Collaborative Problem Solving and/or Proactive Solutions

Collaborative Problem Solving and/or Collaborative & Proactive Solutions are two different versions of an approach that originally arose out of work by Dr. Ross Greene and later Dr. Stuart Ablon. Both are considered evidence-based. Dr. Ross Greene's approach is now called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions while Dr. Stuart Ablon represents Collaborative Problem Solving with ThinkKids. The differences are outlined here. Both approaches can greatly benefit parents & providers! Please reference our Attachment, Discipline, Trauma and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) pages for more resources.

"Children do well if they can...if they can't, we adults need to figure out what's getting in the way so we can help." ~Dr. Ross Greene, The Explosive Child

Websites

Aha Parenting - many overlaps
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Collaborative Problem Solving for Oregon
Lives in the Balance - Collaborative & Proactive Solutions with Dr. Ross Greene
ThinkKids - Collaborative Problem Solving with Dr. Stuart Ablon
Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) - many overlaps

Recommended Books & Articles

Books by Ross Greene and Stuart Ablon, along with discipline-related materials in ORPARC's library

Brainstorming solutions WITH our kids, instead of for them. by Laura Petix & the OT Butterfly Podcast
Building Resilience Resource Guide For Providers & Families by Pediatrics NW (articles + videos)
Collaborative Problem Solving by Ashworth et al, 2012
Collaborative Problem Solving for Parents: A Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Family Issues by Idaho Youth Ranch
How Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Can Deepen Your Relationship with Your Children by Kirsten Manley-Casimir
How Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Changed My Family by Zaidee Martin
The ‘Problem Child’ Is a Child, Not a Problem by Suzanne Bouffard

Culturally specific

Collaborative Problem Solving & Racial Justice by Flawless Foundation
CPS & Cultural Responsiveness by ThinkKids (video)
Reducing Discipline Referrals: Collaborative & Proactive Solutions in Four Schools by Ross Greene
What are the Similarities & Differences Between CPS and Restorative Practices by Lives in the Balance

Videos & Podcasts

The Best Ways to Improve Executive Functioning Skills with Dr. Stuart Ablon (video)
Changeable: How Collaborative Problem Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School and at Work with Dr. Stuart Ablon by Avenues
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions with Dr. Ross Greene - many hours worth! (videos)
Collaborative Problem Solving: An Introduction for Parents by Hidden Sparks (1hr video)
Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach to Child Behavior by Emerge Pediatric Therapy (video)
Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) 101 by Ross Greene by Greenspring Montessori School (1hr+ video)
CPS and the Neurodivergent Student by Lives in the Balance (video)
Helping Kids with Challenging Behavior, featuring Stuart Ablon, PhD – Shrinking It Down by The Clay Center (video)
Introduction to Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) with Dr. Ross Greene by Cohen Veterans Network
Learn the basics of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions by Lives in the Balance - step by step! (video series)
Rethinking Challenging Behavior: Where There’s a Skill There’s a Way by Dr. Stuart Ablon (videO
Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach for Families by FCPS Family Resource Center (video)
ThinkKids - so many videos!!
What is Collaborative Problem Solving? by Dr. Ross Greene (video series)

Featured Favorites

Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child by Ross W. Greene

The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene

Changeable by Dr. Stuart Ablon

The Connected Parent by Karyn Purvis