ABOUT US: THE WHO, WHAT, WHY, & HOW

We are a group of Italian and American scholars studying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and Play Therapy during child development. Our goal is to promote Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) through the integration of these themes and research areas.

CBPT derives from several cognitive behavioral theories (CBT), originally conceived ford adults.

Dr. Susan Knell (1993) developed the approach by modifying adult CBT principles for children and combining CBT techniques with play therapy. She combined play with adaptive thoughts and behaviors to help children develop effective coping strategies for dealing with problems.

Under Maria A. Geraci’s leadership, the CBPT Research Center strives to advance global training and research on Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy.

The CBPT Research Center enhances children’s development and well-being through clinical, educational, and research activities based on the cognitive-behavioral model and play.