Treat Childhood OCD with CBPT — evidence-based protocol by Susan M. Knell
In CBPT, obsessive-compulsive disorder is addressed by integrating Exposure and Response Prevention within play, so the child can face intrusive thoughts and rituals in a developmentally appropriate, engaging way.
What you will be able to do
E/RP is your tool for OCD. With young children, the adaptation isn't just pacing the hierarchy — it's helping a child who can't yet examine evidence learn to externalize OCD as something separate from themselves, and talk back to it. “My brain is hiccupping.” “This is my OCD talking, not me.” This course shows you how to build that repertoire through play.
A protocol built for the child who can't yet reason their way out of OCD — ready for your next session.
About this course
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in childhood requires specialized clinical expertise: obsessions, compulsions and intrusive thoughts present differently in young children, and standard adult protocols do not transfer directly.
This module shows how the CBPT approach integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) within a developmentally sensitive, play-based therapeutic context — with the theoretical grounding, in-session protocol and bibliotherapy tools needed to treat children presenting OCD.
Course objectives
- Understand how CBPT can be used to treat OCD in young children
- Know how to use Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) with children
- Identify the specific challenges of treating very young children with OCD
- Use bibliotherapy as an intervention with children with OCD accordingly
Course requirements
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Clinical Social Workers
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
- Licensed Mental Health Clinical Nurse Practitioners
The delivery of the certificate of attestation at the conclusion of the course will be tied to the evaluation of participants' requirements. In the absence of the requirements, the course hours will not be certified.
Curriculum · 1 lesson + Learning Test · 26 min
Instructor
Frequently asked questions
How does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder present in young children?
In young children, OCD often shows up through observable rituals, repetitive behaviors and intrusive fears rather than the verbalized obsessions typical of adults, which is why standard adult protocols do not transfer directly to this age group.
How does CBPT treat childhood OCD?
CBPT integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) within a developmentally appropriate, play-based framework, helping children gradually face feared situations while reducing compulsive responses.
Who is this course for?
Child psychologists, psychotherapists and mental health professionals who work with children presenting obsessive-compulsive symptoms and want a structured, evidence-based clinical approach.
Who teaches this course and how long does it take?
The course is taught by Susan M. Knell, Ph.D., creator of CBPT. It includes 1 lesson plus a learning test, for a total of about 26 minutes, and is self-paced online with a certificate of completion.