Filial Play Therapy

A psycho-educational family therapeutic intervention where parents are trained to conduct “special playtimes” with their child.

Filial Play Therapy is well researched and has been shown to be an effective intervention for children and families who are experiencing a variety of emotional, social or behavioural challenges.   It was developed in the early 1960’s by Drs. Bernard and Louise Guerney. 

​It is based on the same principles of Play Therapy however, it is unique, in that it teaches parents and caregivers how to conduct “special playtimes” at home using four main skills.   This unique approach to therapy is used to strengthen the parent-child relationship and build stronger family connections.   The very essence of this therapy is that parents and caregivers are actively engaged in the therapeutic process, empowered as they become the “key agent of change”.   The Therapist will train, supervise and support parents and caregivers as they learn to understand what their child may be trying to communicate through the “special play times”.

​Filial therapy is predominantly used for children between the ages 2 – 12 years, though can be adapted for children both younger and older.  Filial therapy can be used with couples, individual parents/ caregivers, or groups.