Filial Therapy was founded in the early 1960's and has grown ever since. It puts emphasis on the parent - child relationships and looks at ways to strengthen the relationship with the view that the parents / family as agents of change, engaging with them as an important part of the therapeutic process. The filial therapy is based on a psychoeducational framework where the therapist teaches the parents play therapy skills to connect, attune, enjoy and set limits in a more positive way.

 

It not only resolves problems that may be occurring with the child, but also strengthens the bonds and relationships between parents and child / children to reduce any future difficulties. The space allows the child to feel safe to explore and express any issues which promotes healthy psychosocial development. It allows the parents to view their child/ children in a new light and focus on their strengths. After getting to know the family, initial assessment and parent training, the parents conduct supervised child-led therapy sessions. When the parents feel confident, the sessions are moved to the home where the family continues under the guidance of the therapist.