Advanced Concepts in Collaborative Problem Solving® (Level 2)

This course is designed for individuals who have completed Essential Foundation (Level 1) and are interested in deepening their understanding and use of Collaborative Problem Solving®.

Think:Kids invites educators, residential program staff, mental health clinicians, parents, and anyone who is living with or helping kids to learn more about Collaborative Problem Solving, a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach that helps kids meet expectations, reduces concerning behavior, builds skills, and strengthens relationships with adults.

This course is conducted online over 4-sessions:

• Monday, June 3: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ET / 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
• Tuesday, June 4: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ET / 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
• Monday, June 10: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ET / 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
• Tuesday, June 11: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ET / 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PT

The Advanced Concepts course deepens skills in all phases of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach and enhances implementation in the real world. Through engaging lecture, role play, video examples, case presentation, and breakout groups, participants will advance their skills and learn how to apply the approach in the most challenging situations. Upon completion of this course, graduates are eligible to apply to the Certification Course.

Upon completing this training you will be able to:

• Assess different ways in which Plan B can be used (proactively, spontaneously, or urgently) depending on the situation.
• Complete Collaborative Problem Solving assessments for youth with minimal errors.
• Determine which Collaborative Problem Solving plan to use for each problem to be solved.
• Adapt Plan B to complex circumstances.
• Conduct Plan B when not directly involved in a situation.
• Engage in conversations about Collaborative Problem Solving with those who hold more conventional understandings about behavior.
• Conduct Plan B in group settings.

Tuition

• Individuals: $595 USD for all 4 sessions

• Groups of 5 or more: $535 USD each for all for sessions

Payment Policy: Credit/debit card is preferred for registration payment. Please email us at ThinkKidsInfo@Partners.org if you pay by check/invoice.

Financial Assistance: If you require financial assistance, please apply for assistance by completing this form. Funds are limited, and the application does not guarantee an award. The application is due 2 weeks before the training starts.

Training Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable. Substitutions are permitted.

Course Requirements

• Prerequisite: CPS Essential Foundation /Level 1 Training .*Please note: We recommend a minimum of 3 months between attending Level 1 and Level 2 training to allow for more understanding and practice of the model.
• Attendance: When registering, you are signing up for all four sessions. Attendance is required for each day as the learning builds upon the previous session's content.
• All participants must join via their own devices. If joining as a group, each person should be on an individual device.

Think: Kids/MGH is an Accredited Provider of Continuing Education Units (CE) and Professional Development Points (PDP)

• Educators: We are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for 16 PDPs.
• Social Workers: This program has been approved for 16 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D92574.

• Licensed Mental Health Counselors: This program has been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 16 CEs.
• Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Other: A certificate of attendance will be provided for 16 units which can be submitted to the corresponding professional organization for consideration.

About Your Instructors

Heather Johnson, LCSW, is a Certified Trainer and Consultant and Director of Training with Think:Kids. Heather provides coaching and training to various individuals and organizations seeking to learn Collaborative Problem Solving and integrate the model within their professional practice and organizations. Heather has an outpatient therapy practice specializing in serving families who are struggling with their children’s behavior. Additionally, Heather has extensive experience as a school-based Behavior Specialist providing interventions for youth who struggle with the most challenging behavior related to emotional and behavioral disabilities, coaching and consultation to school and community service teams, and guiding best practice within the school district’s behavior management, discipline, and Special Education systems and policies. Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Wheelock College in Boston, MA, and her Masters in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire.

Larry Lam, LCSW, MPH provides a range of services at Think:Kids to those who are learning to utilize Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) in their personal and/or professional lives. He facilitates training and coaching sessions, teaches advanced concepts as an instructor in our Certification Program, and consults with organizations who are working towards implementation and sustainability of CPS.

Prior to working full-time at Think:Kids, Larry spent many years working with youth, families, and staff in foster care in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. He spent over 9 years leading CPS implementation efforts in child welfare that included training and coaching of staff and parents. He has been using CPS in his work since first learning the model in 2013. He has been dedicated to spreading the philosophy in his professional life and grounding himself in the philosophy at home as he raises children of his own.

Larry received his BS in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He also holds Master’s degrees in both Social Work and Public Health from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.