Denis Sukhodolsky, PhD

Denis Sukhodolsky, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in the Yale Child Study Center who treats children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome and OCD. He also sees patients with oppositional defiant and disruptive mood dysregulation disorders. Patients with these disorders often have frequent anger outbursts and chronic irritability, the type of symptoms that fall into the category of emotion dysregulation.

“For example, most children may be upset about not being able to play a video game, but get over it quickly,” Sukhodolsky says. “But children who have trouble regulating their emotions can stay upset for prolonged periods of time or get into long arguments that ruin their day.”

Sukhodolsky works with children and their family members to develop strategies to face challenging situations when they happen.

“We discuss the importance of creating daily routines for patients and helping them transition between activities,” he says.

Sukhodolsky uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping patients change negative emotions and thinking patterns through practicing specific behavioral strategies.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping children change how they interact with their social world by giving them the tools to understand and master their emotions,” Sukhodolsky says.

In his current research, Sukhodolsky leads clinical trials that test behavioral therapy interventions for children with anger outbursts, anxiety and autism.