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Filial Therapy

For 3 years old to 12 years old
Parent of any age

50 mins

In-person session

Filial play therapy is a psychoeducational therapeutic approach that involves parents in the sessions, allowing them to collaborate with the therapist to facilitate change in the child. This method can enhance parenting practices and confidence while strengthening the parent-child relationship.

A positive attachment between parent and child promotes healthy development and mental well-being, providing a buffer against life stresses. Therefore, filial play therapy serves both preventive and interventive functions for a wide range of psychosocial difficulties.

What to expect in a filial therapy session:

If recommended during the intake session, parent(s) begin with a coaching session that includes psychoeducation and skills training. They are trained to hold special
one-on-one, child-centered play sessions. Following this, the parent engages in play sessions with the therapist observing.

The therapist will supervise these sessions and conduct a debriefing with the parents afterward. The long-term goal is to help parents transfer the skills learned in therapy to their home setting.

A minimum of 7 sessions is recommended.

Consider filial therapy if:

  • you want to improve your relationship with your child (preventive)

  • usually recommended by the therapist when (one of) the underlying issue is related to the parent-child relationship (interventive)

*The list is not exhaustive.