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Kazdin Parent Management Training™ (PMT)

Positive Behavior Change Through Parent Guidance

Kazdin Parent Management Training™ (PMT) is one of the most researched and highly regarded treatments for children with behavioral challenges. Developed over more than 30 years by Dr. Alan Kazdin, John Musser Professor of Psychology at Yale University and Director of the Yale Parenting Center, PMT is an evidence-based approach designed to improve difficult child behaviors through structured parent training.

At Tender Hearts Child Therapy Center, we provide Kazdin Parent Management Training™ (PMT) for families in Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Arnold, and Fenton, MO to help reduce oppositional, aggressive, and disruptive behaviors in children and teens.

When Challenging Behaviors Begin Affecting Daily Life

When PMT May Be Recommended

Parent Management Training may be appropriate if your child is showing:

Oppositional or defiant behaviors
Aggression toward siblings, peers, or adults
Frequent temper outbursts
Noncompliance with household rules
Antisocial or disruptive behaviors
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Conduct-related concerns

PMT is designed for children and teens between the ages of 2 and 15 who demonstrate mild to severe behavioral challenges.

How We Help

Building Consistent Parenting Strategies for Lasting Change

PMT focuses on teaching parents specific, research-supported strategies to change child behavior. Rather than focusing primarily on the child in session, this model empowers parents with practical tools that create measurable change at home.

This structured, skill-based approach provides clear guidance on reinforcement, consequences, consistency, and behavioral shaping techniques that are proven to reduce challenging behaviors.

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How Kazdin Parent Management Training™ Works

Teach Structured Behavior Strategies

Parents learn step-by-step methods to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors using consistent, predictable techniques.

Increase Positive Parent-Child Interactions

PMT emphasizes strengthening positive attention and connection, which reduces escalation and improves cooperation.

Reduce Oppositional & Aggressive Behavior

Research shows PMT significantly changes difficult and challenging behaviors in approximately 78% of children, based on parent reports.

Address ODD & Conduct Concerns

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) recognizes PMT as a well-established treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in children within the recommended age range.

Benefits of Kazdin Parent Management Training™

Significant reduction in defiant behavior
Improved child compliance
Fewer emotional outbursts
Greater parental confidence
Clearer household structure and expectations
Stronger parent-child relationships

These improvements create lasting change by equipping parents with skills that continue working long after counseling ends.

What to Expect at Tender Hearts

PMT begins with an assessment of your child’s behavioral patterns and current parenting strategies.

Sessions are structured and focused on skill development. Parents receive practical assignments and feedback to implement strategies consistently at home.

This evidence-based model is collaborative, measurable, and results-oriented — designed to produce meaningful behavioral improvement.

Find Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

No. PMT can address both mild and severe behavioral challenges.

PMT primarily focuses on parent training, though child involvement may occur when appropriate.

The length of treatment varies depending on severity of behaviors and consistency of implementation.

Yes. PMT is one of the most researched behavioral treatments and is recognized by leading professional organizations.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment at either the Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Arnold, or Fenton location.