Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is a 10-week parent training program that teaches evidence-based therapeutic play skills designed to strengthen the parent-child relationship and improve communication. Through guided play sessions and parent coaching, parents gain confidence in responding to their child’s emotional and behavioral needs. In turn, children often feel more understood, accepted, and emotionally connected with their parents.

Throughout the course, parents participate in group instruction, discussions, role-playing activities, feedback, and weekly homework assignments. Parents will also conduct special play sessions at home with their child and bring recorded segments of those sessions to class for support and coaching. Many parents describe CPRT as life-changing—not only for their relationship with their child, but for their overall approach to parenting and relationships.

Topics covered in CPRT include:

• Understanding the feelings behind behaviors

• Learning the language of play

• Building stronger emotional connection with your child

• Responding in developmentally appropriate ways

• Supporting emotional regulation

• Reducing parental frustration and power struggles

• Setting healthy and effective limits

• Using age-appropriate choices to encourage growth and responsibility

• Encouraging children versus praising them

• Using esteem-building responses

• Developing strategies for difficult situations

• Creating intentional “special play times” with your child

CPRT equips parents with practical tools to strengthen attachment, increase cooperation, and foster emotional growth within the family relationship.