Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) for Children, Teens, and Families in Portland, OR

What Is Collaborative Problem Solving?

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is an evidence-based approach that helps children, teens, and caregivers address challenging behaviors through collaboration, skill-building, and problem-solving rather than punishment or rewards alone. CPS is based on the idea that "children do well if they can." When a child struggles with behavior, it is often because they lack the skills needed to manage frustration, flexibility, emotional regulation, communication, or problem-solving in a particular situation.

Instead of asking, "How do we make this child behave?" CPS asks, "What skills is this child struggling with, and how can we work together to solve the problem?" This approach helps reduce conflict while strengthening relationships and teaching lifelong skills.

When Can Collaborative Problem Solving Help?

As a child psychologist and teen therapist in Portland, Oregon, I use Collaborative Problem Solving with children, adolescents, and families experiencing:

• Frequent tantrums and emotional outbursts

• Explosive behavior

• Defiance and oppositional behavior

• Chronic arguing

• Difficulty following expectations

• Emotional regulation challenges

• ADHD and executive functioning difficulties

• Anxiety-related challenges

• Autism and neurodivergence

• School-related conflicts

• Family conflict

• Transitions and routine-related struggles

• Perfectionism and frustration intolerance

• Peer and relationship difficulties

CPS can be especially helpful for children and teens who become stuck in recurring conflicts with parents, teachers, siblings, or other important people in their lives.

What to Expect During Collaborative Problem Solving

Treatment begins by identifying situations where a child or teen is consistently struggling. Together, we explore the concerns and perspectives of both the young person and the caregiver.

The CPS process focuses on:

• Understanding the reasons behind challenging behavior

• Identifying lagging skills

• Improving communication

• Reducing conflict and power struggles

• Building emotional regulation skills

• Increasing flexibility and frustration tolerance

• Strengthening problem-solving abilities

• Developing practical solutions that work for everyone involved

• Improving parent-child relationships

Instead of imposing solutions, children and caregivers learn how to work together to create plans that address everyone's concerns.

A Relationship-Focused Approach

One of the strengths of Collaborative Problem Solving is that it helps preserve and strengthen relationships. Many families seek support after months or years of repeated arguments, consequences, frustration, and discouragement. CPS provides a framework for moving away from blame and toward understanding.

Children often feel more heard and respected, while caregivers gain tools for responding effectively to difficult situations without escalating conflict. Over time, families build greater trust, cooperation, and confidence in their ability to solve problems together.

How CPS Fits Into Treatment

I often integrate Collaborative Problem Solving with other evidence-based approaches, including:

• Parent Management Training (PMT)

• Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Family therapy

• Parent coaching

This flexible approach allows treatment to be tailored to each child's strengths, developmental needs, and family circumstances.

The Goal of Collaborative Problem Solving

The goal of CPS is not simply to reduce difficult behavior. The goal is to help children and teens develop the skills they need to manage challenges successfully while strengthening family relationships and reducing day-to-day stress and conflict.