Week 7:  Connecting through Play:  The Filial Play Model (CPR-T)

Play therapy is a highly effective means of providing space for children to learn about themselves, emotions, and the world around them.  The approach is a non-directive, highly encouraging approach to provide connection and attachment-rich experiences for children.  The Filial Play model (Child Parent Relationship Training, or CPR-T) is a way of instructing parents in many of the practices and philosophies a play therapist would use in order to have their own therapeutic play times with their own children.  There is a mounting body of research leading listing the CPR-T model as an evidence-based practice for children who have experienced trauma.  The model is also supported by the body of research in interpersonal neurobiology, which suggest that playing with your children in ways that provide high levels of connection and attachment actually supports brain growth and stability within the nervous system.  

Part 1:  Understanding the therapeutic philosophy and skills needed to play in therapeutic ways to build attachment with your child.  

Part 2:  This week looks at how to provide a consistent and predictable connection time for you and your child.  It includes a step-by-step process for creating the right environment, providing the right tools, and skills to remain connected to your child during your weekly play or connection time.