Collaborative and proactive solutions

the model developed by dr ross greene…

…and outlined in his book Raising Human Beings. I am a certified provider of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. I have incorporated this way of thinking and working into psychotherapy for over twenty years and more recently underwent the rigorous training to become a certified provider.

This family-based approach utilizes several steps to help parents and children understand and manage their expectations, communicate, and solve problems together. It is a collaborative approach, not a top-down approach. Parents solve problems with their child and not for them. Solutions arrived are realistic and agreed upon by parents and kids, while addressing what each parties concerns may be about the problem or expectation at hand. To learn more about the model, visit here

I provide this intervention in the following steps:

  1. Initial intake where I can understand your family and child’s story (if you’ve had a neuropsychological evaluation with me, we skip to the next step)

  2. Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems: We consider the various lagging skills that may contribute to your child’s difficulties, such as with emotion regulation, flexibility, academic skills, or concentration. We take a detailed inventory of the expectations you may have for your child that they are having difficulty tackling.

  3. I teach you the model, which includes understanding the three “plans” and how to conduct a Plan B meeting where problems are solved. We also discuss how to prioritize unsolved problems and what to do about those issues that are not at the top of the list. We talk about top-down strategies that tend not to work very well when helping kids meet our expectations.

  4. I model the model for you. With your child, I will lead you through a Plan B meeting where I (1) gather information from your child about why a certain expectation is challenging for them (e.g., “I heard it’s difficult for you to get started on your story writing homework…tell me more about that.”), (2) find out more from you about why this expectation is important, and (3) help you and your child find a realistic solution that addresses your and your child’s concerns on the matter. This can be done once or multiple times, as is needed.

  5. I coach you through the model. Once you have it down, you will lead a Plan B meeting with your child with me coaching as needed. This can also be done as many times as needed until you feel proficient at using the model.

  6. Families at this point typically implement the model on their own, but there is always support if needed when families are stuck, need a refresher, or have follow-up questions.

Plan for 5 to 10 sessions with me or one of my staff. As with our evaluations, a sliding scale is available. Please inquire for rates and scheduling.