Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is a play-based treatment program designed for parents of children, typically between the ages of 2 and 10, who are experiencing social, emotional, and relational disorders. The therapy aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship and helps parents respond more effectively to their children’s emotional and behavioral needs.

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At the heart of CPRT is the premise that a secure parent-child relationship is the essential factor for children’s well-being. In a supportive group environment, parents learn skills to respond more effectively to their children’s emotional and behavioral concerns. The goal of CPRT is to strengthen the quality of the parent-child attachment bond as a means of reducing child behavior problems and stress in the parent-child relationship.

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CPRT includes three key components: learning skills, receiving feedback on skill practice, and connecting with other parents for support. During sessions 1-3, parents learn skills and prepare for their upcoming play sessions with their child. In weeks 4-10, parents practice their new skills with their child and the therapist provides feedback for parents in the small group format, or on an individual basis with the therapist.​

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CPRT is typically administered in 10 weekly, 2-hour group sessions with 5-8 parents. A therapist delivers CPRT to parents in a series of 10 weekly structured group sessions. Session structure follows the 3 Ds: Describe, Demonstrate, Do. In each session, the therapist describes a skill and then demonstrates it through video and live modeling. Next, parents practice with each other through role play.

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Between sessions, parents complete a homework assignment practicing the skills from the previous session. During CPRT sessions 4–9, parents share their play session experiences and have the chance to role play to address questions that arise1. One or two parents share a video of their recent play session and receive feedback from the therapist and other group members.

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Overall research indicates that CPRT is effective in reducing children’s behavior problems and decreasing parental stress.

Benefits of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

• Improves Parent-Child Relationship: CPRT strengthens the bond between parents and children, leading to a more secure and trusting relationship.

• Reduces Child Behavior Problems: By improving the parent-child relationship, CPRT can help reduce behavioral problems in children.

• Decreases Parental Stress: Parents often report a decrease in stress levels after participating in CPRT.

• Enhances Parental Understanding: CPRT helps parents understand their children’s emotional and behavioral needs better.

• Provides Parental Support: The group format of CPRT provides a supportive environment where parents can connect with others facing similar challenges.

• Teaches Effective Skills: Parents learn effective skills to respond to their children’s needs and practice these skills during therapy sessions.

• Promotes Consistent Practice: The structure of CPRT encourages consistent practice of new skills through homework assignments.

• Offers Constructive Feedback: Parents receive constructive feedback on their skill practice, which helps them improve over time.

• These benefits contribute to the overall well-being of both the child and the parent.

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