Parenting Support

Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging to know how to respond when your child is struggling with big emotions, difficult behaviors, or changes in your relationship.

My parenting work is grounded in the principles of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), giving caregivers practical, relationship-focused tools to strengthen connection, improve communication, and respond to their child's emotional needs with greater confidence and understanding.

I offer CPRT-based support as part of my individual parent work, as well as through structured CPRT groups and small-group formats. Through play-based activities and guided practice, caregivers learn skills they can use in everyday moments with their children—not just during sessions.

What Is Child-Parent Relationship Therapy?

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an evidence-based, relationship-focused approach that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their children through the language of play.

Through CPRT, caregivers learn how to tune into their child's inner world, respond in developmentally attuned ways, and create opportunities for meaningful connection. The approach gives parents practical skills for supporting emotional growth while strengthening the relationship at the heart of their child's development.

The Role of Play and Connection

Play is one of the ways children naturally communicate, explore their experiences, and connect with the people around them. When caregivers are able to slow down, follow their child's lead, and be fully present, play can create meaningful opportunities for connection and understanding.

CPRT builds on this relationship between play and connection by giving caregivers specific skills to use during intentional playtime with their child.

You can learn more about the developmental role of play and the research behind play therapy on my Play Therapy page.

Play Therapy Page

Who is CPRT for? What ages does it work with?

CPRT was originally developed for children ages 3–10 and has since been adapted for use with children ranging from toddlers through adolescents. We can talk together about whether the approach is a good fit for your family and your child's developmental stage.

CPRT may be a good fit if you want to:

Deepen your connection and understanding with your child
Improve communication and emotional attunement
Feel more confident responding to big emotions or challenging behaviors
Support your child's emotional growth and resilience
Strengthen your relationship through intentional, child-led quality time

What Will I Learn?

CPRT gives you practical tools for building connection and responding to your child's emotions in ways that support both your relationship and their development.

Through the program, you will have opportunities to learn and practice skills such as:

Following your child's lead during play
Communicating understanding and acceptance
Setting appropriate limits while maintaining connection
Responding to your child's emotional needs
Creating intentional opportunities for connection

The goal is not to become a “perfect” parent. It is to build greater confidence, understanding, and connection with your child.

How the CPRT Works

Formal CPRT is typically offered as a 10-session program, with sessions lasting approximately 1–1½ hours. Sessions combine teaching, discussion, practice, and opportunities to apply new skills with your child.

I offer CPRT in several formats depending on the needs of the family:

Individual Parent Work: CPRT-based skills and strategies can be incorporated into individual parenting support based on your family's needs and goals.
Parenting Groups: Small groups of up to 8 caregivers, offered based on interest and scheduling.
Two-Caregiver Format: Two caregivers can participate together in an individualized CPRT format when a traditional group is not the best fit.

If you're interested in CPRT but aren't sure which format would work best for your family, we can talk through your needs and find an approach that fits.

What does CPRT look like at home?

One of the most important parts of CPRT is setting aside 30 minutes each week for intentional, one-on-one playtime with your child.

This is not about adding another complicated activity to your family's schedule. It is a dedicated time for you to slow down, focus on your child, and practice the skills you're learning in the program. Your child leads the play while you practice listening, responding, and being present in ways that strengthen connection.

During our sessions, I will teach and support you in using these skills so that you feel more comfortable bringing them into your time together at home.

The goal isn't to create a perfect play session. It is to create a consistent space where your child can experience your attention, acceptance, and connection.

What materials you need for this?

CPRT uses simple play materials that can be used at home with your child. You likely already have many of the toys and materials you will need.

As part of the program, I will help you identify and prepare materials that support the type of play and connection activities we are practicing together.

Why CPRT?

I use CPRT because I believe that healing and growth in children happens best within supportive, connected relationships. By focusing on the relationship between you and your child, this approach supports your child's long-term emotional resilience, self-confidence, and secure attachment.

CPRT gives caregivers a structured way to practice that connection while building confidence in how they understand their child, strengthen emotional attunement, and respond to their child’s needs in nurturing, thoughtful ways.

Support That Fits Your Family

Whether you're interested in CPRT, an upcoming parenting group, or individual parenting support, I'd love to hear from you.

Reach out by phone or email to share a little about what you're looking for, ask questions, or talk through what type of support might be the best fit for your family. CPRT groups are offered based on interest and scheduling, and I also offer CPRT-based support as part of individual parenting work or in a two-caregiver format when a traditional group isn't the right fit.

I'm happy to talk with you about your family's needs and help you find the approach that works best for you.

Office phone: (770)468-3326 ext. 118

Email: marissa@wearebackontrack.com

Parenting Resources

Parenting doesn't come with a manual, and sometimes it helps to have a little extra support between sessions. I'll continue adding resources here that I find helpful for caregivers, including information about child development, connection, communication, play, and navigating common parenting challenges.

Additional resources coming soon.

CPRT Explanation from University of North Texas

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