Collaborative & Proactive Solutions: A Compassionate Approach to Challenging Behaviors

Parenting a child who struggles with challenging behaviors can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional discipline strategies don’t seem to help. At The Grove Comprehensive Psychiatry and Wellness, we believe in empowering families with tools that not only address behaviors but also nurture stronger, healthier relationships. One such tool is Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS Model), a proven method for working with children in a way that promotes understanding, growth, and long-term success.

One such approach is Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)—an evidence-based model developed by Dr. Ross W. Greene, clinical psychologist and author of The Explosive Child and RaisingHuman Beings. CPS has been implemented in homes, schools, and treatment settings worldwide to help children build the skills they need to manage frustration, adapt to change, and solve problems collaboratively.
 

What Is Collaborative and Proactive Solutions?

By identifying these skill gaps and working together to address them, parents and children learn toreplace conflict with communication and collaboration. At The Grove, our founders—Dr. Joshua Nead, DO and Dr. Brigham Nicoll, MD—have utilized Dr.Greene’s CPS framework for many years across outpatient, inpatient, and home-based care settings.To ensure fidelity to the model, The Grove obtained formal permission to implement CPS aftersponsoring a staff member for advanced, in-depth training through Dr. Greene’s organization. This allows our team to offer families an authentic, evidence-based CPS experience grounded in both expertise and respect for the model’s origins.


CPS Model is a structured, evidence-based model for supporting kids who may respond to stress, frustration, or transitions with explosive or unhelpful behaviors. Instead of viewing these behaviors as intentional defiance, CPS Model helps families recognize that the root issue often lies in lacking skills such as difficulty with flexibility, problem solving, or emotional regulation.

Why Choose a Collaborative and Proactive Approach?

CPS Model shifts the focus from “How do we stop this behavior right now?” to “What’s causing this behavior, and how can we work together to solve it?”

The approach rests on two key ideas:

• Skill-building, not punishment. Kids act out when they don’t yet have the tools to handle certain challenges. By addressing these skill gaps, families see more lasting change.

• Collaboration leads to better solutions. When parents, guardians, and children come together to solve problems, the solutions are more meaningful, effective, and sustainable.
 

Rather than reacting after a meltdown occurs, CPS Model emphasizes being proactive. Families identify triggers and work with the child to prevent issues before they escalate. This reduces the reliance on punishments or consequences, instead fostering problem-solving and trust.
 

What Families Can Expect

Adopting CPS Model is not a quick fix - it’s a shift in how parents and children interact daily. Progress happens gradually, as both child and parent build new skills and practice healthier communication. Along the way, families often notice stronger connections, fewer power struggles, and a deeper sense of mutual respect.

We guide families through this process step by step, offering support, training, and encouragement. While there may be bumps along the way, the long-term benefits often include a more effective parenting approach and a richer, more positive relationship with your child.
 

Take the First Step Toward Positive Change for Your Family

If you’ve tried traditional discipline methods without success, it may be time to consider a new path. Collaborative and Proactive Solutions offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach that addresses the why behind concerning behaviors while empowering your child to grow.

Contact our office in Mesa, Arizona, by calling (480) 470-3442, or visiting our website to book an appointment today. Together, we’ll help you build solutions that strengthen your child’s skills and your relationship with them.