Parenting with Love and Limits® (PLL)
Parenting with Love and Limits® (PLL) is a family-focused intervention for teenagers
(ages 10-18) with severe emotional and behavioral problems (e.g., conduct disorder,
oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The program
is designed to help families re-establish adult authority through setting consistent
limits and reclaiming loving relationships. PLL consists of both multifamily group
therapy sessions and individual family therapy coaching sessions.
Multifamily Group Sessions
Multifamily group sessions are led by two facilitators, including one PLL Coach and one
co-facilitator. Group session topics include reasons for teenager misbehavior, button-pushing,
behavior contracts, positive feedback, and approaches for restoring nurturing relationships.
Each group session is conducted in two parts. During the first half of each session, all parents
and teenagers meet in one group to learn skills related to addressing behavioral problems. The
second half of each session is split into one group of parents and one group of teenagers. During
these breakout groups, the group facilitator validates concerns and leads solution-focused discussions.
Individual Family Therapy Coaching Sessions
Families also attend individual family therapy coaching sessions with PLL Coaches. These sessions are
intended to complement the group sessions and follow four phases of treatment. The first phase sets
the terms of the therapy. The second and third phases focus on developing a behavioral contract and
role-playing skills learned in group sessions. The fourth and final phase focuses on evaluating and
maintaining progress and preventing relapse. After initial work to stabilize the family system, PLL
Coaches also address trauma in the family system, as needed.
Program Effectiveness
Parenting with Love and Limits is rated as a supported practice because at least one study carried out
in a usual care or practice setting achieved a rating of moderate or high on design and execution and
demonstrated a sustained favorable effect of at least 6 months beyond the end of treatment on at least
one target outcome.