Filial Therapy is an evidenced based form of play therapy that supports and empowers the parent to be the change agent with their own child. Parents learn play therapy skills to use with their own child at home. Parents implement the skills developed to better support their child, understand their inner world and feelings, through play!

Filial Therapy was developed in the 1960s by Dr Bernard Gurney and Dr Louise Gurney. Filial Therapy is informed by Child Centred Play Therapy, while also being informed by several other theories: person centred, attachment, cognitive and behavioural, family, developmental and neurobiological theories.

Filial Therapy is a relationship focused form of therapy with the overall goal being to develop a secure attachment, enhance the parent/ child relationship and decrease behaviours. Parents do not become play therapist themselves, rather learning the skills to support their child and further enhance their parenting.

Filial Therapy starts with the training phase for the parent to ensure skill development before implementing with their child in their own home. During this phase the parent will meet with the therapist on a weekly basis (or if group format it is an intensive version) where they will engage in in psycho education, skill training, practical experiences, role play of skills and reflections. After the training phase parents will commence ‘special play time’ at home with their child. The parent will have regular mentoring and supervision with the therapist to ensure support during the home phase.

Filial Therapy can support with:

• Parenting confidence

• Parents understand their child’s inner world and feelings

• Co-regulation experience for parent and child

• Strengthens parent/ child relationship

• Increase in trust between parent and child

• Child develops an increase in independence and confidence

• Child develops an increase in decision making

• Child develops an increase in problem solving skills

• Child develops an increase in self-expression and regulation

• Allows the child to feel seen and heard by their parent

• Supports child to learn and understand their different feelings

Filial Therapy is a form of therapy that requires a commitment from the parent, however, the benefits are life long with the skills learnt being applied to all stages of childhood. With the skills learnt you will be confident to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and enhance your connection and relationship with your child.

Nurturing Play Therapy offers Filial Therapy as a one to one service with parents or in an intensive group format.

Reach out via email simone@nurturingplaytherapy.com.au to discuss further how we can work together on your Filial Therapy journey.