Trauma Informed Care & Therapy
Parent Child
Attachment Play
Parent-Child Attachment Play (PCAP) is an innovative, play-based programme designed to strengthen the bond between parents/carers and their children. Based on the latest attachment research, PCAP supports parents in developing the skills and confidence to nurture safe, secure, and positive relationships with their child.
PCAP is suitable for parents with children aged 3–15+ years and can be delivered one-to-one in the home or within a small group setting. When the parent-child relationship is working well, children’s behaviour improves, and family life becomes more manageable.
Who Parent Child Attachment Play Helps
Who Provides It?
All PCAP programmes at The Behaviour Clinic are delivered by qualified Play Therapists or registered
Practicing Registrants who have completed additional PCAP training. Our practitioners are experienced
in working with families where children have experienced trauma, attachment disruption, or complex
behavioural challenges.
What Can PCAP Help With?
Who Can It Support?
PCAP is suitable for parents and carers of children aged 3–15+ years, including:
- Families seeking to deepen existing bonds
- Families experiencing challenging behaviour linked to disrupted relationships
- Parents/carers of children with attachment difficulties
- Children who may benefit from a more positive and consistent emotional connection with their parent
- Young people transitioning home to birth family, or to a new family where attachment bonds need to be formed
What Does It Look Like?
PCAP is a 10-step programme where parents are introduced to three core skills through interactive,
workshop-style sessions:
- Play – Creating a personalised shoebox or bag of activities designed around the child.
- Containment – Managing time, environment, and emotions to help children make helpful choices.
- Head, Heart, and Hands – A reflective tool that strengthens emotional connection and understanding.
Parents then practise these skills during short, weekly “You and Me” play sessions with their child at
home. At The Behaviour Clinic, children are included in some sessions so that parents can practise the skills
with their child and receive feedback from the therapist.
Once skills are established, parents are supported to transfer them to everyday life and more challenging
situations at home. Throughout, families are guided by a trained PCAP practitioner.
What Does It Look Like in Practice?
Assessment
Initial consultation and preparation.
Therapy
Sessions
10 PCAP sessions delivered individually (at home) or in a small group (up to 6 parents).
Parent practice sessions with child involvement.
Parent/Carer Guidance
Ongoing guidance, feedback, and support from a trained PCAP practitioner.
Review & Report
Final review and recommendations.
