Beth Troutman, PhD, clinical professor at the University of Iowa, is author of the book, “Integrating Behaviorism and Attachment Theory in Parent Coaching.” The following is a review of the book by Tania Cargo, Senior Lecturer, Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. 

Like feuding siblings, behaviourism and attachment theory have argued, expending time and energy trying to prove they are the better sibling in the psychotherapy family. In her book, Troutman has been able to hold both siblings in mind as she advocates for a 'some of both' approach to helping families. An approach where she demonstrates how she integrates both siblings' perspectives, whilst ensuring the family is supported, through the use of an active 'parent coaching model' as the vehicle for change. 

As an indigenous psychologist who is constantly bringing together theories so that they are more culturally responsive, I am pleased to see that Troutman has been able to bring together two often opposed theories in a cohesive and pragmatic approach to helping parents with parenting and parent-child relationship difficulties. Ka mau te wehi!(Awesome). 

Finally a book that is able to both give us a clear and concise explanation of the differences between behaviourism and attachment, whilst also being able to demonstrate how they can be utilized together in an integrated parenting coaching model. Great to see a practitioner who can walk the talk. 

Such a privilege to read a clinical text that is likely to become a well-thumbed book on this clinician's bookshelf. Especially when I need more guidance around parent-coaching when there are issues which are not simply addressed by either a behavioural intervention or an attachment intervention, but may require the best of both approaches. Thanks for thinking outside the square for us. 

Learn more about the book here and here. 

Dr. Troutman has also authored several articles on parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT):