How do you do Filial Therapy?
In Filial Therapy, parents learn to conduct one-on-one child-centered play sessions with their own children. Parents then continue to hold weekly play sessions with their children at home for a period of 6 months to a year (or more, depending on the child’s motivation).
Why do we use play in Filial Therapy?
Filial play therapy creates a safe atmosphere where children can express themselves, try new things, learn about social rules and restrictions, develop family attachments, and develop effective social skills and bonds.
Is Filial Therapy play therapy?
Developed in the 1960s by Bernard and Louise Gurney, Filial therapy is a closely related form of child-centered play therapy that involves the parents or caregivers directly as the agents of therapeutic change.
Is filial therapy evidence-based?
Filial therapy is evidence-based. Empirical research has shown it to be effective for intact families, blended families, adoptive families, those with children in public (local authority) care, single parent families, and those in which grandparents or other relatives are the full-time carers.
How long is filial therapy?
Filial Therapy Overview Filial Therapy usually takes 6 months to complete, and may last longer with follow-up sessions or if the circumstances are especially challenging. It is suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old.
What is structuring in play therapy?
Structuring: Parents structure the play session by creating a specific play area and telling the child any of the toys provided in the space can be played with, in any way the child desires (with a few safety-based restrictions).
What age is best for play therapy?
Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth, 2002; Schaefer, 1993). Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes.
What skills are required of a play therapist?
Skills
- experience and understanding of child development.
- communication and interpersonal skills to work with both children and the adults.
- respect for children without judgement.
- empathy and sincerity towards others.
- emotional resilience and self-awareness.
- strong observation and listening skills.
- creativity and imagination.
What are the methods and techniques of play therapy?
Play therapy techniques
- creative visualization.
- storytelling.
- role-playing.
- toy phones.
- puppets, stuffed animals, and masks.
- dolls, action figures.
- arts and crafts.
- water and sand play.
What happens during play therapy?
Play therapy is a type of therapy where a therapist uses play, toys, and games to help the child explore, express, and safely experience the difficulties they are working through. Using play, the therapist uncovers insights otherwise unable to be heard and recognized through normal dialogue.