Overcoming Common Challenges in Implementing the CPS Model

The Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, developed by Dr. Ross Greene, is a proactive and collaborative approach to understanding and addressing challenging behavior in individuals, especially children. While it can be highly effective, there are some common challenges that can come up when implementing the model. Below we will explore some of these challenges and strategies to overcome them: 

1. Fostering Understanding and Buy-In – the involved adults are not on board The CPS model requires a paradigm shift that requires a solid foundation of understanding and commitment. This is where education is crucial. Providing resources and real-life examples can help shed some insight. The Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP) can help explore the potential lagging skills at play that result in challenging behaviors. This understanding provides with the mindset shift that behaviors are a result of lagging skills and kids do well if they can; rather than the belief that behaviors are intentional.
2. Unifying Perspectives and Carving Out Time for Progress The CPS model is based on collaboration. It requires a collective effort from everyone involved; therefore, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the process is crucial. Regular check-ins and family meetings are important in order to discuss everyone’s concerns, experiences and perspectives. Prioritizing and scheduling such check-ins in the family’s schedule is crucial to ensure the solutions are working for everyone and evaluating any changes that need to be made.
3. Decoding Complex Behaviors and Writing Unsolved Problems One of the defining features of the CPS model is its focus on identifying and addressing specific unsolved problems. This can be difficult, especially when behaviors are multifaceted and tangled. To overcome this, families can utilize the ALSUP, as discussed above, in order to break down challenges into manageable, actionable pieces. When writing unsolved problems, you want to ensure they do not include the challenging behaviors, are free of adult theories and are specific and split (rather than clumped together).
4. Difficulties with Empathy Step The goal of the Empathy Step is to gather information in order to identify and understand the child’s concerns and perspectives on a given unsolved problem. The Empathy step begins with the words, “I’ve noticed that,” followed by an unsolved problem and the inquiry, “What’s up?” At times, the wording of the unsolved problem is the first problem adults run into, which makes the whole first step difficult. At other times, the child’s response makes the information gathering difficult. Dr. Ross Greene has created Drilling Strategies that can help depending on what the child’s response is in order to allow for a thorough understanding and information gathering. The third difficulty with this step is ensuring that no solutions are given at this time. The Empathy Step is a “solution-free zone” and requires staying neutral, and non-defensive while maintaining curiosity.
5. Difficulties with Define Adult Concerns Step The goal of this step is to ensure that the adult’s concern and perspective is communicated and considered. It can possibly begin with, “My concern is…” The difficulty with this step is that adults frequently don’t know what their concerns are (though they often do know what their solutions are). Taking some time prior to the conversation with the child to ensure clear communication of the concerns is crucial. Adult concerns typically fall into one of two categories – how the problem is affecting the kid or how the problem is affecting others. Remember, this step is a “solutions-free zone” as well. If you get solutions instead of concerns on the table at this point, it often becomes a power-struggle (win/lose proposition), whereas solving problems collaboratively is a win/win proposition.
6. Difficulties with Invitation and Solutions Step The goal of this step is to brainstorm solutions that are realistic and mutually satisfactory. It is often difficult to prove to the child that you are as invested in getting their concern addressed as you are in getting your own concern addressed. The wording of the invitation can be difficult. The wording should recap the two concerns and the problem to be solved. It starts with “I wonder if there is a way…” and allows the child the first opportunity to generate solutions, however, the solution of the problem is a team effort. Remember that the goal is to come up with a solution so the problem doesn’t come up again, rather than come up with a solution for what to do in the heat of the moment when the problem occurs.
7. Embracing Setbacks as Stepping Stones It is important to recognize that progress isn’t always linear. Setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Each stumble provides a chance to come together, refine and adapt your approach as you move forward. It also ensures the collaboration and prioritization of everyone involved – if the solution isn’t working for 1 person, it is not a good solution and the problem will continue to reoccur. Patience and flexibility are required during the implementation of the CPS model.

We at Dandelion are passionate about supporting families. We are here to help and have therapists specifically trained in the CPS model to support and assist your family on this journey.