The School Counselor-Parent Relationship: Cultivating Trust and Collaboration Utilizing Elements of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

Effective collaboration between school counselors and parents is essential for supporting student development across academic, career, and social-emotional domains, as outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Code of Ethics (2022). However, misunderstandings and ambiguity surrounding the school counselor’s role can hinder this collaboration. Fostering mutual understanding and open communication is crucial for building strong, effective relationships between school counselors and parents. My professional journey began in school counseling and later expanded into clinical mental health counseling, where I utilize Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), an evidence-based practice that empowers parents as agents of change within their family system. CPRT focuses on strengthening the parent-child bond through core elements such as unconditional positive regard, reflective listening, empowerment, and relational trust. This approach fosters deeper connections, builds confidence, and promotes collaboration between parents and counselors. CPRT is a flexible and adaptable framework that can be applied across various professional settings, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful change and effective support. This presentation highlights the importance of trusted parent-school counselor relationships and explores how the relational and communication elements of the CPRT model can enhance trust between parents and school counselors. Drawing from my experiences in school counseling and clinical mental health, I will share insights on fostering healthy, collaborative relationships with parents in creating a supportive environment that benefits students and their families.