Strategy

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CRPT)

What is it?

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CRPT) is a play-based treatment program for children ages 3 through 8; a version of the program can be used with toddlers. CRPT focuses specifically on children who exhibit behavioral, social, emotional, and attachment issues. The program supports shifts in parent behavior that strengthen the quality of parent-child attachment bonds and reduce child behavioral issues and stresses in the parent-child relationship. Parents in the program learn how to respond to their child’s underlying needs, appropriately address misbehavior, and develop skills that enhance a secure attachment with their child. CPRT is typically conducted in 10 weekly two-hour group sessions. 

What is the evidence base?

CPRT enhances parent-child relationships, promotes developmentally appropriate expectations of children, and increases parental acceptance, empathy, and confidence. For children, stronger parent-child relationships create an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their needs and feelings. 

• Bratton et al_2010_Child Parent Relationship Therapy A review of controlled-outcome research
• Bratton et al_2005_The Efficacy of Play Therapy With Children: A Meta-Analytic Review of Treatment Outcomes