CPRT 101: Foundations in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy

Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an evidence-based, culturally-responsive intervention with over 35 controlled outcome studies demonstrating its significant beneficial effects on reducing children’s behavior problems, reducing stress in the parent-child relationship and increasing caregiver empathy. CPRT focuses on fostering a secure and attuned caregiver-child attachment and empowering caregivers to make a significant difference in their children’s lives. In this unique approach, professional play therapists experienced in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) train and supervise caregivers to become therapeutic agents in their children’s lives through the use of CCPT principles and skills. Using a format of didactic instruction, demonstration play sessions, required weekly 30-minute play sessions and supervision, caregivers are taught CCPT attitudes and skills to facilitate sensitivity to, and understanding of their child’s underlying needs.

This is a practical “how to” workshop will fulfill partial requirements towards certification as a CPRT Facilitator. Based on the presenters’ experience, demonstrations, and viewing video segments of the inner-workings of a CPRT group co-lead by Dr. Bratton and Dr. Garry Landreth, participants will learn: how to teach child-centered play therapy skills, toys and materials needed, techniques for involving caregivers in the learning process, balancing training and meeting caregivers emotional needs, utilizing group dynamics, and facilitative supervision strategies. CPRT’s substantial evidence base, preventative nature, and relatively brief treatment time frame make this treatment model attractive in today’s mental health climate. CPRT received the 2010 Best Practices in Parent/Family Education Award and was recently recognized by the Donaldson Adoption Institute as the therapeutic parent training model with the strongest evidence base for working with adoptive/foster families. 

*Participants will need the CPRT treatment manual and are encouraged to be familiar with the manual prior to the workshop.

Schedule

Friday, August 7, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026

9:00am - 4:30pm
Morning break: 10:30-10:45am
Lunch: 12:15-1:15pm
Afternoon break: 3:00-3:15pm

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss rationale for involving parents in children’s play therapy. 
2. Role-play teaching caregivers basic CCPT skills.      
3. Describe the appropriate toys for CPRT play sessions. 
4. Describe the structure of CPRT caregiver-child play sessions.        
5. Identify play therapy strategies for teaching CPRT concepts and skills within group format.    
6. Identify three group leader skills necessary for effective facilitation of CPRT. 
7. Identify play therapy strategies for providing supportive feedback and supervision of video-recorded caregiver-child play sessions.
8. Discuss cultural considerations for applying CPRT.
9. Identify caregiver/child populations for which CPRT is proven effective.       
10. Describe the substantive evidence-based for CPRT.

APT Approved Provider 95-004