Therapy approach
Filial Therapy
An approach in which parents learn, with the therapist's guidance, to hold special play sessions with their child, aiming to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
- Parent and child together
- Special playtime continued at home
- Strengthening the bond and communication
What is filial therapy?
Filial therapy is an approach that involves parents directly in their child's process by teaching them the principles of child-centred play therapy. Parents are the most important people in a child's life; filial therapy places this relationship at the heart of change.
How does it work?
First we talk with the parents about the child's needs and the family routine. Then skills such as reflective listening, naming feelings, following the child's play and setting consistent limits are taught step by step. With the therapist's guidance, the parent holds short play sessions with their child and receives feedback. Over time, this “special playtime” continues regularly at home.
Who can it help?
- Families who want a closer, calmer relationship with their child
- Periods of difficulty such as anger, defiance or anxiety
- Families going through changes such as the birth of a sibling, divorce or a move
Filial therapy doesn't blame parents; on the contrary, it trusts their ability to support their child and strengthens it.
This page was written by Zeynep Hilal Çelik and last reviewed on 27 October 2026.
