Filial therapy is a process whereby parents or caregivers learn the skills to host play times with their children.
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"Every bit of success the parent achieves in successfully filling the prescribed role should have an effect many times more powerful than that of a therapist doing the same thing”
- Guerney, 1964
Filial therapy is designed to support children who may be experiencing social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. It is based on the principles of play therapy; however, it differs in that the therapist teaches parents/guardians skills to provide therapeutic interventions or therapeutic play times for the children in their care.
The focus of Filial Therapy is the relationship between parent and child. As the family progress in the therapeutic intervention, the parents gain understanding of their child and the child is able to experience the benefits of the strengthened relationship as well as the therapeutic approach.
Research shows that the inclusion of family and care givers in the therapeutic intervention results in better outcomes for children.
Filial therapy is predominantly used for children between the ages of 2 – 12 years, though can be adapted for children both younger and older. Filial therapy can be used with couples, individual parents/ caregivers, or groups.
Outreach is a big part of what we do. We are happy to work from your child's educational setting, and in some cases your home. Alternatively, we work from our space in Preston. Get in touch to chat about the best option for your child.
By teaching parents the skills to have therapeutic play times with their children, the parents become the key agent of change, and will be able to use these play skills and play times, as needed with their children. As the relationship between child and parent/carer is already established, there is no initial phase of getting to know one and other, as there is with a therapist.
A further benefit of filial therapy is that for families with multiple children, parents can use their learnt skills to host play times for each child, rather than just the child they sought therapeutic intervention for – building happy healthy relationships.
Healthy relationships between parents and children result in better psychological health and support the family to manage life’s challenges. Importantly, children gain positive experiences of play through this process, and they in turn, will then pass onto their children – extending the reach of this therapeutic intervention.
Our Play Therapy sessions and programs, help young people and their families, gain deeper awareness and build skills to help navigate life's challenges.
Individual Sessions
Child Centred Play Therapy
A non-directive approach, supporting children to explore their inner world and emotions.
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Individual Sessions
AutPlay therapy
AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity informed therapeutic practice supporting children to build skills and autonomy through play.
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Individual Sessions
Learn to Play Therapy
A directive approach used to support children to develop play skills.
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Group Programs
Preppin' Preppies
A small group program that supports children to make positive growth towards school readiness.
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Group Programs
Lego Play
LEGO® Based Therapy is an evidence based, positive, structured, child-centred social development communication program.
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Systemic Support
Parenting Support
Personalised strategies to support your child, as well as education on typical and a-typical child development.
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"Alex has been pivotal in our child's development, and has helped him gain a much greater capacity to express what he's going through. Play Therapy has been the perfect vehicle for our family's growth."
- Previous Client