The Family Clinic at Restore is designed specifically for families who are ready to commit to learning how to use and practice Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) as a parenting philosophy to reduce stress and have the relationship their heart desires with their children.
The twelve session therapy model blends science and years of clinical experience in Collaborative Problem Solving® approach. Therapists in the Family Clinic have been trained specifically in the CPS method and have extensive working experience with families.
The Family Clinic
Vision
A compassion-filled community where parents, young people and their support systems listen and collaborate with each other, resulting in win-win solutions.
Mission
To provide quality mental health services to families with young people who have challenging behaviors, by transforming parents’ leadership to build the skills and the relationships they desire.
What is Collaborative Problem Solving?
Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), the core skill is engaging in Plan B conversations, where parents and children work together to identify solutions to challenges, while respecting each other's perspectives. The goal is to reduce conflict, build cooperation, and teach children problem-solving skills. Below is an explanation of the three plans used in CPS, with a focus on the Plan B conversation skills
The Three Plans in CPS:
Plan A (Imposing Adult Will)
Description: Plan A is the traditional approach in which the adult sets the rules, demands compliance, and enforces consequences. This is typically a top-down approach, where the parent makes decisions without input from the child.
When to Use: Plan A is used when safety is at risk or when the issue is non-negotiable (e.g., dangerous behaviors like running into the street). However, over-reliance on Plan A can lead to resistance and power struggles, which is why it’s used sparingly in CPS.
Plan B (Collaborative Problem Solving)
Description: Plan B is the cornerstone of CPS. It involves a collaborative conversation between the parent and the child to address a specific problem. Rather than imposing solutions, the parent listens to the child’s perspective, shares their own concerns, and works together to brainstorm mutually acceptable solutions.
Three key steps of a Plan B conversation:
Empathy (Step 1): The first step in Plan B is to empathize with the child by gathering information and listening to their point of view. The goal is to fully understand what the child is thinking and feeling about the situation. For example, “I notice that you’re having a hard time sitting down for dinner. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
Define the Problem (Step 2): Once the parent has listened to the child’s perspective, they define the problem together by sharing their own concerns. This helps clarify what needs to be addressed from the parent’s point of view. For example, “I understand you feel upset, but it’s important for us to sit down together for dinner so we can talk about our day and eat as a family.”
Collaborate on a Solution (Step 3): The final step is to collaborate with the child on finding a solution that works for both parties. This step encourages the child to contribute ideas, and the parent helps guide the conversation toward a practical and mutually agreeable resolution. For example, “What do you think would help you feel more comfortable sitting at the table with us? Let’s figure out a way to make it easier.”
Plan C (Dropping the Issue)
Description: Plan C involves dropping a specific issue temporarily, typically when it is not an urgent or essential concern. This approach allows parents to focus on the most important issues and reduce unnecessary stress. It’s about picking your battles and recognizing that some issues can be postponed or handled later.
When to Use: Plan C is useful when the problem is minor or when the timing is not right to resolve it. For instance, if a child is overwhelmed, the parent might decide to address the issue later when both parties are in a better emotional state.
Skills Learned in Plan B Conversations:
Empathetic Listening
Parents learn to truly listen to their child’s perspective without judgment or interruption. This means acknowledging the child's feelings and validating their experiences, which helps the child feel understood and less defensive.Defining the Problem Together
Instead of just telling the child what the issue is, parents work collaboratively with the child to define the problem. This step fosters a sense of shared responsibility and promotes a cooperative, rather than confrontational, atmosphere.Brainstorming Solutions
One of the key skills in CPS is learning to brainstorm solutions together. Parents help their child come up with practical, realistic ideas that address both their needs and the parent’s concerns. This empowers children by giving them ownership of the solution.Staying Calm and Consistent
Parents learn to remain calm and patient, even when the child may be upset or resistant. Consistency in using Plan B helps build trust over time, so children know that their thoughts will be heard and that problems can be solved together.Setting Realistic Expectations
CPS helps parents set expectations that are developmentally appropriate and achievable for their child. This means considering the child’s age, temperament, and specific needs while working towards solutions.
Benefits of Plan B Conversations:
Builds a Collaborative Relationship: By using Plan B, parents move away from the typical "power struggle" dynamic, allowing the child to feel more respected and involved in problem-solving.
Teaches Problem-Solving Skills: The child learns how to engage in constructive problem-solving, a skill that will benefit them in various situations throughout life.
Improves Cooperation: Over time, children become more likely to engage in cooperative behavior because they are accustomed to working with their parents to find solutions.
Watch a TED TALK on Collaborative Problem Solving with Dr. Stewart Ablon, Director of the Think:Kids Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The Family Clinic Model
Use of Collaborative Problem Solving® at the Family Clinic begins with a comprehensive family assessment of the strengths and skills of the family. With a combination of scales and a structured interview, the CPS therapist tailors a plan for the next 11 sessions that meet the family where they are at.
Sessions 1 -3 are a balance of the parents and youth learning the CPS approach and the therapist understanding the problems to solve from both the parents’ and youth’s perspective.
Session 4, the family meets together to set direction and goals.
Sessions 5-8 involve modeling and coaching of the main intervention of the CPS approach.
Sessions 9-12, the therapist and family implement, assess and perfect their use of CPS skills at home. Clinical scales are used to measure progress and give feedback.
After the program is complete, parents and children will feel empowered with enhanced skill sets to routinely navigate problem solving and problem behaviors. CPS "booster sessions" or telehealth coaching can be offered if needed. It is recommended that parents attend the CPS parenting group to provide a strong foundation in the approach prior to starting family therapy.
“We reached out to Restore Therapy for assistance in helping our son have more behavioral success at home and school. As a middle school boy with ADHD, our son had a hard time transitioning back into the school environment after remote learning. We were fortunate to learn the philosophy and techniques of Collaborative Problem Solving. Through this process we were able to successfully apply the learned skills at home, and work with his teachers to implement a similar structure at school. I am happy to say our son has had a complete turnaround at school behaviorally and academically. I highly recommend the services of Restore Therapy and the CPS program.””
The CPS Clinical Team
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Ted Layman, LCSW
DIRECTOR, FAMILY THERAPIST
Ted Layman, LCSW has worked with CPS in his clinical practice for over a decade. He regularly offers training and consultation across the country as a certified CPS trainer and is part of the international team at Think:Kids. Ted has an incredible ability to teach skills to parents and young people and give them the tools to learn and practice CPS at home.
Through his development of the 12 session treatment model, Ted is leading the development and of CPS application in outpatient practice for therapists.
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Holly Gonzales, LCSW
THERAPIST
Holly works with teenagers specifically who are experiencing difficulty regulating themselves, suicidal ideation or self-harm. She provides a safe and hopeful space for youth to learn skills that help them become more flexible cognitively. She helps parents learn how to set realistic expectations and practice Plan B conversations. Holly is trained in Tier 2 level of Collaborative Problem Solving.
Now Enrolling for our next CPS Parent Group starting April 8th!
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Now Enrolling for our next CPS Parent Group starting April 8th! 〰️
Collaborative Problem Solving Parent Group
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Parents and caregivers who want to grow in their parenting skills. While ideally for two parent households, both parents would attend, we recognize this may not be feasible. Single parents are welcome to have any support people to attend. This group is not meant for children.
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In the 8-session Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) parent group, parents learn a structured, empathetic approach to improving their child's behavior and fostering cooperation. Here's an overview of the sessions:
Understanding Challenging Behaviors
Parents learn to view challenging behaviors as the result of lagging skills rather than intentional misbehavior. They gain insights into how unmet developmental or emotional needs contribute to struggles like defiance or difficulty with transitions.The Three Plans of CPS
This session focuses on explaining the three main approaches: Plan A (imposing adult will), Plan B (collaborative problem-solving), and Plan C (dropping unimportant issues). Parents are taught that Plan B is the most effective approach for fostering collaboration and reducing conflict.Identifying Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems
Parents learn how to identify specific lagging skills in their child, such as difficulty with frustration tolerance or problem-solving. They also pinpoint unsolved problems contributing to their child’s behavior, like struggles with schoolwork or peer interactions.Engaging in Collaborative Problem Solving
This session teaches the essential steps of Plan B, which involves empathetic listening and joint problem-solving. Parents practice approaching their children with curiosity, listening to their perspective, and collaboratively brainstorming solutions to problems.Strengthening the Parent-Child Relationship
Parents learn strategies for enhancing their relationship with their child through positive communication, emotional support, and consistent feedback. The emphasis is on reinforcing strengths, celebrating progress, and creating a supportive environment.Applying CPS Techniques in Everyday Situations
Parents focus on applying the CPS strategies to real-life scenarios, such as managing homework, screen time, or sibling conflicts. They learn how to approach everyday challenges with empathy and problem-solving skills, rather than relying on punishment or rewards.Plan B Practice with the Group (Part 1)
In this session, parents actively practice Plan B techniques within the group setting, role-playing challenging situations. They receive feedback and support from the group and the facilitator to refine their approach and gain confidence in using CPS with their child.Plan B Practice with the Group (Part 2)
The final session offers additional time for parents to practice and fine-tune Plan B in various scenarios, focusing on ongoing challenges they may face at home. This session provides a supportive environment for parents to share experiences, problem-solve together, and leave with the tools they need for long-term success.
By the end of the 8-session CPS parent group, parents are equipped with practical, non-punitive strategies to engage their children in meaningful problem-solving, strengthen their relationship, and create a more cooperative, peaceful home environment.
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The group is covered by all insurances that Restore Therapy accepts. See Rates + Insurance.
Restore Therapy accepts Kaiser, Pacific Source, CareOregon and Trillium which covers the cost of the class minus any copays. Our billing team will review your benefits during the intake process.
The eight week class is $360 for the first parent/caregiver. A second member of the same nuclear family may attend at a discount for an additional $280. The fee covers eight week class regardless of class attendance. Payment is required to guarantee space in the class and all fees must be paid before the first class. No refunds after Jan 6th, 2025.
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While many parents receive enough benefit from the class to implement the approach at home, some parents find they need additional guidance. At Restore, we offer specialized CPS family therapy with highly skills clinicians to help you build and hone the use of CPS in your family life sustainably. Upon completion of the group, if indicated and space allows, parents can self refer to our CPS Family Therapy program.
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The parent group is held over zoom. A minimum of 8 parents and a max of 12 parents will be able to attend. The group is offered in the Winter and Fall with Ted Layman, LCSW as the facilitator.
Register now for Spring CPS Group, Starting April 8th!
Book a call with our intakes team to register for CPS group! We’ll go over logistics of the group and any insurance questions. Can’t make spring time? We’ll hold your information for the next group.
Questions? Email: intakes@restoretherapypdx.com
Trainings & Workshops
Ted Layman, LCSW regularly offers trainings in professional setting where professionals and youth engage such as schools, hospitals and medical clinics. If you’re interested in having Ted speak or train in your professional setting, please complete the contact form.