About

About Me

Navigating the complexities of childhood can present significant hurdles for families. Many parents find themselves grappling with children who exhibit intense temperamental outbursts or resist reasoning. Disrespectful and demanding behaviors can create further strain. Additionally, childhood anxiety can transform everyday occurrences, such as attending school or birthday parties, into sources of considerable stress. Challenges surrounding sleep, eating, and toileting are also frequently encountered, leading some children to avoid, refuse, or make excessive demands on their parents.

The journey of fostering essential life skills in children, encompassing self-control, respect, cooperation, independent sleep, and healthy eating habits, can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the most effective path forward. Recognizing this profound need, Beth Grosshans, a dedicated professional in the field, has made it her mission to equip these families with the insights and practical strategies necessary to overcome these developmental and behavioral obstacles.

Academic and Professional Foundation

Beth Grosshans laid her academic groundwork by earning a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Cincinnati. Her commitment to in-depth knowledge led her to Ohio State University, where she obtained both her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology.

Her transition into the professional realm began with an internship at the esteemed Boston Children’s Hospital and Judge Baker's Children’s Center psychiatric inpatient unit. This pivotal experience allowed her to apply her extensive academic learning in a real-world setting, benefiting from the mentorship of leading experts at Harvard Medical School.

Private Practice and the Understanding of Imbalanced Family Power (IFP)

In 1994, Beth Grosshans embarked on her private practice journey. Through her work with individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges, she identified a critical and recurring pattern: the emergence of emotional and behavioral disorders when a child held disproportionate power within the family unit. This phenomenon, which she termed Imbalanced Family Power (IFP), proved to be a persistent and detrimental dynamic in familial relationships rather than a transient phase. To effectively address IFP, she developed a highly successful five-step approach known as The Ladder to Effectiveness. This strategy has proven to be a catalyst for transformation, empowering parents to re-establish healthy familial power dynamics and leadership, ultimately leading to restored harmony and well-being within families.

Academic and Professional Contributions Beyond Clinical Practice

Beth Grosshans' dedication to education extended beyond her private consultations. For over 15 years, she passionately shared her expertise in child development at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. In this role, she imparted her knowledge and practical experience to Montessori educators nationwide, playing a significant role in shaping the understanding and skills of future caregivers.

Her extensive knowledge and over two decades of experience in providing evidence-based parenting strategies to schools nationwide have also positioned her as a sought-after consultant for schools and treatment facilities. In this capacity, she develops individualized treatment plans for fellow mental health professionals, further extending her impact on the field.

Published Works and Ongoing Influence

Dr. Grosshans’ insights into family power dynamics were first brought to a wider audience in her book Beyond Time Out: From Chaos to Calm. Published in 2008, this work outlined her groundbreaking concept and offered parents and caregivers practical tools for navigating power struggles within their family relationships. The positive impact her work has had on countless lives and families underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering healthy family relationships.

Even after retiring from clinical practice, Dr. Beth Grosshans remains actively engaged in her passion for writing and speaking to parents and educators on crucial topics related to child development and effective discipline. Drawing upon over two decades of experience as a child psychologist working with hundreds of families, Beth Grosshans understands the frustration parents face when their efforts to help their children seem unsuccessful. Driven by the heartfelt concerns of struggling parents, she has dedicated her career to providing them with the strong, loving, and effective parenting skills essential for raising self-controlled, respectful, and cooperative children.