A time-limited, parent-focused program built on decades of behavioral science — not another list of tips tried in isolation or without being tailored to your family.
Families haven't been taught how to properly use the strategies, in the correct order, and tailor their implementation based on your family and how your child responds in a given moment. The Parent Steps builds one skill on top of the last — foundational relationship work first, discipline last, on purpose. And, the amazing part, is so many families report the behavioral challenges are largely resolved before they get to the discipline phase of the Parent Steps.
Before changing anything, you'll learn to observe the Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence pattern behind your child's most difficult moments — without judgment, and without trying to fix it yet. You can't change a pattern you haven't clearly identified. All of the following strategies taught in this program are considered antecedent or consequence strategies, which are then used to shape your child's behavior.
Research consistently shows this single strategy has the greatest impact on improving child behavior. You'll learn the difference between generic praise and the specific, targeted strategic labeled praise that actually shapes behavior over time.
A brief, 5 minute child-led activity that is completed daily. This activity is different from ordinary quality time, and when done with a few specific skills woven in, it will soften the parent-child relationship and improve compliance overall. This activity is non-negotiable, and the goal is for it to be genuinely enjoyable for both of you.
You'll learn how to strategically give and remove attention to shape behavior — including how to handle whining, tantrums, and pushback without accidentally reinforcing them.
Once the foundation is in place, you'll build a simple, sustainable reward system for the specific routines and behaviors that are hardest for your child — designed to actually hold up past week one.
Only once the first five steps are working do we address discipline directly — direct commands, a calm and predictable command sequence, and consequences that are proportionate, consistent, and effective.
The Parent Steps draws on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and behavioral parent training research — among the most well-studied treatment approaches for childhood behavioral concerns, shown effective across mild to severe presentations, including aggression.
Strategies specifically adapted for children with ADHD, including how attention and impulse control affect compliance and follow-through.
Dr. Emily's specialty is the more severe end of the spectrum — aggression, high-conflict dynamics, and behaviors other approaches haven't resolved.
Delivered virtually, with sessions structured to fit real family schedules — serving families throughout Florida.
Two 1-on-1 sessions per month with Dr. Emily, plus two "office hours" sessions — group if other families attend, 1-on-1 if not. Cancel anytime.
Most families complete the program in 3–4 months with dedicated practice and commitment. Some families choose ongoing support and access through the monthly maintenance membership. Visible changes are often seen within 1–3 weeks of consistent practice.
Children ages 4–10, spanning mild challenges through the most severe — including aggression and high-conflict family dynamics, which is Dr. Emily's specific area of specialty. Note that families with more mild challenges, family dynamics often improve at a faster rate.
Most advice teaches strategies in isolation, or jumps straight to discipline. The Parent Steps teaches the full sequence in the order behavioral science shows it actually works — foundational relationship skills first, important discipline strategies come last, compounding on the previous steps. The Parent Steps provides detailed, nuanced, practical ways to adjust the strategies based on your child's response to the home practice. You won't get stuck not knowing what to do next when you hit a bump in the road.
Children ages 4–10, spanning mild challenges through the most severe — including aggression and high-conflict family dynamics, which is Dr. Emily's specific area of specialty.
Many families notice improvements in mood and behavior within 1–3 weeks of consistent practice. If no improvement is noted within 3–4 weeks, that's a signal something is not quite right and we need to make adjustments. Dr. Emily will evaluate the nuances of the situation and ensure things are being implemented and practiced in the correct way.
The Parent Steps Program is available via monthly concierge membership, paid at the first of the month:
Superbills are provided so families can submit for reimbursement through insurance or the Step Up scholarship.
Dr. Emily writes a newsletter available to subscribers for no cost. This newsletter is hosted on Substack, and involves her writing about the Parent Steps program, the specific steps, and how to tailor them for your family. The articles cover the specific details of how to implement each step.
Free NewsletterDr. Emily is licensed in Florida and is therefore not able to work with families outside of Florida at this time. If you're outside Florida, you can join Dr. Emily's free Substack newsletter, where she writes in depth about The Parent Steps, including how to implement the strategies without the high-touch therapy program.
Enrollment is limited to ensure each family receives thoughtful, individualized support.
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