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“The Introductory Training to CPS was a gift in helping me shift my mindset about how to respond to challenging behaviors. I wish I’d found CPS years ago, but what comfort to understand the idea of ‘skill not will’ now!”
– Divinna Schmitt, M.Ed.
Our Introductory Training explores the basic principles of Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS). Participants learn a more empathic and accurate understanding of what causes challenging behavior and are exposed to an overview of the three key components of the approach. This training is a foundation for professionals and parents interested in learning more about CPS.
We offer our Introductory Trainings both live and in an online pre-recorded format. Our live Introductory Trainings are scheduled as 2 or 4 hour- trainings. Please check back for future in-person training dates.
The MGH Department of Psychiatry hosts our online pre-recorded Introductory Training as a CEU-credited course. This 3-hours course is organized as pre-recorded modules. Register below.
If you’d like to host an Introductory Training in CPS for your staff, organization, or community, please contact us.
“The Tier 1 CPS training was an awesome experience. Really excited to take this great concept and process back to colleagues and students at our school.”
– Steve Messier
Tier 1 is designed for parents, educators, clinicians, and other professionals who want to apply the Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach with the kids in their lives. Participants will learn all three components of the approach – assessment, planning, and intervention. Attendees are also exposed to the neurobiology behind CPS, and learn how CPS operationalizes the latest research on trauma-informed care.
Tier 1 Training incorporates lecture, case studies, interactive role-play, video examples, and breakout groups. The training also provides practical guideposts and materials to help participants use the model in their daily lives.
If you’re interested in parent-specific training, check out our CPS Parent Classes.
If you’d like to host a Tier 1 Training for your staff, organization, or community, please contact us.
No Prerequisite: Attending a CPS Introductory Training, or a CPS Parent Group is recommended, but not required.
Note: We do not wish for anyone to be deterred from our training due to finances. Individuals who have financial concerns, please contact us at: thinkkidsinfo@partners.org.
CPS Guided Practice is open to anyone who has attended a CPS Tier 1 or Tier 2 Training. If you want to advance your understanding of the model and potentially take the next steps toward further training (Tier 2) or becoming Certified in CPS, then Collaborative Problem Solving Guided Practice is right for you.
With CPS Guided Practice you’ll join a small group of other CPS-trainees in online meetings to discuss how you are applying CPS in your work/home and receive peer feedback and personalized coaching from Think:Kids staff. CPS Guided Practice will help you reach your specific goals in using the model and connect you to a broad community of CPS coaching and support.
Learn more: CPS Guided Practice Groups.
“Having just completed Tier 2 training, I can say without hesitation that this is the most important, impactful work that I can do right now as a child advocate… Be ready for a totally transformative experience.”
– Maggie Magner
This advanced training is available for participants who have taken Tier 1 Training in Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) and are interested in strengthening their CPS skills.
This training provides a review of the basic components of CPS, but the primary focus is learning and practicing strategies for implementing the approach in more challenging situations. Participants will also learn how best to facilitate skills development using the approach. This training relies heavily on using real examples from participants’ experiences. Participants will also begin to learn how to integrate CPS with other approaches and therapeutic models and how to support others using the approach and address common questions and misconceptions. Tier 2 Training incorporates lecture, case studies, role-plays, videotape examples, and breakout groups.
If you’d like to host a Tier 2 Training in CPS for your staff, organization, or community, please contact us.
Note: Please check back to view the updated schedule for in-person training. To ensure that participants have had time to practice CPS, we recommend at least three months between Tier 1 & Tier 2 training.
We have found that having time to practice using the CPS model in between the Tier 1 Intensive Training and the Tier 2 Advanced Training has increased understanding and usage of the model. Although, this is not a requirement we recommend at minimum a 2- 3-month gap after you complete the Tier 1 Training before attending The Tier 2 Advanced Training.
We do not wish for anyone to be deterred from our training due to finances. Individuals who have financial concerns, please email: thinkkidsinfo@partners.org.
CPS Guided Practice Groups
Web-based coaching groups are designed to help you apply the model in your own setting, with your own kids, or with the kids you work with. Open to anyone who has attended a CPS Tier 1 or Tier 2 Training. Small groups; learn more here: online CPS Guided Practice Groups.
“I know that all over North America and beyond, I will have a community of people Certified in CPS who understand the lens that I operate from when helping people with challenging behaviors.”
– Alicia Myers, MS CMHC
Become a CPS Expert!
Our Certification Course trains individuals to become experts in Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS). These experts help reach more kids and families who desperately need help.
Using distance learning, the Certification Course provides training, 14-16 weeks of small group supervision, and individual coaching using recordings of your work in order to provide detailed feedback.
Once Certified in CPS, you will join our inspiring international community who receive ongoing training and support from Think:Kids. As a member, you receive access to various benefits including CPS resources and materials, and will be formally recognized as an expert in CPS.
Learn More about CPS Certification
To apply, you must have already completed Tier 1 and Tier 2 level training. Applications include a recording of your practice of CPS and completed CPS tools.
UPCOMING COURSE OFFERINGS
Note: Upon acceptance into the course, Think:Kids will assign learners to cohorts based on setting.
However, if there is a day/time that absolutely does not work for you please let Think:Kids know in advance.
Fall Cohorts
| Application Deadline: | July 1st |
| Course Starts: | September |
| Complete Course By: | April |
Spring Cohorts
| Application Deadline: | December 1st |
| Course Starts: | March |
| Complete Course By: | September |
Summer Cohorts*
*Accelerated group supervision meeting twice a week for 8 weeks
| Application Deadline: | April 1st |
| Course Starts: | June |
| Complete Course By: | December |
Important: We do not wish for financial circumstances to prevent anyone from applying to our Certification Program. Please contact us at thinkkidsinfo@partners.org to discuss what options might be available to support you.
Questions About CPS Certification? Email thinkkidscertification@partners.org with any questions.
CPS Guided Practice
Our web-based CPS Guided Practice specifically helps you apply the model in your own setting, with your own kids, or with the kids you work with. Open to anyone who has attended a CPS Tier 1 or Tier 2 Training, is looking for an opportunity to learn from others, or wants to take the next step in strengthening their practice of CPS. Small groups available; learn about our online CPS Guided Practice.
“The CPS Trainer Course was a really thought-provoking and supportive process. I feel like every time I facilitate a training, I learn something new about CPS and about myself.”
– Kathleen McNamara, LCSW
Become an expert in training others in CPS!
Our CPS Certified Trainers teach people far and wide about our Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach.
Using distance learning, the Certified Trainer Course supports learners by providing instruction in the use of training materials and activities and co-training opportunities with individualized coaching to provide detailed feedback.
Once a CPS Certified Trainer, you will join our passionate and talented community of Certified Trainers and receive ongoing support and professional development from Think:Kids. Certified Trainers are authorized to conduct Introductory and Tier 1 training using our training materials. For organizations, trainer certification is the best way to instill CPS into your program’s culture in a sustainable way. Certified Trainers can also provide training in their communities
Learn More about CPS Certification
To apply, you must have already completed our CPS Certification Course. Applications for the Certified Trainer Course include a recorded brief introductory training using Think:Kids’ training materials.
Important: We do not wish for financial circumstances to prevent anyone from applying to our Certification Program. Please contact us at thinkkidsinfo@partners.org to discuss what options might be available to support you.
Questions About CPS Certification? Email thinkkidscertification@partners.org with any questions.
