Content:

A unique and innovative strengths-based and neurobiologically grounded model, Collaborative Problem Solving (or CPS, as it is commonly referred to) was developed at Massachusetts General Hospital, and now continues to be researched and disseminated out of a program at MGH called Think:Kids. It is a mindful, empathetic and empowering way of parenting, teaching and otherwise serving typically developing children and teens.

What will I learn?

• The ability to pursue high priority expectations
• The ability to reduce challenging behavior
• The ability to proactively solve problems in a durable manner
• The ability to build skills that the child/individual is lacking
• The ability to preserve or build a helping relationship while doing all of the above

This workshop-style training is intended for educators, childcare providers, mental health providers and parents. Participants will experience a two and a half day training, complete with video modeling, role-playing, and case studies that equips participants to be proficient in solid implementation of the model, this includes: In-depth exposure to assessment, planning and intervention components; practice identifying triggers, unmet expectations and specific skill deficits; as well as trouble-shooting when the process is challenging.

Trainers:

Rick Bowman, M.A., Clinical Psychology is a Certified Trauma Practitioner - Clinical (CTP-C®), a Think:Kids Certified Collaborative Problem Solving Trainer, and holds an Oregon K-12 Administrative license. His training and consultation background has included mental health and human service agencies, non-profits, and corporations, as well as speaking/consulting internationally in Russia, Cuba, and Jamaica.

Rick has been employed as a Clinical Psychologist, Community College Professor, Assistant Principal, Alternative School Director, Student Services Director, and non-profit Assistant Executive Director. His recent implementations of CPS have been:

-- With children in a non-profit alternative middle school and high school setting in the David Douglas School District in Southeast Portland where students face significant barriers to their social, emotional and educational progress such as homelessness, severe poverty, drug & gang involvement, and disengagement from school.

-- With teens in a Long Term Care and Treatment school for students in Level 5 residential foster care who have experienced significant trauma.

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Doris Bowman, M.S.Ed. is a Certified Trauma Practitioner of Education® (CTP-E), a Certified Trauma Practitioner - Clinical (CTP-C®), a certified special educator and certified administrator in the state of Oregon. She is a Think:Kids Certified CPS Trainer, and a Parent Coaching Institute Certified Parent Coach®. She has co-authored Going to Bed is Easy Now, and Going to School is Easy Now, the first two in a series of children's' books designed to support children with challenging behavior (www.easynowbooks.com). She has a broad background in special education and behavior consultation with over 20 years experience working with and supporting children with challenging behaviors and their families.