The story

THE CONNECTED PARENT METHOD (CPM) is a research based approach that incorporates techniques from various theoretical orientations such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Attachment Theory, Behavior Theory and parenting training approaches.

This method was developed by Dr. Maribel Gonzalez, after years of working with caretakers of struggling teens, and noticing how difficult it is for the vast majority of parents to consistently implement the techniques they’re learning, especially when confronted with stressful situations. Frequently resulting in parents feeling frustrated, guilty, hopeless and giving up.

The method

Our innovative 6-Step Approach considers not only the teen’s needs, but it also incorporates an assessment of the parent’s experience in order to strengthens their abilities so they can feel empowered to effectively help their struggling teens.

By first conducting an assessment of three internal systems (1,2,3) that can help or hinder the parents’ ability to help their teens, we help parents develop the strong foundation they need to make it better for their son/daughter. Then, we proceed to build on these abilities by presenting parenting strategies related to three external systems (4,5,6) that empower parents to support, guide and inspire their teens so they can feel connected and confident about parenting again. 

  • This internal system is essential in determining how to respond to your teen’s behavior. It works as an inner compass to direct your actions. We’ll take a look at your “why?” and work with you to clearly identify what your role is as a parent of a struggling teen and the kind of parent you want to be.

  • This system is also essential for acting effectively and in a way that facilitates our teens accepting our influence. As we review your emotional strength, we’ll teach you tricks that help you become emotionally stronger and more resilient. By identifying what emotions are getting in the way for you and learning how to manage them you’ll have more energy to parent effectively.

  • This system is essential in moving us towards healthy actions and creation of positive emotions. As we review your mindset system, we’ll help you identify and understand what thoughts and beliefs are unhelpful and practice ways to manage them so they don’t get in the way of you supporting your teen.

  • Analyzing this system is essential if you want to effectively connect with your teen and provide them with the support they need to feel and be better. As we review your current relationship with your teen and go over tried and true strategies that will help you rebuild your distant relationship, foster independence and improve the chances of your teen accepting your influence.

  • This system is essential to connect with your teen in ways that makes them feel understood and seen. As we review your communication style, we’ll help you learn new and effective ways of communicating with your teen as well as powerful techniques that will increase your teen’s willingness to change.

  • This system is essential to fulfill our role as guides of our teens. Control is not the best way or the only way to change behavior. As we review how you currently solve problems, we’ll teach you new ways to manage situations so you can identify how to effectively address problematic behavior and acquire the tools that lead to change.

a different approach to parenting teen mental wellness that considers both the parent’s and the teen’s needs and abilities to create a healthy connected relationship.