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