. We only serve those people looking for a fully immersive experience.

So my family can visit me whilst I’m in treatment?

We encourage parents and adult family members to come and visit from the 2 nd month onwards at weekends. We offer Family Therapy during these visits (held over weekends) in both group and private settings. We understand that sometimes the whole family needs to heal, and we believe these therapeutically supported family sessions will help the greater family. Furthermore, we know that your success is significantly improved when family members are engaged in their loved one’s recovery.

Can I smoke / Vape?

Yes, you may, if you are above the legal age to smoke. Whilst we’d love to encourage you to quit whilst you’re with us, we acknowledge that many people do smoke. There is a dedicated smoking area.

What’s the weather like?

Cyprus is a pleasant climate all year round. Certainly plenty of blue skies. It’s the warmest part of Europe during the Winter months. Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which is separated by short autumn and spring seasons.

August is the hottest month in Paphos with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and the coldest is January at 13°C (55°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in July. The wettest month is December with an average of 93.9mm of rain.

What should I pack?

Pack as if you were coming on an adventure holiday to an island with plenty of land and sea-based activities. Dress casually and comfortably. It’s not a fashion parade but a small village of like-minded friends all hanging out together.

Bring activewear for workouts and other fitness activities including swimming, sports shoes, and light wear for yoga. We do physical activities almost every day, so bring a few pairs to allow for laundry times.
We have a safe to keep your valuables in, but expensive jewellery and other luxury items are unnecessary.

Toiletries: Please bring your toiletries and hygiene products, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, shaving materials, basic makeup, hairbrush, etc. Anything you forget we can purchase from local shops.

Medications: You are allowed to continue using your doctor-prescribed medications whilst with us, but please do bring proof of your prescription. Please keep all your pills in the original packaging so that they are considered authorized narcotics.

What should I not pack then?

Kindly do not bring the following:

Alcohol or drugs: It might seem self-explanatory, but some clients may try to sneak in a last-minute hit, fix, pill, can, bottle, etc. Your bags and belongings will be searched when you arrive at Holina.

Alcohol or drug paraphernalia: This includes anything that advertises or glorifies the use of alcohol or drugs. This should also include items that display support for criminal acts including terrorism, sex, gambling, or other negatively perceived notions that could upset other residents.

Weapons: There is no need to bring any knives or weapons with you to Cyprus or treatment. They will be confiscated and destroyed.

Toiletries that contain alcohol: Leave any alcohol-based products at home, such as certain mouthwashes, nail polish removers, perfumes, and aerosols.

Can you cater to all dietary requirements?

We cater to all dietary requirements, though we request that you inform us in advance so we can prepare. You can advise us of any of your specific dietary needs and we can manage them. We’re used to having people with all types of needs.

How much does Holina Village cost?

Our prices are all-inclusive and agreed upon based on your length of stay. Minimum stay in one month is €15,000, 3 months is €40,000 and 6 months is €70,000

Any other hidden costs?

We don’t have any hidden costs, though there are some costs that you should be aware of. Things that are not covered include:

We ask you to pay for anything medical above first aid which our staff are trained in, for instance, any prescribed medications or requirements for further medical support..

We also ask that you have travel or medical insurance in place before you come to us. This is really for any emergencies, for instance if you fall over and break your arm or some other accident and you require a trip to the hospital.

We don’t pay for your flights to and from Larnaca Airport (LCA), but we will meet and greet you at the airport on arrival. We can chaperone you door to door-from your home at an extra charge (calculated based on the distance/complexity using one of our Recovery Coaches).

Typically, our clients spend between €50 and €100 per month on personal items, such as snacks, sodas, cigarettes, some toiletries, etc, but it’s not necessary to spend any more.

Do I need a Visa or any vaccines?

At this time, residents of most countries around the world can come to Cyprus and achieve a visa upon entry. We will advise you on this process. It’s very straight forwards.
If you extend your treatment and need a longer visa then we will swallow this cost for you.

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Start Your Teen’s Recovery Journey Today

If you are looking for a specialized rehab program for your teen or young adult, Holina Village is here to help. Whether you are seeking teen addiction treatment, mental health services, or teen trauma recovery, we offer comprehensive, English-speaking rehab services to teens and young adults from Cyprus and Europe.

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How Did You Hear About Us?

+66 62 641 8369

info@holinacyprus.com

+66 62 641 8369

info@holinacyprus.com