Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) Facilitator Training
A Comprehensive Guide for Play Therapists to Empower Parents and Transform Families

Welcome to Your CPRT Facilitator Training

Welcome! This training equips you to confidently deliver CPRT to parents using the 10-session filial therapy model. You’ll learn how to model CCPT principles, lead groups with empathy and structure, and transform parent-child relationships. Each module includes a training video and downloadable handout. Start with the orientation video and work through each week at your own pace.

Let’s change families—one relationship at a time.

Required Texts

To get the most out of this training, you’ll need to purchase both of the following books. They are referenced throughout the course and are essential to understanding and delivering the content:

This book will be referred to as “CPRT Textbook” in this course.
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model, 2nd Edition

This book will be referred to as “CPRT Treatment Manual” in this course.
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) Treatment Manual: An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model, 2nd Edition

Please make sure you have both the textbook and the treatment manual on hand as you begin.

Getting Started

Begin with the first module, CPRT 01, and follow each module in sequence.
Read the Textbook and Treatment Manual assigned reading for that module.
Watch the curriculum video and then the supplemental coaching video(s).
Download the accompanying handout for each session.
Pause between modules to reflect, read, or review the manual as needed.

How to Use the Curriculum + Supplemental Videos

Modules in this course can include up to two types of videos:

Curriculum Video
This video gives you an overview of the CPRT session content from a facilitator perspective. It includes key points from the manual, facilitation tips, and important reminders to help you deliver the material effectively and confidently.

Supplemental Teaching Videos
In these videos, you’ll see Dr. Brenna Hicks model how she delivers that week’s content directly to parents in a virtual CPRT group. This is designed to give you a sense of how CPRT sounds and feels in action.

Your Role as a Facilitator

While the supplemental videos give you a reference and a model, they are not meant to be copied verbatim. Effective CPRT facilitation depends on congruence—your ability to embody the CCPT philosophy in a way that is natural, authentic, and true to who you are.

Congruent delivery is more important than perfect delivery.

Use Brenna’s teaching videos to:

Observe how she paces the material
Notice her tone, posture, and word choices
See how she weaves in encouragement and warmth
Get ideas for stories and metaphors to provide emotional connection to the content

Then… make it your own. Adapt the examples. Use your voice. Bring your personality and experience to the group.

We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

CPRT 01 – Welcome & Orientation

An overview of the CPRT course structure, goals, and expectations, including required materials and foundational assumptions for successful facilitation.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 02 – History, Philosophy, and Objectives

Explores the roots of CPRT, its relational philosophy, and the long-term objectives that distinguish it from behavior-focused parenting programs.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 1 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 03 – Neuroscience Foundations

Presents the brain-based rationale behind CPRT and explains why connection—not control—is the key to emotional regulation and behavioral change.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 2 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 04 – Unique Features of CPRT

Details what sets CPRT apart, including its non-directive foundation, emphasis on parental empowerment, and structured play sessions.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 3 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 05 – Becoming the Facilitator

Outlines the traits and mindset of an effective facilitator, with 12 actionable guidelines to lead CPRT groups with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 4 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 06 – Critical Components of Effective Facilitation

Covers best practices in modeling CCPT skills, promoting group cohesion, and using structured teaching strategies to support parent learning.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 5 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 07 – Skills, Concepts, and Attitudes Overview

Summarizes the six core goals of play sessions and prepares facilitators to teach the foundational CCPT skill set in a structured, week-by-week format.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 6 in the CPRT textbook.
Watch the curriculum video
Print out the module handout

CPRT 08 – Week 1: Setting the Foundation

Introduces parents to CPRT, teaches reflecting feelings, and helps them reconnect with their child through practical homework and encouragement.

Important Note About the CPRT Treatment Manual
This training will focus only on the content from the Ages 3–10 Therapist Protocol section of the CPRT Manual. While the manual includes additional adaptations for toddlers, teens, and other special populations, those are not part of the standard 10-week protocol covered in this course.

Please make sure you’re following the Ages 3–10 protocol throughout this training. All weekly modules, session pacing, facilitator guidance, and supplemental videos are based on this age-specific section of the manual.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 7-8 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 1-16 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Supplemental Videos

CPRT 09 – Week 2: Preparing for the First Play Session

Focuses on toy collection, play session logistics, and emotional readiness while deepening parents’ practice of reflecting feelings.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 9 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 17-23 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Supplemental Videos

CPRT 10 – Week 3: Final Prep Before First Play Session

Guides parents through a final checklist, introduces the ACT limit setting model, and builds confidence for the first 30-minute special playtime.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 10 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 24-32 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Supplemental Videos

CPRT 11 – Weeks 4–6: Video Review, Integration, and Choice Giving

Covers the introduction of play session video reviews, deeper skill integration, and the teaching of choice giving as the third CPRT skill.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapters 11-13 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 33-62 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Week 4 Supplemental Videos

Week 5 Supplemental Videos

Week 6 Supplemental Videos

CPRT 12 – Weeks 7–9: Mastery, Encouragement, and Generalizing

Focuses on reinforcing core skills, introducing encouragement, and expanding CPRT concepts beyond playtime into everyday parenting moments.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapters 14-16 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 63-92 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Week 7 Supplemental Videos

Week 8 Supplemental Videos

Week 9 Supplemental Videos

CPRT 13 – Week 10: Review, Reflection, and Next Steps

Facilitates a group review of the 10-week experience, reinforces long-term play session goals, and encourages continued use of CPRT skills.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter 17 in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages 93-100 in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

Supplemental Videos

CPRT 14 – Special Populations

Outlines how CPRT can be adapted for toddlers, teens, adoptive families, and classroom settings while maintaining fidelity to the model.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video

CPRT 15 – Final Reflections & Facilitator Empowerment

Summarizes the final chapters of the CPRT text, highlights long-term impact, cultural responsiveness, and equips facilitators with tools for success.

Your Tasks for This Module:
Read Chapter in the CPRT textbook.
Read pages in the CPRT Treatment Manual
Watch the curriculum video
Watch the supplemental videos
Print out the module handout

Curriculum Video