Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) is a play-based intervention utilized to facilitate the development of the skills necessary to have meaningful relationships. It is a structured and goal directed intervention that allows for flexibility with play. Essential to a CBPT approach is guiding internal cognitive functions to develop the external behaviors necessary to manage social dynamics and relationships. This includes reading social cues and understanding turn taking in conversation, for example. This nuanced understanding can be difficult for children with an Autism Spectrum or other developmental disorder and can contribute to poor social engagement and disruptive behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
Utilizing CBPT, TLC facilitates the development of prosocial skills of young children so that they will be able to engage in productive relationships with peers and adults, in their homes, schools and other community settings. These skills are essential as children, over time, are expected to think critically with others to solve complex problems. Children will develop the skills to be able to have spontaneous social engagement with their peers, teachers and other adults. Using CBPT, children increase their insight into self and learn to recognize and communicate about their own feelings, thoughts and perceptions. They develop the confidence and emotional regulation needed to form meaningful relationships.
Working closely with a child’s parents, strategies are developed that parents can share with school teachers to support children while at school. Used in conjunction with other TLC clinical approaches, like sensory integration, for example, children can learn to modulate their sensory needs through adaptive behaviors, tools and strategies and have the prosocial skills to form lasting relationships with friends, peers and adults.
TLC is here to provide support to all children in developing the cognitive and behavioral skills necessary to allow children to flourish through engaging in productive and meaningful relationships in their natural environments. If you are concerned about your child and think a Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy approach may be beneficial, complete step one of the TLC therapy process to receive a free consultation. We are available to answer any questions you may have and support you on your path to support your child’s development.
