Special Playtime and Children's Mental Health

How CPRT Playtime Can Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an evidence-based approach that uses therapeutic play to strengthen the parent-child relationship while supporting children through emotional and behavioral challenges. CPRT empowers parents to become active participants in their child’s emotional growth through child-led play sessions that foster connection, trust, and emotional security.

For children experiencing anxiety, behavioral issues, ADHD, Autism, separation anxiety, trauma, meltdowns, or emotional regulation difficulties, CPRT playtime creates a unique environment.  Children can communicate feelings in the language they know best: play. Because children often struggle to verbally express overwhelming emotions, play provides a developmentally appropriate outlet for processing stress, building coping skills, and increasing self-confidence.

Mary Virginia Kline, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), utilizes play therapy and parent coaching to support children and families throughout Tampa. Her neurodivergent-affirming approach supports children with Autism and ADHD, as well as anxiety, grief, trauma, impulsive behaviors, and early childhood mental health concerns. Through CPRT, parents can learn practical ways to respond to their child’s unique emotional and sensory needs while strengthening connection.

CPRT playtime can be especially beneficial for overwhelmed parents trying to maintain a nurturing relationship with a child with challenging behaviors.  Parents are taught reflective listening, limit-setting, emotional validation, and play skills that encourage cooperation, emotional regulation, and resilience. This supportive process not only can improve the parent-child relationship but also can help children feel understood, accepted, and emotionally supported.

Play therapy has been shown to support children in developing healthy coping skills, increased self-reliance, emotional awareness, and improved social-emotional functioning. Families often notice improvements in communication, reduced anxiety, fewer behavioral outbursts, and stronger emotional bonds over time.

Through services including Autism play therapy, anxiety therapy for children, parent coaching, emotional regulation groups, and trauma-informed therapy, MV Kline Counseling LLC provides compassionate support for children, parents, and adults in South and North Tampa.

Mary Virginia Kline, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMHC, RPT
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Registered Play Therapist

MV Kline Counseling
Tampa, Florida
(850) 296-8653
MV Kline Counseling

Learn more about Play Therapy for Autism. 

Learn more about Anxiety/Worry and Play Therapy.

Learn more about parent coaching services.  

Learn more about the benefits of Play Therapy.  

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This article is not professional advice.