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Positive Discipline Certification Trainings

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Become a Certified
Positive Discipline Parent Educator

Positive Discipline (PD) is an Adlerian-based, trauma-informed approach that focuses on building connection, mutual respect, and long-term social-emotional development. Developed by Lynn Lott and Dr. Jane Nelsen, the Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way curriculum offers a step-by-step, experiential method for leading parenting groups and working with families.

Unlike approaches that rely on punishment, praise, or control, PD emphasizes encouragement, belonging, and shared responsibility—without relying on rewards, permissiveness, or even logical consequences (at least, hardly ever).

In our workshops, participants will:

  • Learn research-backed tools that are both kind and firm (non-punitive and non-permissive)

  • Gain confidence using these tools in group classes, client sessions, or educational settings

  • Practice experiential activities to “get into the child’s world” and understand the belief behind the behavior

  • Shift from trying to control others’ behavior to influencing it through emotional regulation and connection

Research has shown that social and emotional learning has a stronger impact on long-term success than academic skills alone. PD equips professionals to support those skills with confidence and compassion.

“This workshop helped build my confidence for working with parents and I obtained so many useful skills!”
— Training Participant, February 2025

“The materials provided were outstanding and practical. The activities were excellent and were a great way to learn and process the curriculum. Lora was open, transparent, and vulnerable which created a safe space for everyone to share and learn together.”
— Training Participant, August 2023

“Lora is an amazing facilitator! I am very happy that I decided to do this in-person instead of online! The experiential learning helped the ideas sink in and made it more interesting.”
— Training Participant, June 2023

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Upcoming Trainings


Fall 2025 – Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way

  • November 6-7, 2025
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church
Register for Fall 2025 Training

Meet the Facilitator: Lora Ferguson, MA, LPC-S

Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

As a mom to two teenagers, I have found parenting to be both the most rewarding and the most challenging part of my life journey. I love my kids with every part of my being, and yet sometimes I can’t wait to get away from them for a quiet moment to myself (or a week-long vacation if I’m lucky). If you are a parent reading this, I understand this polarity you experience and I have been there many times! We need the support of other parents to truly feel that we aren’t alone.

I found my way to Positive Discipline first as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with teens and their parents back in 2008. I love using the tools and concepts of PD to help families grow closer through encouragement, contribution, and mutual respect. I find that helping parents and educators focus on the long term goals they have for their children (that they are kind, generous, thoughtful, resilient, balanced, and so on) allow them to relax and breathe into the process of nurturing their relationship with their child. And most importantly, they are able to slowly let go of controlling their child’s behavior and refocusing on controlling their own behavior so they can be a powerful influence.

I use PD in both a private counseling setting in my work at Austin Family Counseling, and through workshops with parents, educators, and caregivers in the community. I have done PD workshops in preschools, elementary schools, churches, non-profit agencies, and correctional institutes. I love sharing PD with parents and caregivers, educators, business leaders, direct care workers, and anyone who wants to be better at relationships. Please contact me if you want to learn more about bringing Positive Discipline to your group or family!

Credentials:

  • Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator

  • Certified Positive Discipline Classroom Educator

  • Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator Trainer

  • Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator Trainer

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