
Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.
(Zen proverb)
Filial Therapy
Filial therapy is a type of family intervention based on partnership between the therapist and the parents. The therapist guides the parents to acquire and implement therapeutic skills with their children and therefore, the parents themselves become the main agents contributing to the therapeutic change process.
The key skills filial therapy trains parents are:
structuring
listen empathetically
enhance child-led imaginary play
limit setting
This type of therapy aims to:
improve parenting skills and strategies for the caregivers to understand their children better
strengthen family relationships
open communication
decrease levels of stress in the family
eliminate undesired behavior
understand each other’s emotions
express and regulate own feelings
develop effective problem solving strategies
straighten trust and security within family members
enhance responsibility for own choices
develop mastery
respect the importance of play
improve communication skills within family members
reduce levels of frustrations