Child-Parent Relationship Therapy

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy is a play-based treatment program for young children presenting with behavioral, emotional, social, and attachment concerns. 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 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. CPRT was developed for children ages 3- 8, but has been adapted for use with toddlers and preadolescents. 

In CPRT, parents are taught specific skills that focus on enhancing a secure attachment with their child and helping parents attune to and respond to their child’s underlying needs to address symptoms. Parents also learn to effectively limit their child’s misbehavior.

In CPRT, parents implement the skills in weekly play sessions with their child and get feedback on their skills from a Licensed Therapist. 

In as few as 10 sessions, parents learn specific communication and relational skills that include:

• Unconditional positive regard: Accepting and valuing the child without judgment.
• Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the child’s feelings.
• Reflective responding: Mirroring back the child’s words and emotions.
• Limit setting: Establishing clear and consistent boundaries.
• Encouragement: Encouraging the child to grow while strengthening the familial bonds.

CPRT can be done in a group or individual setting. After the initial client intake:

Individual CPRT sessions are $185 per 50 minute session. Individual CPRT typically ranges from 10-12 sessions.

Group CPRT costs $1500 per family. This includes 1 Intake, 10 Group sessions, 1 Child Observation, 1 individual parent consultation, and a 30 minute follow up appointment following completion of the group.
**Groups will be held virtually.

It’s completely understandable to be concerned if your child resists Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). First, validate their concerns and let them know it’s okay to feel apprehensive or hesitant. You could say something like, “I understand you’re not sure about this, and that’s okay. I want to spend time connecting with you”

Then, briefly explain why you think CPRT could be helpful. Focus on the positive aspects, such as learning to communicate better, resolving conflicts, and having a stronger relationship. Keep it age-appropriate and avoid labeling them or blaming them for the family’s challenges.

Finally, start small. Ease them into the experience. 

While Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) doesn’t directly target specific child behaviors like anxiety, tantrums, or defiance, it equips parents with the tools and skills to address these challenges effectively.

CPRT focuses on strengthening the parent-child bond and communication, which can be the underlying cause of many behavioral issues. By improving understanding and empathy, parents can better identify and respond to their child’s emotional needs, reducing the triggers for challenging behaviors.

Absolutely, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) can be incredibly helpful in managing your own stress and emotions related to parenting.

By learning and practicing better communication skills like active listening and empathy, you’ll be able to connect with your child on a deeper level. This can lead to clearer understanding, reduced misinterpretations, and less frustration, potentially lowering your stress levels.

CPRT empowers parents by equipping them with skills to address challenging behaviors effectively. This shift in focus from “fixing” your child to working on your own responses can lessen feelings of blame or helplessness, contributing to calmer management of emotions.

It is preferred that all caregivers and parents attend sessions, and we understand that sometimes life circumstances make that difficult. With CPRT, the caregiver attending sessions will be given a Parent Handbook.

It is encouraged that the caregiver attending session shares what was learned in each session so there is support and consistency in this new way of communicating with your child. Separate monthly consultations can be scheduled to review key concepts if one caregiver is not able to be physically present each week.

Arrangements can also be made for one caregiver or parent to participate using telehealth.

In CPRT, one child will be identified as the initial focus of treatment. One of the best things about CPRT is that as a parent or caregiver, you are learning a new way of communicating and connecting with children, and often you will find yourself using these skills in most relationships and interactions.

Once you have ended the 10 sessions of CPRT, we encourage you to schedule “special play times” with the other children in your care to expand your skills and connection with those members of your family.