(and experientially) to this aspect of Filial Therapy.
• Finally, Filial Therapy provides direct supervision of the parents 4-6 times to ensure parents are fully supported as they learn and master the FT skills (VanFleet, 2014).
Clinical and Research Outcomes 1960s they received criticism about putting important psychological information in the hands of parents. This helped guide the Guerneys’ research on FT, which has continued through the sixty years since then. Thus, Filial Therapy is a highly researched form of play therapy (Bratton et al.., 2005; Topham, et al., 2011)!!
Research shows that parents are fully capable of learning the four FT skills. In a blind study involving videotaped sessions of therapists playing with children while using the four skills, as well as parents playing with children while using the four skills, raters could not distinguish between the therapists’ and the parents’ skill levels! This suggests that parents can attain high skill levels, comparable to therapists, in this type of play session. As an exciting follow-up, research has also shown the gains families attained through FT were VanFleet, personal communication, October 18, 2024).
mental health diagnoses, one area does rise to the top - the most substantially with Filial Therapy (VanFleet & Guerney, 2003; Topham, et al., 2014; Gilmartin & VanFleet, 2026). The importance of this skill was posted on social media by The EQ School (2023): “Growing up with parents who can regulate their own emotions is a less talked about form of generational wealth. If you didn’t have someone who could see and hold space for your big feelings and co-regulate with you, you’re likely still learning to navigate these skills in adulthood.” individual and family well-being.
In summary, combining a play-based modality with parental collaboration is the fuel that creates the power of Filial Therapy,
Training instructors.
References play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes.(4), 376-390.
Cavedo, C., & Guerney, B. G., Jr. (2013). Relationship Enhancement® enrichment and problem-prevention programs: Therapy-derived, powerful, versatile. In R. Berger & M. T. Hannah (Eds.), Preventive approaches in couples therapy
Gilmartin, D., & VanFleet, R. (2026). Filial therapy with non-offending caregivers and families of children who have been sexually abused. In S. Kenney-Noziska (Ed.), Play therapy and childhood sexual abuse: A clinical guide to practice (Chapter 10). Routledge. Guerney, B. G., Jr. (1964). Filial therapy: Description and rationale. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 28 org/10.1037/h0041340 Guerney, L. (1975). Guerney, L., & Ryan, V. (2013). guide to teaching parents to play therapeutically with their children. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Oxman, L. K. (1972). study Dissertation Abstracts International, 32(11-B), 6656. The EQ School. (2023, October 17). Growing up with parents who can regulate their own emotions is a less talked about form of generational wealth. If you didn't have someone who could see and hold space for your big feelings and co-regulate with you, you're likely still learning to navigate these skills in adulthood. fbid=784277913501423&set=a.426362185959666&type=3&from_ lookaside=1
Topham, G. L., Wampler, K. S., Titus, G., & Rolling, E. (2011). Predicting International Journal of Play Therapy, 20 a0023261
Topham, G. L., VanFleet, R., & Sniscak, C. C. (2014). Overcoming Crenshaw (Eds.), problems
Filial therapy: Strengthening parent-child relationships through play
VanFleet, R. (2022). strong families with play (3rd ed.). Play Therapy Press.
VanFleet, R., & Guerney, L. (2003). Play Therapy Press.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacqueline George, MSSW, LCSW, RPT-S™, CFT-I-S began practicing CCPT 36 years ago. She has worked in preschool and school settings, outpatient settings and has run her private practice since 2014. Jacque served on the PA APT Board of Directors for 17 years, loves training the next generation of therapists and is a Filial Therapy Instructor and Supervisor.
george.jacque@yahoo.com
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