CPS and ERP Therapy
At Atlanta Specialized Care, we provide evidence-based treatments that help clients gain control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Two of the most effective therapeutic approaches we offer are Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Whether someone is struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, or persistent behavioral challenges, CPS and ERP therapy offer practical, research-backed strategies for lasting growth.
What Is Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS)?
CPS is a compassionate, skills-focused approach developed by Dr. Ross Greene. Unlike traditional behavior management models that rely on rewards or punishments, CPS views challenging behavior as a sign of lagging cognitive or emotional skills, not defiance.
These therapies are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, they are highly adaptable tools designed to meet clients where they are, empowering both children and adults to improve self-regulation, reduce avoidance, and break free from unhelpful patterns.
The Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Process
At its core, the CPS model helps identify a person’s unmet needs and works collaboratively to solve those problems. It’s especially effective with children and adolescents who struggle with flexibility, frustration tolerance, or emotional regulation.
The process includes:
Identifying Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems
This initial step involves using structured tools to pinpoint the specific skills a child or client might be lacking and the ongoing problems that lead to challenging behaviors.
Understanding the Child’s/Client’s Perspective (The Empathy Step)
A crucial part of CPS is collaborating with the child or client to truly understand their point of view, their concerns, and what might be making it hard for them to meet expectations.
Defining the Adult’s Concerns
This involves clearly articulating the problem or concern from the adult’s perspective, ensuring that both viewpoints are on the table for discussion.
Collaboratively Finding Solutions
The core of the process is working together to brainstorm and agree upon realistic, mutually satisfactory solutions that address both the child’s/client’s and the adult’s concerns.
Building Skills and Reducing Conflict
This approach not only helps to significantly reduce meltdowns, conflict, and power struggles but also actively builds essential skills in the child or client, such as problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication.
What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
ERP is a highly structured form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to help individuals confront anxiety-provoking thoughts, images, or situations without engaging in compulsive or avoidant behaviors. It is particularly well-researched in treating OCD, but is also effective for social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and more.
ERP works through:
- Gradual exposure to feared situations or thoughts
- Response prevention to break the cycle of avoidance or ritual behavior
- Learning tolerance of uncertainty, discomfort, or distress
- Building confidence and reclaiming control over anxiety
Integrating CPS and ERP in Treatment
Our clinicians thoughtfully integrate Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) based on each client’s developmental stage, goals, and presenting concerns. These powerful models are versatile tools we use to enhance emotional resilience, improve behavior, and reduce avoidance across various challenges.
Here’s how we utilize and tailor these therapies:
Broad Application Across Client Needs
We commonly use CPS and ERP to help children and teens experiencing emotional outbursts, shutdowns, or behavioral rigidity, as well as adults dealing with anxiety, compulsions, or fear-driven decision-making. These approaches are also highly effective for families seeking structured, non-punitive ways to address conflict or recurring issues.
Empowering Skill Development
Both CPS and ERP empower clients with crucial life skills. They teach individuals to problem-solve instead of react impulsively, to face their fears head-on rather than avoiding them, and to develop strong internal coping mechanisms rather than relying on external rewards.
Personalized and Flexible Support
We tailor CPS and ERP sessions directly to your specific needs. This means some clients may benefit from intensive support, including multiple sessions per week or home visits, while others thrive with a steady, gradual pace, working step-by-step toward meaningful change.
Collaborative and Holistic Care
Our therapists work closely with your broader support system, including families, schools, or other care providers as needed. This is especially beneficial for clients navigating daily routines, transitions, or interpersonal conflicts, ensuring comprehensive and integrated care.
Diverse Therapeutic Techniques
Depending on the situation, therapy might include custom exposure hierarchies for ERP work, structured CPS sessions utilizing the Empathy, Define, and Invitation steps, and targeted skills coaching to address emotional regulation and executive functioning. We also integrate these methods with other services, such as family therapy or group therapy, for a holistic approach.
Even when it feels like you’ve exhausted every option, meaningful change is still possible. Many of our clients come to us after years of frustration, wondering if healing is out of reach. With the right combination of insight, strategy, and support, we’ve seen lasting breakthroughs occur where nothing else seemed to work. At Atlanta Specialized Care, we meet you where you are; with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to finding what actually helps.
Is CPS or ERP Right for You or Your Child?
If emotional or behavioral challenges are interfering with daily life, school, or relationships, it may be time for a new kind of support. CPS and ERP therapy provide active, skill-building strategies that help clients learn, not just talk.
These approaches are particularly helpful if:
Start Therapy With a CPS or ERP Specialist
Whether you’re a parent searching for help with a child’s behavior or an adult struggling with anxiety or avoidance, CPS and ERP therapy can offer clarity, structure, and results.
Take the next step today.
Request an appointment or contact us to learn how our specialists can help.
FAQ About CPS and ERP Therapy
What’s the difference between CPS and traditional behavior therapy?
CPS focuses on solving problems collaboratively, rather than managing behavior through consequences. It helps develop skills like flexibility and emotional regulation.
Who is ERP therapy best suited for?
ERP is highly effective for OCD, phobias, and anxiety-driven behaviors. It helps clients confront fears while learning to manage distress without avoidance or rituals.
Can CPS and ERP be used together?
Yes. We often integrate both approaches when appropriate, especially for clients who need structured problem-solving support alongside anxiety reduction strategies.
Do you work with schools or families as part of CPS?
Absolutely. CPS is most effective when used across settings. We collaborate with parents, teachers, and care teams to ensure consistency and growth.
Is this therapy available through telehealth?
Yes. We offer CPS and ERP via secure teletherapy sessions in addition to in-person appointments at our Atlanta office.