What is Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS)?
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) is an evidence-based model developed by Dr. Ross Greene to help parents better understand and respond to their children’s behaviors. The CPS model encourages a paradigm shift for parents, caregivers, and teachers in how they perceive and address challenging behaviors. In many ways, it involves changing the perspective on challenging behavior and recognizing it is a symptom of an underlying challenge rather than simply something to be corrected.
The foundation of Dr. Greene’s approach is that all kids want to do well and will do well if they can. According to the CPS model, challenging behavior occurs when the demands or expectations placed on a child exceed the child’s ability to respond adaptively. This means adults are encouraged to move away from focusing solely on the behavior itself, and instead view these behaviors as signals that the child is struggling to meet expectations. The CPS model follows a collaborative and proactive approach to solving problems rather than relying on traditional behavior modification techniques. From our perspective, executive functioning challenges are almost always the underlying cause of the behaviors for which CPS is most appropriate.
➤ What are the key goals of CPS?
Identify and Solve Unsolved Problems:
The CPS model helps identify specific unsolved problems, distinct from the behaviors themselves, that make it difficult for a child to meet expectations. Once identified, the parent and child work together to find solutions that work for both of them.
At Dandelion, we break these challenges down into both social and emotional executive functioning difficulties.
Enhance Relationships, Communication and Empathy:
By emphasizing collaboration over control, CPS strengthens the parent-child relationship. This shift promotes open communication, understanding, and empathy, allowing both parent and child to better understand each other’s perspective.
At Dandelion, we believe that CPS is all about building relationships and reconnecting families.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
The CPS process helps children and families learn to manage frustration and emotions more effectively. Actively working through solutions builds real-time problem-solving skills and helps children practice these skills in meaningful moments.
Emphasize Collaboration and Connection:
By working together to solve problems, families can reduce daily power struggles. The CPS model encourages curiosity and cooperation, lowering defensiveness and increasing openness. This makes it easier to find solutions that work for everyone involved.
➤ What is the role of the therapist?
The therapist’s role is to guide and support the collaborative problem-solving process between parents and children. They help identify the root causes of behavior, such as lagging skills or unsolved problems, and work with the family to develop a plan to address them together. The therapist acts as a coach and facilitator, helping to strengthen the relationship and communication within the family.
The Dandelion Difference
We do our best to make the process of therapy exactly what you need.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Social Skills Groups
Weekly Parent Sessions
Teacher Recommendations
Unlimited Calls and Email
Written Accommodations
Due to our intensive parenting support process, in addition to individual weekly child sessions, weekly parenting sessions are expected at the beginning of therapy. The duration of these sessions depends on the level of distress in the family and the level of parenting needs. With meeting weekly, many families meet their goals in 6-8 months!
Therapists who have completed the 2 day training program with Dr. Ross Greene
Below are our therapists who specialize in working with Collaborative And Proactive Solutions
~ EMDR Treatment in Charlotte and Huntersville, NC ~
Dandelion Family Counseling provides EMDR Treatment in the South Park area of Charlotte.