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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.