What is Filial Therapy?
Filial Therapy provides parents with training in simple Play Therapy techniques they can use with their own children.
Founded on the belief that parents can learn the necessary skills to become therapeutic agents in their children’s lives, Filial Therapy uses family members themselves as the key agents of change.
Parents do not become Play Therapists themselves in the process, rather they learn and gain skills to help their children overcome difficulties whilst improving their own parenting abilities. This type of therapy does not focus on either parent or 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.
Our therapists can offer support to parents/carers of children in a number of ways:
- Understanding Behaviour: Play therapists can help parents understand their childs behaviour including any underlying issues or emotional struggles.
- Communication: Therapists can teach parents effective communication strategies to use with their child. This may included active listening skills, validating the child’s feelings and providing a safe space for the child to express themselves.
- Setting Boundaries: Play therapists can assist parents in setting appropriate boundaries and limits for their child, while still allowing them to express themselves through play. This helps strike a balance between nurturing their child’s creativity and maintaining structure and discipline.
- Emotional Support: Parents may experience stress, confusion, or guilt related to their child’s behaviour.
- Education: Therapists can educate parents about the importance of play in child development.
We offer this accepting space for you to feel supported and guided around how to understand and support your child’s needs and development, in a way that is authentic to you and your child.
We will work with you collaboratively, working on attunement and connection between you and your child in those moments where things might be more challenging and guide you through the reasons why these may be occurring. This enables a discussion around strategies that may help you respond and connect to your children empathically when they may be feeling anxious or worried, needing a sense of control, or feeling overwhelmed.
