READINGS FOR PARENTS

Readings for parents are a fundamental resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the educational and relational challenges that every family faces. The CBPT website offers a carefully curated selection of texts that span from child psychology to pedagogy, providing valuable tools to improve communication and bonding with children. Through these readings, based on cognitive-behavioral play therapy, parents can learn effective strategies to manage complex situations and promote a serene and stimulating environment.

Helping children feel better through play is a novel approach to direct intervention, even with very young children.

Investing time in reading not only enriches one’s cultural background but also helps build more authentic relationships, fostering a conscious and respectful approach to the growth of one’s children

THE WORLD OF DOCTOR LULÙ

CONTENT

The book ‘Dr. Lulù’s World’, written by Maria A. Geraci, aims to guide children in understanding psychological therapy. Dr. Lulù is dedicated to addressing the difficulties experienced by young patients through play therapy. The narrative revolves around the story of John, a child who struggles with anxiety in crowded situations; infact, his worried parents, decide to turn to Dr.Lulù.
The therapist supports children in overcoming their fears through play and open dialogue, also involving parents in the therapeutic journey. During regular sessions, John realizes that he is not alone in his anxieties and acquires useful tools to cope with them. Through the use of puppets, therapeutic stories, and drawings, he manages to communicate his emotions and develop a plan of action. With the support of his parents and the therapist’s sessions, he develops effective strategies to manage challenging situations, eventually being able to have fun at the luna-park. After months of work, he and his family receive a certificate of recognition for their progress, becoming experts in finding solutions. Lulù invites other children to discover the joy of facing their difficulties at her center.
The book encourages parents to communicate sincerely and positively with their children about emotions and to consider therapy as an opportunity for improvement. In addition to illustrating the phases of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, it offers guidance on how to proceed. Honest communication between parents and children is essential, using language appropriate for their age. It is recommended to express concerns simply, avoiding threatening phrases and normalizing symptoms, highlighting the child’s strengths. Parents can describe the therapist and the therapeutic environment in a positive way. Reading stories like ‘Dr. Lulù’s World’ can prepare both parents and children for what to expect during therapy, thus helping to create a climate of trust and understanding.

AUTHOR

MARIA A. GERACI is a developmental and educational psychologist and a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist. She is the author of several national and international publications and currently serves as the director of the CBPT Research Center in Rome. She is also an adjunct professor at various MIUR-recognized schools of specialization in psychotherapy and at several university master’s programs. She has twenty years of experience in training teachers across all school levels.

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN’S WORLD TROUGH PLAY

CONTENT

Is it possible to slow down and spend quality time with your children? Yes, through play! This is the most natural way to connect with children, communicate with them, and be present as parents.

AUTHOR

MY CHILD IS SCARED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

CONTENT

The aim of this book is to explain how children’s fears manifest at different stages of development, what behaviors parents should adopt, and how play therapy can be used as an intervention.