Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an evidence-based, culturally-responsive intervention with over 35 controlled outcome studies demonstrating its significant beneficial effects on reducing children’s behavior problems, reducing stress in the parent-child relationship and increasing caregiver empathy. CPRT focuses on fostering a secure and attuned caregiver-child attachment and empowering caregivers to make a significant difference in their children’s lives. In this unique approach, professional play therapists experienced in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) train and supervise caregivers to become therapeutic agents in their children’s lives through the use of CCPT principles and skills. Using a format of didactic instruction, demonstration play sessions, required weekly 30-minute play sessions and supervision, caregivers are taught CCPT attitudes and skills to facilitate sensitivity to, and understanding of their child’s underlying needs.
This is a practical “how to” workshop will fulfill partial requirements towards certification as a CPRT Facilitator. Based on the presenters’ experience, demonstrations, and viewing video segments of the inner-workings of a CPRT group co-lead by Dr. Bratton and Dr. Garry Landreth, participants will learn: how to teach child-centered play therapy skills, toys and materials needed, techniques for involving caregivers in the learning process, balancing training and meeting caregivers emotional needs, utilizing group dynamics, and facilitative supervision strategies. CPRT’s substantial evidence base, preventative nature, and relatively brief treatment time frame make this treatment model attractive in today’s mental health climate. CPRT received the 2010 Best Practices in Parent/Family Education Award and was recently recognized by the Donaldson Adoption Institute as the therapeutic parent training model with the strongest evidence base for working with adoptive/foster families.
*Participants will need the CPRT treatment manual and are encouraged to be familiar with the manual prior to the workshop.
Schedule
Friday, September 8, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Morning break: 10:30-10:45am
Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm
Afternoon break: 2:30-2:45pm
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss rationale for involving parents in children’s therapy.
2. Role-play teaching caregivers basic CCPT skills.
3. Describe the appropriate toys for CPRT play sessions.
4. Describe the structure of CPRT caregiver-child play sessions.
5. Identify strategies for teaching CPRT concepts and skills within group format.
6. Identify three group leader skills necessary for effective facilitation of CPRT.
7. Identify strategies for providing supportive feedback and supervision of video-recorded caregiver-child play sessions.
8. Discuss cultural considerations for applying CPRT.
9. Identify caregiver/child populations for which CPRT is proven effective.
10. Describe the substantive evidence-base for CPRT.
Meet the Speaker
Sue Bratton, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S is Professor Emerita, University of North Texas, and Director Emerita, UNT Center for Play Therapy with 30 years of experience as a practitioner and researcher. Sue is nationally and internationally known speaker and author with over 90 publications and 300 professional presentations in the areas of play therapy, Child- Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), and Child-Centered Play Therapy. She is co-author of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), the CPRT Treatment Manual, and CPRT in Action, a demonstration video illustrating CPRT with adoptive families, as well as three additional contemporary edited texts. Her research agenda is focused on examining the effectiveness of play therapy, CPRT, and school-based counseling services for young children and their families. Sue is a Past President of the Association for Play Therapy (APT), recipient of the 2016 APT Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007 APT Outstanding Research Award, the 2011 Chi Sigma Iota Outstanding Practitioner Supervisor Award, the 2013 ACA Best Practice Award, the 2013 AHC Humanistic Educator/ Supervisor Award, the 2014 ACA Extended Research Award, and several UNT teaching, research and service awards. She is an active social advocate for children at the local, national, and international level, particularly underserved children who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Her career-long passion and record of service is focused on helping children receive the help and nurturing they need to reach their full potential.