Filial therapy sessions for stronger family units
In addition to my work as a non-directive play therapist, I’m also trained and qualified to deliver filial therapy too.
Filial therapy is also a type of play therapy, but it was specially developed in the 1940s to introduce parent/carer interaction into the treatment, enabling them to be part of the therapeutic process. By travelling this journey as a family unit, the parents and child learn to work together for a more positive and harmonious life.
The benefits of parent child interaction therapy
This type of therapy offers many benefits to all parties, giving everyone a secure, warm and consistent environment where they can build stronger bonds, underpinned by a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.
Because children are more able to communicate through play, filial therapy creates a balanced platform of self-expression where the child feels at ease.
Children benefit from filial therapy in various ways, which might include:
- More able to understand and express their feelings
- Improved self-confidence and trust in their parents
- Develop problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms
- Reduction in negative behaviours
- Learn to resolve conflicts more effectively
For parents, benefits include:
Increased understanding of:
- Their child’s emotions and worries
- Child development
- The importance of play and imagination
- Better listening and communication skills
- Increased confidence in their parenting
- Increased sense of warmth and trust towards their child
- Improved coping skills for dealing with frustrations
How does filial play therapy work?
Where traditional play therapy involves one-to-one sessions between the child and therapist, filial therapy is designed to teach parents the skills needed to conduct their parent/child interaction sessions on their own.
Initially, your sessions will be guided by your therapist, who’ll show you various play therapy techniques and let you practice them with your child several times. Once you’re comfortable and the therapist feels you’ve acquired the necessary skills, you’ll be left to run the sessions with your child, while the therapist observes.
Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the session with the therapist, without your child present, so that you can explore some of the worries and positives that the session has brought forward.
Filial therapy is a highly effective way of creating stronger families and better relationships – if you’re not sure whether play therapy or parent child interaction therapy is right for your family, please call me on 0330 900 0080 and I’ll be happy to offer my advice.
