Your mind catches, almost shorts out. 

Your child just hurled the F-word at you. 

Time slows down; you realize you’re in uncharted territory. 

You know that your reaction is important…but what are you supposed to do?

Kids don’t come with instruction manuals, and there are plenty of times we find ourselves out in the weeds – way out of our element. 

Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based treatment program for the caregivers of kids that have moderate to severe behavioral issues. Caregivers work with a trained therapist on a weekly (sometimes more, depending on the severity of the behavior) basis, either in person or via zoom. 

Parents or caregivers are given the necessary tools to diffuse the bad behaviors, and encourage positive ones. 

Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based treatment program for the caregivers of kids that have moderate to severe behavioral issues. Caregivers work with a trained therapist on a weekly (sometimes more, depending on the severity of the behavior) basis, either in person or via zoom. 

Parents or caregivers are given the necessary tools to diffuse the bad behaviors, and encourage positive ones. Your eyes are puffy and red. You toss and turn at night, worried about what this means. 

You feel completely powerless.

We all “know” parenthood wouldn’t be a walk in the park, and are thrown off more than once. 

But sometimes, you intuitively get the sense that there’s more to it, and if you don’t deal with it the right way, it may turn into something worse. 

Now, this is not something to ignore and hope it goes away. Nor is it something to indulge and give in to, in a miserable attempt to restore peace.

There can be a multitude of reasons behind behavior problems, so really there’s not a one size fits all solution. 

Here are some common ways you can approach them:

Impose Consequences

There are consequences to our actions, and we don’t always get what we want. In an era of smartphones, the instant satisfaction of being able to listen to the song you want when you want, and all of the other ways we’re able to fulfill our desires with a swipe of our finger, makes it even more crucial that youngsters learn what it’s like to not get their way all the time. 

Depending on your child’s age and the nature of their behavior issue, here are a few ways of addressing problematic behavior:

  • Time outs, or not being able to participate in something they wanted to, such as a game, as a consequence for bad behavior

  • Confiscating tablets or smartphones, or limiting their use

  • No video games for a predetermined amount of time

  • Ground them, not allow them to see their friends or engage in social activities after school

You may feel like you’re engaging in a battle of wills with a ferocious opponent. This can be draining, and take a toll on everyone. If you feel as though you’ve tried everything and are still coming up empty handed, therapy can help.

Parent Management Training

Kids don’t come with instruction manuals, and there are plenty of times we find ourselves out in the weeds – way out of our element. 

Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based treatment program for the caregivers of kids that have moderate to severe behavioral issues. Caregivers work with a trained therapist on a weekly (sometimes more, depending on the severity of the behavior) basis, either in person or via zoom. 

Parents or caregivers are given the necessary tools to diffuse the bad behaviors, and encourage positive ones. 

Their treatment model is so effective, it’s even featured on the CDC’s website

There’s nothing better than addressing an issue where it happens, in the home. The importance of eliminating these problems cannot be understated. Children carry many of their behaviors with them into adulthood. Per the Parent Management Training Institute

“Behavioral problems are the most common psychiatric disorders in children and persist into adulthood in about 50% of cases. The cost to families and society are high and impact many public sector agencies.”

We Can Help

If you’re at your wits end, and the rest of the family is starting to suffer, the Relationship Therapy Center can help. Our therapists are trained in the PMT method, and want to empower you, so you in turn can empower your child. 

Showing them there are other, healthier ways of getting their needs met, and setting them up for a meaningful, productive future. 

Begin PMT Counseling in Roseville or Fair Oaks, CA today!

If you and your child are struggling one of the best things you can do is be proactive in getting help from a trained therapist. With help and support you and your child can overcome the things that are troubling them and move forward in your life with more confidence and peace. Our counseling practice offers specialized PMT and child counseling services by certified therapists at both of our locations.  Your child, and your family, can get to a better place. Our therapists are here to help.

To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA or online, follow these steps

  • Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about in-person or online therapy

  • Make an appointment to meet with one of our compassionate therapists,

  • Get the support you need to navigate adolescent challenges with confidence!

Other Counseling Services at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:

In addition to PMT therapy, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.