Filial Therapy

Filial Therapy provides parents with training in simple Play Therapy techniques they can use with their own children.

Founded on the belief that parents can learn the necessary skills to become therapeutic agents in their children’s lives, Filial Therapy uses family members themselves as the key agents of change.

Parents do not become Play Therapists themselves in the process, rather they learn and gain skills to help their children overcome difficulties whilst improving their own parenting abilities. This type of therapy does not focus on either parent or child as the person seeking treatment.

Instead, the relationship between parent and child is the focus of the therapy. Issues arising in families are often related to the family dynamic – a child’s issue is typically not solely attributable to the child, and concerns experienced by one member of the family are likely to affect the entire family.

Filial Therapy was initially designed to treat children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural concerns and is used today to treat a wide range of childhood issues, such as:

• Anxiety
• Concerns related to adoption or foster care
• Chronic illness or disability
• Depression
• ADHD
• Trauma
• Oppositional behaviours
• Aggression
• Attachment issues

Filial Therapy aims to both empower parents and improve the relationship between parent and child.  Parents have the opportunity to learn a variety of methods for engaging the child while still maintaining limits.

CoRe Kids Therapy can offer this program in group or individual sessions.

Contact our Filial Therapists to book an appointment at our South East Bayside centre in Moorabbin or book at our location in Yarraville.