What is it about?
This article takes a closer look at the development of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) by exploring its thirty years journey through various stages, the progression of its theoretical framework, real-life clinical cases, and both clinical and non-clinical environments where it has been utilized. Nowadays, we know for sure that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), when paired with play, can be effectively used with young children aged 3 to 8 years. Since preschoolers are still building their cognitive abilities to tackle problems, the therapeutic use of play provides a wonderful opportunity to implement proven cognitive and behavioral techniques. We dive into all the research and publications focused on preschool and school-aged children from diverse regions and cultural backgrounds.
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Why is it important?
The focus of this therapy is to shift negative thoughts and behaviors through play therapy, using engaging materials and CBT techniques designed to suit each child's growth stage. During therapy sessions, children participate in play activities that foster a strong therapeutic bond, empowering them to feel a sense of control and express their feelings in positive ways. The original framework of the CBPT model, as envisioned by Knell (1993) and updated by Geraci (2024), lays out essential guidelines for practicing CBPT, as well as the steps of orientation, assessment, case conceptualization, intervention, and conclusion to ensure that each child's treatment is effective and personalized. Research supports the success of CBPT methods for children facing diverse psychological challenges, and upcoming studies look forward to delving deeper into CBPT techniques and strategies to enhance emotional and behavioral growth, even beyond clinical settings, using CBPI.
Perspectives
Future research in CBPT should focus on empirical validation of interventions that incorporate play, as well as applying cognitive behavioral principles in non-clinical contexts through Cognitive Behavioral Play Interventions (CBPI). The CBPT model has been updated to provide structured protocols that cater to individual developmental needs, although current research lacks comparative analysis with other treatment modalities, limiting the understanding of its specific benefits. Future studies should aim to establish the effectiveness of CBPT relative to less structured approaches and to clarify when direct play interventions are preferable. Standardization of assessment tools and expanding intervention populations are necessary to enhance the framework of CBPT and evaluate its sustained impact. Additionally, CBPI holds promise in diverse settings, necessitating further investigation into its efficacy compared to non-play and unstructured methods, highlighting the critical nature of early interventions for fostering healthy emotional and social development in children.
Maria Angela Geraci
CBPT Research Center
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Cognitive behavioral play therapy: Thirty years of evolution of the theoretical model and future research perspectives., Professional Psychology Research and Practice, September 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pro0000646.
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