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What is "Collaborative Problem Solving"

Thinkkids

The Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach was developed and refined at MGH by
Drs Ross Greene and Stuart Ablon. In 2008, the Department of Psychiatry at MGH developed the Think:Kids program, led by Dr. Ablon, to further develop the model and provide a framework for its continued growth and dissemination nationally and internationally.  OHSU is proud to bring this technique to Oregon and provide this model and framework for everyone in this region.

 

The basic tenants of the model support the view that "children do well if they can." If they can’t, we

as caregivers need to understand what is getting in their way so we can help. Although this

doesn’t seem earth shattering, it is a significant departure from the conventional idea that "kids do

well if they want to." By seeing kids and families through a different lens we can more accurately

explain what is getting in a child’s way and shift our interactions in overt and subtle ways. Children

with maladaptive challenging behaviors do not choose to be this way. They express unhappiness

and experience great misery in all aspects of their lives. If our explanation is that a child’s behavior

is purposeful, manipulative, or intentional, we support the idea that it is a child’s choice to be

miserable. Think:Kids has a very different explanation. Children with challenging and maladaptive

behavior often lack some crucial skills in the areas of frustration tolerance, adaptability/flexibility,

and problem solving. Or they have difficulty applying these skills when most needed. They may

have a host of mental health, cognitive or language based challenges underlying their struggles.

The model effectively identifies what skills a child is lacking and trains/teaches these skills

through a collaborative process in increments the child can handle developmentally. This

collaborative process helps adult caregivers pursue expectations, reduce challenging behavior,

teach skills and gather information with an empathetic rather than punitive stance. Ultimately the

opportunity to restore / build healthy relationships with loved ones and other care givers sets the

stage for resilience and success in the face of challenges that remain.  For more information,

please visit www.thinkkids.org