Filial Therapy

It’s the summer. If you’re a parent, you are probably spending extended periods of time with your kids, navigating schedules while juggling your own responsibilities and readying yourself for a big family trip (or recovering from one). While I hope you and your family have your share of fun, relaxation and family bonding, I also understand that summer can be a stressful and difficult time for families. 

You might have had the best intentions to deepen your connection with your child this summer,  but maybe it has felt more like a power struggle between you two and you aren’t sure how to get along. Maybe you’ve noticed your child is moodier, talking back more or seems distant. Perhaps the sibling rivalry is off the charts and you can’t remember the last time you felt peace in your home. Other parents might be at their wits end because their child is clinging to them instead of following the new routine or playing independently. Or maybe, your child had a tough year at school and you feel unsure about how to help them feel prepared to go back in the fall. Whether your kid is having a hard time, you’re not connecting with them in the way you’d like, or you’re overwhelmed by all of the parenting advice out there, I guarantee you aren’t alone. It is normal to feel unsure about how to help. 

My name is Ardath and I specialize in helping parents and children have healthier, more meaningful relationships. I’m excited to share one of my favorite family therapy interventions with you. It’s called Filial Therapy. If you related to any of the scenarios above, this family therapy approach might be a great fit for your family.

What is Filial Therapy? 

Filial Therapy is a unique form of play therapy—but instead of just involving a trained therapist and the child, the parent becomes the primary healing partner. With guidance from a trained therapist, parents learn specific skills to conduct therapeutic play sessions with their child at home.

How Does it Help? 

Filial Therapy assists kids in becoming more conscious of their feelings and learn to regulate them. It also helps children learn to communicate their needs, build confidence in themselves and make informed decisions. Through the process, children build trust in their parents, such as in their parents ability to meet their social and emotional needs.

Parents who participate in Filial Therapy increase their understanding of their child’s feelings and behaviors as well better understand their child’s overall development. Parents receive help by trying new skills in play sessions with their children in a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. Most importantly, Filial Therapy helps strengthen the parent-child relationship and build closer bonds by using the parents to be the primary change agents for their own children.

Why Filial Therapy? 

Many parents are amazed at how quickly they begin to notice changes—not just in their child, but in their own confidence and connection as well.

Filial Therapy is effective because:

• It builds trust: Your child feels truly heard and accepted by you.

• It fosters emotional intelligence: Children learn to name, express, and regulate their feelings.

• It reduces stress in the household by giving both parent and child practical tools to communicate better.

• It empowers parents: Instead of feeling helpless, you become an active part of the healing process.

To learn more about how Filial Therapy works or to schedule an appointment, you can reach out to me directly by email, TherapistArdath@protonmail.com or phone, (502) 443-8807.