Filial Therapy

The Filial Therapy intervention is an educational approach in which parents are trained and supervised to conduct a special type of play that is non-directive in nature and uses play therapy techniques.

Filial Therapy is suitable for families with children between the ages of 2 & 12 years and uses a combination of family therapy and play therapy to strengthen parent – child relationships.  These techniques can be used with your own children at home, and in everyday life situations, creating long-term benefits.  

This type of therapy does not focus on either the parent or the child as the person seeking treatment.  Instead, the relationship between parent and child is the focus of the therapy. Issues arising in families are often related to the family dynamic – a child’s issue is typically not solely attributable to the child, and concerns experienced by one member of the family are likely to affect the entire family.

Filial Therapy aims to both empower parents and improve the relationship between parents and children.  Parents have the opportunity to learn a variety of methods for engaging the child while still maintaining boundaries and limits.

Research shows that the inclusion of family and care givers in the therapeutic intervention results in better outcomes for children.