Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an evidence-based, attachment-focused approach that strengthens family bonds through play and attuned communication. At Therapy Center Houston, we recognize that secure parent-child relationships form the foundation for emotional resilience, and we equip families with tools to foster trust, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Core Principles of CPRT

• Safety First:
  Therapists create a nonjudgmental space where parents and children feel emotionally secure to explore vulnerabilities. Play sessions prioritize emotional safety, allowing children to express themselves freely without fear of correction or criticism.

• Empowerment and Choice:
  Parents learn child-centered play techniques that honor the child’s autonomy. By following the child’s lead during play, parents practice stepping back and trusting their child’s problem-solving abilities.

• Trust and Transparency:
  Therapists model consistency and clarity, guiding parents to build trust through reflective listening and empathy. Parents learn to communicate openly, fostering mutual respect.

• Understanding the Impact of Relational Patterns:
  CPRT addresses how past interactions, stressors, or attachment disruptions shape current dynamics. Therapists help parents recognize and respond to their child’s underlying emotional needs rather than focusing solely on behaviors.

• Compassion Over Pathology:
  Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with my child?” CPRT encourages, “What does my child need?” This shifts focus from blame to understanding the root of emotional or behavioral challenges.What Makes CBT “Action-Oriented”?

What Makes CPRT “Attachment-Focused”?

CPRT emphasizes nurturing secure parent-child bonds as the cornerstone of healing. This approach is especially transformative for families who:

• Struggle with frequent conflicts or communication breakdowns

• Face behavioral challenges (aggression, withdrawal, anxiety)

• Are navigating life transitions (divorce, loss, new siblings)

• Have histories of disrupted attachments or relational trauma

CPRT helps clients:

• Repair trust through attuned interactions

• Develop emotional regulation skills

• Strengthen problem-solving as a team

• Build resilience against future stressors