CBPT First Level

Foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy


This introductory level provides a comprehensive foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT), a developmentally sensitive adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tailored for children aged 2½ to 8 years.
Participants will explore how CBPT integrates the structured, evidence-based principles of CBT with the natural language of play, creating a therapeutic approach that is both engaging and effective for young clients.

What You’ll Learn


Theoretical Foundations: Understand the origins of CBPT and how it builds upon traditional CBT principles to meet the emotional and cognitive needs of children.
Developmental Adaptation: Learn how CBPT aligns with the developmental stages of preschool and school-age children, using play as a vehicle for therapeutic change.
CBPT Techniques: Discover a wide range of cognitive and behavioral interventions, including modeling, role-play, storytelling, and structured play tasks.
Therapeutic Structure: Explore how CBPT balances directive and non-directive elements, allowing for both spontaneous learning and targeted skill-building.
Case Examples: Analyze real-world applications of CBPT through detailed case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness across various clinical settings.
Comparison with Other Play Therapies: Identify the unique features of CBPT and how it differs from more traditional play therapy approaches.

Our 1st level CBPT courses' instructors



Susan M. Knell, PhD

A clinical psychologist and a pioneer of CBPT, who has written several books and articles on this therapy and has trained thousands of therapists around the world.

Meena Dasari, PhD

A clinical psychologist and a certified CBPT trainer, who has worked with children and families in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice.

Maria A. Geraci, Psychoterapist

A cognitive behavioral therapist and a certified CBPT trainer, who has specialized in treating children with anxiety, trauma, and behavioral difficulties