Filial Therapy
(Parent-Child Play Therapy)

Filial therapy is a powerful, relationship-based, evidence-based approach that supports parents and caregivers to become active participants in their child’s healing process. In this model, parents are gently guided and supported to learn therapeutic play skills, allowing them to hold special play sessions with their child at home.

​

Rather than therapy happening only in the clinic, filial therapy brings the healing relationship into the family, strengthening the connection between parent and child in a meaningful and lasting way.

Parents are supported to:

​

• Provide predictable structure that helps children feel a sense of security

• Better understand their child’s emotional world

• Respond to their child’s feelings with empathy and confidence 

• Develop skills in therapeutic, child-led imaginative play

• Set safe, consistent limits when needed​

​​

Benefits of Filial Therapy

​

Filial therapy offers benefits for both children and caregivers, including:

• Strengthening the parent–child relationship and sense of connection

• Supporting children to express and process emotions safely

• Increasing children’s confidence, self-esteem, and emotional regulation

• Reducing behavioural difficulties by addressing underlying needs

• Empowering parents with practical, lifelong skills they can continue to use

• Creating opportunities for positive, attuned one-on-one time​

​

Filial therapy recognises that parents are the most important people in a child’s life. By equipping caregivers with the tools and support they need, this approach helps create a nurturing, responsive environment where children can thrive.