What is Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)?

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is a supportive, play-based program that helps parents build a stronger, more connected relationship with their child. It’s designed for families with children facing behavioral, emotional, or social challenges—and is rooted in the belief that a secure parent-child bond is the foundation for a child’s emotional well-being.

How CPRT Works

CPRT is offered in small group settings with about 5–8 parents and typically runs for 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 2 hours. During the first few weeks, you’ll learn powerful tools to help you connect with your child, understand their behavior, and respond with empathy and structure.

In the later sessions, you’ll use these skills during special weekly playtimes with your child at home. In group meetings, you’ll receive personalized feedback from a trained CPRT facilitator and connect with other parents who are on the same journey.

What You’ll Learn

Who Is It For?

CPRT was originally developed for parents of children ages 3 to 8, but it’s also been adapted for use with toddlers and preteens. It’s especially helpful for families experiencing:

Backed by Research

CPRT is one of the most well-researched parenting programs available. Studies consistently show that it helps reduce behavior problems in children and lower stress levels in parents—across many different family situations (Bratton et al., 2010).

A Path Toward Connection and Confidence

By learning to better understand and respond to your child’s emotional needs, you’re not just managing behavior—you’re building a healthier, more trusting relationship that can last a lifetime.