Introduction
My name is Beth Grosshans. I am a retired clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the field. Throughout my career, I have treated a wide range of behavioral and psychological issues in children and adults. However, I am perhaps best known for my expertise in oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children.
Table of Contents
In this article, I will provide an overview of my life, education, career, and family. I will share details about my loving husband Dennis Stattman, who has always been my biggest supporter. I will also discuss my pioneering work in ODD as well as my bestselling book “Beyond Time Out: From Chaos to Calm”.
My Early Life and Education
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio in a family that highly valued education and strong moral values. My father was a professor and administrator at the University of Cincinnati for 35 years. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from the same university, inspired by my father’s career.
After completing my bachelor’s, I went on to pursue graduate studies in psychology. I obtained both my master’s degree and PhD from Ohio State University. My doctoral research focused on childhood anxiety disorders.
Upon graduating, I completed a clinical fellowship at the prestigious Harvard Medical School. This intensive training provided me with advanced clinical skills that I would utilize throughout my career.
Launching My Career as a Clinical Psychologist
After completing my clinical fellowship at Harvard, I relocated to Los Angeles, California. I established a private practice specializing in pediatric psychology.
During my over 25 years of practice, I treated children and adolescents struggling with a diverse range of mental health issues. These included anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral problems, and developmental disorders.
However, over time I developed an expertise in treating oppositional defiant disorder or ODD. This would become a major focus of my clinical work and research.
My Pioneering Work in Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition characterized by argumentative, defiant, and vindictive behavior towards authority figures. I have treated hundreds of children with ODD over my career.
My clinical experience allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the causes, symptoms, and most effective treatments for ODD. I published extensively in academic journals about evidence-based therapies for ODD.
I also lectured about ODD around the country. For 15 years, I served as a child development instructor at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. There I trained Montessori educators on managing ODD in the classroom setting.
My expertise in ODD culminated in the publication of my bestselling book “Beyond Time Out: From Chaos to Calm” in 2010. This book outlined my approach to restoring parental authority and calm in households affected by ODD.
Beyond Time Out: From Chaos to Calm”
“Beyond Time Out” challenged the prevailing parenting paradigm of relying heavily on time-outs. Instead, I emphasized the importance of parental power and authority in effective discipline.
The book provides parents a step-by-step guide to regaining control over defiant children. It covers strategies including:
- Setting clear rules and expectations
- Providing consistent consequences for misbehavior
- Using praise and incentives to reinforce good behavior
- Responding calmly but firmly to outbursts
- Implementing daily routines and structure
“Beyond Time Out” draws on my years of clinical expertise treating ODD. It offers families hope and practical solutions for overcoming chaos and restoring calm. The book became a bestseller shortly after its release. It is still available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats.
My Loving and Supportive Beth Grosshans Husband Dennis
In addition to my fulfilling career, I have been blessed with an amazing life partner – my husband Dennis Stattman. We met serendipitously at a small cafe in Los Angeles in the late 1990s.
Dennis worked as a successful attorney. We soon discovered we shared the same values – the importance of family, intellectual curiosity, and helping others.
After a three-year courtship, Dennis and I married in an intimate beachside wedding with only our closest friends and family. His kindness, integrity, and dry sense of humor perfectly complemented my tendency to be high-strung.
As my career took off, Dennis was always my biggest fan. He attended every book signing and celebrated each of my professional accomplishments.
However, Dennis also made sure to keep me grounded in what truly mattered – our family.
Balancing Career and Family
Dennis and I have two amazing children together. Our son Matthew is now 13 years old and our daughter Lily is 10.
Even during my busiest years in practice, I tried my best to be present and available to my kids. Dennis picked up the slack, managing the household and children’s schedules when work kept me late.
We always emphasized the importance of family time – sharing meals, helping with homework, and spending weekends together. The kids are the light of our lives.
Now that I am retired from clinical practice, I finally have more time to devote to family. Dennis and I enjoy traveling with the kids and passing down our values through daily interactions.
My career as a psychologist afforded me financial security and a sense of purpose. But my family is my true legacy and biggest accomplishment.
Reflecting on a Meaningful Career
As I reflect back on my over 25 years as a clinical psychologist, I am filled with gratitude. I had the privilege of working with thousands of children and families. I gained valuable knowledge that I was able to pass on through my research, writing, and teaching.
My career was intensely rewarding but also emotionally taxing at times. I could not have persevered without the unwavering love and stability provided by my husband Dennis. He has been my rock throughout this journey.
I am thankful now to have more time for personal interests like gardening and playing piano. I cherish the days spent with my growing children.
And I look forward to whatever life brings next knowing Dennis will continue to stand by my side with wisdom, patience, and care. Though I am retired from clinical practice, my passion for helping families affected by ODD endures. It is my hope that my pioneering work and writings in this area will continue to provide help and hope.