Training in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
Self-paced, evidence-based training to bring CBPT into your clinical work with children — from the foundations to advanced practice and certification, under the scientific direction of Maria A. Geraci and Susan M. Knell.
Self-paced · Lifetime access · Certificate of completion · Taught in English
Learn the method from its source. Every course is delivered under the scientific direction of Susan M. Knell, who developed Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy and authored its foundational, APA-published work — training created by the pioneers of CBPT and used by clinical centers worldwide.
Find your path
Choose by your goal — or let Dr. Lulu guide you to the right course.
Packages & certification
Bundle courses and save — the fastest route to the full credential.
Bundle multiple courses and progress toward the comprehensive CBPT credential — better value than single courses.
CBPT Theoretical Pack
The complete theoretical foundation in one path — model plus case conceptualization. Better value than single courses.
Clinical Applications Pack
Every disorder-specific protocol in one package — selective mutism, OCD, anxiety, toileting and more. The route most clinicians choose.
CBPT Tools Pack
All the CBPT tools — puppets, storytelling and expressive arts — in one package.
First Level — core training
The foundations, clinical protocols and play-based tools. Start here.
Foundational & theory
Start here: the CBT-Play model, case conceptualization and core method.
CBPT Basic Theoretical Model
The cornerstone of CBPT: cognitive-behavioral principles combined with developmentally appropriate play. The model’s rationale, session structure and how play becomes a vehicle for change.
CBPT Case Conceptualization
Turn assessment into a clear, individualised treatment plan: read the child’s play, map maintaining factors and build a formulation that guides every phase.
CBPT Theoretical Pack
The complete theoretical foundation in one path — model plus case conceptualization. Better value than single courses.
Clinical applications
Disorder-specific protocols for the conditions you see most.
Clinical Applications Pack
Every disorder-specific protocol in one package — selective mutism, OCD, anxiety, toileting and more. The route most clinicians choose.
Selective Mutism
A full CBPT protocol for children who can’t speak in specific settings: assessment, five-phase work, parent training and graded exposure through play.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Treat childhood obsessions and compulsions with play-adapted CBT: the worry–ritual cycle, exposure and response prevention, and family involvement.
Separation Anxiety
Help children tolerate separation and uncertainty: graded exposure, coping skills and reducing parental accommodation.
Anxious & Fearful Children
Generalized anxiety, fears and specific phobias: worried self-talk, avoidance and arousal, with graded exposure through play.
Toileting Issues
Encopresis and enuresis from a CBPT perspective — behavioural routine, de-shaming and parent coaching alongside medical care.
CBPT tools
Practical, play-based techniques to use in session.
Use of Puppets
Puppets as a structured CBPT technique — modelling, role-play and externalisation — with practical, in-session guidance.
Therapeutic Storytelling
Therapeutic storytelling to externalise the problem, rehearse coping and reframe the child’s narrative within CBPT.
Expressive Arts
Art-based, expressive techniques to reach children who express themselves better through making than words.
CBPT Tools Pack
All the CBPT tools — puppets, storytelling and expressive arts — in one package.
Second Level · Advanced
For practitioners ready to go deeper — sandtray, guidelines, research and complex cases.
Advanced courses
Go further: sandtray, guidelines, research protocols and complex cases.
CBPT and Sandtray
Bring sandtray work into CBPT: when and how to use it, integrated with the cognitive-behavioral frame.
CBPT Guidelines
The standards and best-practice guidelines for delivering CBPT consistently and ethically.
Roadblocks in CBPT with Children
What to do when therapy stalls: navigating resistance, ruptures and common roadblocks with children.
Research Protocols in CBPT
Research-grade CBPT protocols for measurable, evidence-aligned practice and outcome tracking.
CBPT for School Refusal
Assess and treat school refusal with CBPT: its function, a graded return and family/school collaboration.
Defining the Therapeutic Approach with CBPT for Internalizing Disorders
Connects the DSM-5 framework for anxiety, depression and somatic presentations in young children to the core CBPT toolkit clinicians bring into session.
Parent Training in CBPT
Defines the Parent Training approach within CBPT — from the underlying models to the five intervention phases — to engage parents as partners in treatment.
Use of Play, CBT, and CBPT in Childhood
Traces the theoretical foundations of CBPT, from the history of Play Therapy and CBT to key theorists and the evidence behind the combined model for children ages 3–8.
Integrating CBPT & EMDR
Combines CBPT with EMDR to support children in processing trauma through developmentally appropriate, play-based techniques.
History of Play Therapy and Play Therapy Models
A journey through the historical origins of Play Therapy and its major theoretical models.
Single course, package, or full certification?
Choose the path that fits your goal — every option is self-paced, certificate-included and yours for life.
- One focused skill or disorder
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access
- Best for a specific need
- Multiple courses bundled
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access
- Best for mastering a full area
- Structured path across levels
- Recognized CBPT certification
- Lifetime access
- Best for full competence
How the training works
Structured, self-paced learning you can fit around clinical practice.
Choose your path
Pick a single course, a package, or the full certification — or let Dr. Lulu guide you.
Learn at your pace
Focused modules with video lectures, real clinical examples and a learning test. 100% online, self-paced.
Get certified
Earn your certificate of completion and bring CBPT into practice — with lifetime access to revisit anytime.
Why train with the CBPT Research Center
What you will learn
Every course is comprehensive and clinically applicable. You’ll learn to use play-based techniques to help children modify negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours — adapted to different ages, cultures and clinical settings.
- The core features of CBPT and how it differs from other child interventions
- The theoretical foundations and empirical evidence behind the method
- How to assess, conceptualise and structure a CBPT treatment
- Play-based techniques — puppets, storytelling, expressive arts — for session
- Disorder-specific protocols you can apply immediately
- How to involve parents and measure change over time
Frequently asked questions
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes — each course includes a certificate of completion attesting your CBPT training.
How long do I have access?
Lifetime access: you can revisit any course you enrol in whenever you like.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes — flexible “Pay later” options are available at checkout for most courses and packages.
Do I need prior CBPT experience?
No. Start with the Foundational courses; the training is designed for mental-health professionals at any stage.
What language are the courses in?
English. Selected courses are also available in other languages.
I’m not sure which course is right for me.
Ask Dr. Lulu, our assistant — she accompanies you to the best path for your goals and clients. Get guidance →
Bring CBPT into your practice
Begin with the foundations, specialise by disorder, or get certified — all self-paced.