Being a Pro
The Prosocial Model for Problem Solving: Teen Workbook
by Dr. Norbert Ralph

The Being a Pro workbook, developed by Dr. Norbert Ralph, introduces an innovative approach to helping teens develop crucial social skills and problem-solving abilities. This evidence-based intervention provides therapists with a structured, engaging method to promote prosocial thinking and behavior in adolescent clients.

At the core of the workbook is the prosocial model for problem-solving, which consists of four key steps:

1. STOP: Pause and think before acting
2. PROBLEM: Analyze the situation thoroughly
3. CHOICES: Consider options carefully
4. REVIEW: Evaluate outcomes and identify improvements

This model aims to help teens break the cycle of impulsive reactions and develop more thoughtful, positive approaches to challenging situations. By practicing these steps, young clients learn to make better choices that benefit themselves and others while adhering to rules and expectations.

"There’s an expression that 'life is 5 percent chance and 95 percent choice.' This means that while things do come up that are unexpected or we can't control, much of what happens to us in life relates to the choices we make, large and small." - Being a Pro, pg. 41

In the “Choices” step of the prosocial model, Dr. Ralph lays out a series of questions to help teens avoid rash actions and instead consider a “win-win” in which both parties will benefit. The four questions teens should ask themselves before making a decision are:

• Is it true?
• Is it fair and does it benefit all?
• Will it build cooperation and better relationships?
• Is it playing by the rules?

These questions help teens sort out the truth of what is going on in a complex situation and then select a response through a prosocial lens, encouraging an outcome that is mutually beneficial and respectful to all parties involved.

Therapists will find the workbook particularly useful due to its:

1. Engaging Format: Written in plain language with content designed to resonate with today's youth.
2. Practical Exercises: Scenarios and activities for teens are included to help teens apply the Prosocial Model to both hypothetical and real-life situations.
3. Pro-Log Tool: Clients practice using prosocial thinking to propose solutions to the problems of characters in short stories. After each practice story and the exercises that follow it, clients are asked to consider a real problem of their own and write down those solutions in a form called a “Pro-Log,” which they can discuss with their clinician.
4. Versatility: Applicable in individual and group therapy settings.

Sample Situations

One unique feature of this workbook is its use of ambiguous drawings, similar in approach to Thematic Apperception tests, where clients are asked questions, such as, “What is going on? “ and “What are these people thinking and feeling?”. These open-ended exercises help therapists gain insight into their clients' thought processes and can also be used during therapy to help clients apply the Prosocial Model they are learning.

The Being a Pro workbook can be an especially beneficial tool for:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
• Adolescent and Youth Counselors
• School Counselors and Psychologists
• Family Therapists
• Social Skills Trainers
• Behavioral Therapists
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Practitioners

Client populations that may benefit most include:

• Teens with behavioral issues or impulse control problems
• Youths with social skills deficits
• At-risk adolescents
• Teens struggling with emotional regulation
• Young adults in transition
• Individuals with learning disabilities affecting their problem-solving skills

By incorporating the Prosocial Model into their practice, therapists can help teens develop critical thinking skills, improve decision-making abilities, and foster more positive relationships. This approach not only addresses immediate behavioral concerns but also equips young clients with valuable life skills that can lead to greater success and well-being in the long term.

Supplemental Materials Downloads Included

Free supplemental clinician materials make Being a Pro an effective tool for beginning and experienced counselors alike:

• Counselor manual for using the workbook
• A research and theory manual to provide in-depth background information
• Specially designed Pre and Post tests to assess prosocial outcomes
• Video training and interview with the author, Dr. Ralph

These materials will be included as a download with the purchase of the workbook.