FAQ about Behavioral Parenting Training

What is Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)? (and why is the name so terrible?)

Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is a wonderful therapeutic intervention…with a terrible name. It sounds like a boot camp for new or expecting parents, or some class with a judgmental instructor teaching you the “right” way to parent – yikes! Luckily neither of those things are true. BPT is simply a form of therapy that essentially gives parents the tools to become their child’s own therapist. 

You might be thinking “Why do I need to learn to be his therapist? Isn’t that what you are for?” This is a very valid and frequently asked question. The answer is because children learn much differently than adults. While adults can meet with their therapist once per week, recall events that have taken place since the last session, discuss how their new strategies worked in difficult moments, and identify areas they would like to continue to work on; young children simply can’t do that yet. Their brains are still developing, and they need lots of support and guidance (much more than one hour per week).

So, if 5 year old Johnny has a meltdown at the grocery store because he can’t get the cereal he wants, and begins screaming, yelling, and throwing things from the cart to the point where you ultimately ditch the trip, abandon the groceries and leave – having Johnny talk with his therapist 4 days later isn’t going to be much help. What is needed is an immediate intervention to help Johnny learn in those moments. Unfortunately, a therapist can’t be there immediately, but you can and often are – so there is hope! This is why BPT can be so helpful, because you can learn to do what the therapist would do if she was able to follow around Johnny waiting for these moments.

How does it work?

BPT is a team approach involving the therapist, one or both parents, and your child. We will create an individualized plan to address your child’s specific needs by ramping up rewards for those behaviors we want to see more of (like doing something the first time you ask, asking politely, respecting your answer) and finding the most effective punishments for those behaviors we want to reduce (hitting, meltdowns, arguing with adults). We will also spend time strengthening the parent/child bond. Most parents are feeling so stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the constantly redirecting, repeating themselves, yelling, getting calls from the school and so on that led you to come to therapy in the first place. So it’s important that we find ways to relieve some of that pressure and find ways for you to enjoy just being with your child.

How long does it take?

BPT can be successfully completed as few as 6, 50 minute sessions! This is enough time to understand, implement, and start to see results of the skills in BPT. Many parents opt for additional sessions for continued support and to problem solve any new challenges that arise (such as transitions from part-time pre-school to full time kinder, or addition of a new sibling). These “booster” sessions can even be scheduled farther apart (i.e. once a month) or as needed.

What ages is BPT geared for?

BPT is perfect for children ages 3-8. However, it can be adapted for children as young as 2 and children older than 8. With children over 8, treatment typically lasts a little longer as older children are further along developmentally and can take a more active role in their treatment. This means working with older children on things like self-calming techniques and goal setting, in addition to traditional BPT skills. When older children have more control in their treatment they are also more motivated to work together with their parents instead of against. 

Types of issues helped by BPT (specific problem behaviors) 

BPT is a great choice for children who are frequently in trouble at school and/or at home. This often includes:

• aggression (such has hitting, kicking, biting, and breaking or throwing things) 
• yelling or arguing with adults and other children 
• trouble accepting “no” for an answer
• struggle to follow routines
• refusal to comply with your instructions 

These behaviors often interfere with learning, making friends, and the parent/child relationship, and are pervasive. Children who can benefit from BPT often continue to act out regardless of the punishment. If you frequently find yourself in a “one up battle” or in a power struggle with your child, BPT is likely a good fit.