21. Dr. J. Stuart Ablon on Collaborative Problem Solving
Episode description
In this episode of Get Psyched, we sit down with Dr. J. Stuart Ablon—clinical psychologist, founder of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Thomas G. Stemberg Endowed Chair in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ablon has spent decades championing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to challenging behavior called Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)—a model built on empathy, co-regulation, and the belief that “kids do well if they can.”
We explore Dr. Ablon’s personal journey, from his early inspirations to his work transforming schools, hospitals, juvenile justice systems, and beyond. He breaks down the core principles of CPS, shares how it can be applied across psychiatry and other disciplines, and offers practical advice for medical students, residents, and clinicians navigating high-stress environments.
From dismantling misconceptions about behavior management to addressing systemic inequities, Dr. Ablon invites us to rethink how we understand, and respond to, human behavior. Whether you’re a medical student, psychiatrist, educator, or simply curious about new ways to foster connection and change, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to collaborate.
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