Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
A structured training path for clinicians who want to learn the CBPT model in depth — from foundations to advanced clinical practice.
Learn the method that turns play into evidence-based change — and earn your certificate of participation.
What the CBPT certification is
The Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy is a self-paced online training path that guides mental-health professionals through the theory, clinical applications and tools of the CBPT model. It is grounded in evidence-based, APA-informed practice and developed under the scientific direction of Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell, experts in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy.
The path builds progressively: you start from the foundations of the method, move through its clinical applications, and learn the practical tools that let children explore, express and change. On completion you receive a certificate of participation recognizing the training you have undertaken.
The learning path
The program is organized into two cumulative levels, so you can build solid clinical competence one step at a time.
First Level — Foundations
The theoretical roots of CBPT, its clinical applications, and the core tools of the method: puppets, therapeutic storytelling and expressive arts. The starting point for every clinician new to the model.
Advanced — Second Level
Deeper clinical work and specialized applications that extend the foundations, refining how you integrate CBPT techniques into real therapeutic settings.
Who the certification is for
The path is designed for qualified mental-health professionals who work with children and want to add an evidence-based, play-centered approach to their practice — psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical counselors, psychiatrists and allied clinicians.
- Clinicians new to CBPT seeking a structured foundation
- Practitioners who want to deepen and formalize their skills
- Teams and centers training their professionals in the method
What you get
- Certificate of participation in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
- Self-paced online learning — study on your own schedule
- Immediately applicable techniques you can bring into the session room
- Scientific direction from Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell, pioneer of the model
The certificate confirms participation in the CBPT training path. It is not an accredited CE/ECM credit.
Course organization
The course is organized in cumulative training modules in order to receive the certification of Practitioner in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy. The following requirements are necessary:
- Attended at least 70 hours (online lessons / face-to-face lessons + individual study hours) of training with Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy accredited trainers.
- Carried out at least 10 hours of case consultation with CBPT Research Center experts. Group supervision is possible: two hours with two students are worth an individual hour; three and a half / four hours (half day) with three / six students are worth an individual hour.
- Passed an online theory test.
- Presented and discussed, in person or online, a videotaped therapy session.
Training entitles you to:
- Free registration to the list of professionals trained in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy on the institutional website.
- Certificate of participation as “Practitioner in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy”.
With this certification you do not become a play therapist.
Begin your certification path
Explore the full course catalog and choose where to start — from First Level foundations to advanced practice.
Explore the courses →Not ready yet? Download the free ebook to discover the method first.
Become CBPT-certified under the scientific direction of Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell — the authoritative training program for professionals committed to evidence-based play therapy practice.
The CBPT Certification Program at the CBPT Research Center is the definitive professional credential for therapists seeking to master Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy. Designed and supervised by Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell — the pioneer who developed CBPT — the program integrates theoretical foundations, clinical case application, and supervised practice.
The curriculum covers the full CBPT clinical spectrum: foundational theory, disorder-specific protocols (ODD, Selective Mutism, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, Trauma), and the integration of CBT principles with developmentally appropriate play techniques for children 3–12.
What you will learn
- Master the CBPT theoretical model and its cognitive-behavioral foundations
- Apply disorder-specific CBPT protocols across 7 clinical presentations
- Structure play therapy sessions using the full CBPT methodology
- Integrate parent-training and family components into treatment
- Meet continuing professional development requirements with evidence-based content
- Join a global community of CBPT-certified professionals
The CBPT Certification Program is the only training offered under the direct scientific direction of Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell, CBPT pioneer. Used by clinical centers worldwide for team upskilling.