What is Filial Therapy?

Filial Therapy is a form of family therapy that harnesses the power of Play Therapy. A difference from Play Therapy is that the Play Therapist works with the parents or carers rather than directly with the child and so they are considered partners in the therapeutic process.

“In Filial Therapy, therapists teach, supervise and empower parents in the conduct of child centred play sessions with their children” -Risë VanFleet

Like with Play Therapy, there is an essential belief that both children and adults move in a positive direction when an atmosphere of safety and acceptance has been created for them. It is therefore essential that the Play Therapist is empathic and does not make any judgments. The Play Therapist passes on some key Play Therapy skills through demonstrating play sessions with the parent/carer through training sessions.

“Filial Therapy has been said by some therapists to be one of the most creative ideas ever had, on how to work effectively with children and their families.   The basic idea of Filial Therapy is that parents and carers are the best adults to work with their children, not professionals” - Virginia Ryan

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How it Works

  • a family play observation is carried out by the Play Therapist so that an insight is gained in to the current relationships between the child and their parents/carers
  • the therapist and parent/carer meet on a weekly basis and spend approximately 4-5 weeks looking at the key skills, practising together how to conduct special play sessions with their child
  • the parent/carer and their child carry out weekly special play sessions that last 30 minutes whilst the therapist observes. Following each session, the parent/carer and therapist discuss how it went (meanwhile the child is looked after by a trusted grown up). This lasts approximately 4-5 weeks or until the parent/carer is confident enough to transfer the special play sessions to home
  • child and parent/carer have weekly, 30 minute special play sessions that happen on the same day, at the same time and in the same place. The parent/carer and the therapist discuss each session afterwards, initially by meeting and then by telephone. This enables the therapist to continue to monitor how special play is progressing for both child and parent/carer

“In essence, the parents must show the children that when they are having their play sessions, the children are the top priority for the parents. Parents need to communicate that nothing is more important to them than their children during the play sessions” – Risë VanFleet

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Some Unique Features of Filial Therapy

  • in addition to enabling a child to express themselves in a safe and contained space, Filial Therapy intends to strengthen the relationship and attachment between a child and their parent/carer
  • unlike some other forms of family therapy, Filial Therapy recognises the importance of play in a child’s development and in gaining a greater understanding of children. The emphasis is on a child’s play and so utilises a child’s natural method of communication
  • therapists believe that parents can learn the skills necessary to carry out child centred, special play sessions with their own children and that they are likely to have a greater impact on their children than what a therapist could
  • like with Play Therapy, this intervention has a child centred approach, the child directs and leads the special play sessions

Who Might Filial Therapy Help?

  • children who have low confidence, low self esteem or find it difficult to trust others
  • families where the attachment between the child or children and their parent/carer could be stronger
  • children who are fostered or adopted where the attachment between the child and carer could be stronger
  • children who find it difficult to express their feelings
  • children who display problematic behaviours
  • foster or adoption placements that are struggling and at risk of breaking down

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Known Outcomes of Filial Therapy

  • enables children to recognize and express their feelings to their parents
  • increases children’s self-esteem and confidence
  • improvements in a child’s behaviour, especially if a child is deregulated
  • increases a parent’s understanding of their own children leading to an increased attachment between the child and their parent/carer leading to more stability, understanding and happiness in the home
  • an increase in parenting skills (structuring and limit setting add security, boundaries and clear consequences to reduce unwanted behaviours) and confidence in the ability to parent
  • a decrease in parental stress and frustration