Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) in Middlesex, NJ
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (A Filial Therapy model) is an evidenced based play-based treatment model used to treat social, emotional, behavioral, and attachment issues in children. This form of treatment can be used with children as young as 1.5 years old. Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) was designed for use in group format with parents though it is easily adaptable to be used with individual parents. CPRT is focused on strengthening the child-parent relationship and is based on the principals of Child Centered Play Therapy.
The Play Therapist teaches parents how to create a therapeutic environment in their home through play. Parents learn skills such as reflective listening, how to empathize with their child, be accepting and non-judgmental. They learn how to appropriately respond to their child’s feelings and underlying needs. Parents are taught how to set limits with their child when they are displaying unwanted/unsafe behaviors. Parents will use specific play materials (real-life toys, acting-out aggressive toys, and toys for creative/emotional expression) to practice the skills learned with their child in 30 minute weekly special playtime sessions.
During special playtime, the parent allows the child to take the lead. The child is the one that makes the decision in regards to what they chose to play with and how they play. The parent joins in the play only when invited to do so by the child. The parent allows the child to make mistakes and does not correct the child unless limits need to be set.
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy does not focus on the child’s problem behaviors, but instead focuses on their potential. CPRT improves communication with your child, increases positive interactions and trust. It has been shown to reduce parental stress. By improving parent-child attachment, behavioral problems displayed in the child decrease. Through CPRT, the child’s confidence increases, they learn to take responsibility for their actions, and how to get their needs met in healthy appropriate ways.
