Our clinic specializes in a treatment approach called Parent Behavior Training. This form of family therapy has been scientifically tested and found to be effective for children with a range of behavior problems. The diagram depicted below displays a general framework for our treatment. You can expect to see most, if not all of the session topics depicted here over a 12 to 16 week period. Different elements may be emphasized in different families.

Phase 1: Initial interview

• Assess presenting problems and other factors related to participation

Phase 2: Setting up for success

• Establish treatment goals
• Address setting up conditions and antecedent behaviors related to target behaviors, including sleep and parent-child “special time”

Phase 3: Self-control

• Introduce procedures for improving self-management related to successful parenting

Phase 4: Discipline

• Select and practice disciplinary response to target behaviors

Phase 5: Reinforcement

• Review the concept of reinforcement and implement plans to encourage target behavior

Phase 6: Communication

• Present basic communication and problem-solving skills

Phase 7: Generalization

• Using a problem-solving approach, assist family to apply previously learned skills to manage other problems

Phase 8: Termination and follow-up

• Prepare parents to maintain changes independently
• Terminate
• Offer “booster” sessions as needed

* Adapted from Fleischman, M.J., Horne, A.M., & Arthur, J.L. (1983). Troubled Families: A Treatment Program. Champaign, IL: Research Press Company.