Family Filial Therapy
"Enter into the child's world and you will find the place where their minds hearts and souls meet. "
Virginia Axeline
What is Filial Therapy?
Filial Therapy is a research-based, program that teaches parents and caregivers how to use some of the same ‘ tools that Play Therapists use to help children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural problems. Beginning in the 1960's by Bernard and Louise Guerney research has shown it to be a very successful way to help families.
The program puts the parents in the therapist's seat to help regain control as a parent, help your child develop self-control, improve confidence, assist with limit setting of challenging behaviour, increase understanding of your child’s emotional needs, and help you and your child communicate more effectively.
Parents will undergo a series of training sessions that will give them the confidence to undertake their own "special play time" with their children. Filial therapy is also used to strengthen the bond between parent and child to prevent any future problems.
Beginning in the 1960's by Bernard and Louise Guerney research has shown it to be a very successful way to help families.
As a parent watching your child play can assist you to understand their emotions, dears and struggles at a deeper level. Using play and toys allows children to express themselves with the language that they are generally more comfortable with...................that of play.
What does the training look like?
Step 1. The therapist will meet with you to discuss any concerns and goals you may have for the program.
Step 2. The therapist will complete some assessments with the family to gain some insight into the way the family plays as well as the specific needs of the child.
Step 3. The therapist will work with your child to show you what a therapy session might look like and demonstrate some social skills such as 'tracking, empathetic listening, limit setting and imaginary skill play. This session may go for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4. Parents will work with the therapist multiple times to develop specific skills such as those mentioned above. This may include mock play activities and certain exercises to help parents as needed.
Step 5. Supervised sessions are conducted by the parents with the therapist supervising. After each session, the therapist will meet with the parents to discuss their feeling about the session as well as possible suggestions.