Journey

Journey FAQs

• any type of developmental difference,
• challenging temperaments such as: inflexibility, impulsivity, slow-to-warm-up, or explosive, OR
• specific disorders including ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Learning Disability, Anxiety, and more.

Some participants will have children with relatively mild problems; others, more challenging. We will review some general principles but one strategy will not fit all. You will hear about different children, add tools to your own behavioral toolkit and learn how to choose the right one. The most effective behavioral strategies depend upon understanding your child’s unique developmental profile and individualizing your approach.

What’s This Program Based On?
Starting nearly 30 years ago, Dr. Shapiro ran parent groups in his general pediatrics practice based on the parent training programs of Forehand/ McMahon and Barkley. Over the years, he has modified the program to include the ideas in Ross Greene’s The Explosive Child, Martin Seligman’s Learned Optimism, William Carey’s work on temperament, B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism, Mel Levine’s A Mind at a Time – and more. While the material presented in this class is based on the work of these innovative researchers, Dr. Shapiro’s Journey Program integrates the best of these time-tested approaches to give parents an approach that’s understandable, effective and real-life.

Want to learn more about Dr. Shapiro and the origins of this class? Read the article about “The Child Whisperer” that appeared in the August 2015 issue of the Washingtonian magazine.

Want to learn more about Dr. Shapiro’s approach to problem solving? Listen to a podcast in which Dr. Steve Silvestro interviews Dr. Shapiro about these issues, and more from March, 2016.

Does It Really Work?
At the beginning and end of every course, parents have completed behavior rating scales. Over the years, about 75% of class participants have reported substantial improvement in their children’s problem behaviors and problem situations. In addition, parents have enjoyed meeting others who share their experiences. Journey parents have supported each other and felt less alone in their challenges. Moreover, when parents and extended family have differences of opinion or style, this course often helps bring them together and reduces household tension. Greater than 95% of Journey parents have given the course an “A” rating in overall satisfaction.

What Should I Expect When I Come?
Each session of the Journey covers a specific topic. You can take a look at the course content by clicking here. Discussion will be structured but very informal and relaxed. Questions and comments will be encouraged. We will talk about how to implement strategies for different kids in different homes. There will be homework. Detailed handouts will be provided to share with others involved in your child’s life. Talking about what to do is important but actually doing it is what matters. Each session begins with sharing homework successes and frustrations. Respectfully and non-judgmentally, we will offer each other suggestions and fine-tune our approaches. Your children need time and understanding. You do too.