Parent-Child Therapy in Maryland

Parent-child therapy can be appropriate across a wide range of ages, from very young children (including toddlers and infants in some approaches) through adolescence. The specific techniques used are adapted to the child's developmental stage. Some approaches, such as child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), are specifically designed for children ages 0 to 5. Your therapist will discuss which approaches are most appropriate for your child's age and needs.

Ideally, when both parents are actively involved in a child's life, both participate in therapy — as this provides the most consistent support for the child. However, parent-child therapy can also be effective with just one parent. If parents are separated or co-parenting, your therapist can discuss the best structure for your specific situation, including whether joint or separate sessions make most sense.

Not exactly, though there is overlap. Play therapy is typically focused on the child's individual therapeutic process, using play as a medium for expression and healing. Parent-child therapy focuses specifically on the relationship between parent and child, and the parent is actively involved in sessions. Some parent-child therapy approaches incorporate play-based elements, but the relational focus is what distinguishes it from purely child-focused play therapy.

Resistance to therapy is common in children — particularly older children and teens. It can help to involve your child in the decision, explain therapy in age-appropriate, non-threatening terms, and frame it as something the family is doing together rather than something being done to them. For very young children, resistance is typically less of an issue since sessions focus primarily on the parent-child interaction. Your therapist can provide specific guidance for your child's age and temperament.

Yes. Parent-child therapy — particularly approaches like child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) — was specifically developed to support young children and their caregivers in the aftermath of trauma. Research shows that when a parent can be a consistent, attuned source of safety and comfort for a traumatized child, it significantly supports the child's healing. Therapy helps parents understand their child's trauma responses and develop effective, compassionate ways of supporting recovery.

Duration varies depending on the concerns being addressed and the goals of the family. Some structured approaches like CPP are typically delivered over 50 to 60 sessions for complex trauma. Other parent-child concerns may be addressed in significantly fewer sessions — particularly when the relationship is fundamentally solid and the family is seeking targeted skill-building or support through a specific transition. Your therapist will discuss expectations with you early in the process.