Filial Therapy with Victims of Family Violence: a Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This research study examined the perceptions of parents, and victims of domestic violence, after receiving filial therapy. Specifically, parents were trained in a 10-week filial therapy model, Child–Parent Relationship Training. At the completion of the study, parents were given a semi-structured, open-ended style interview to gather information about their experiences. Themes emerged from the data participants provided, such as: experiencing increased warmth and trust in the child–parent relationship, changed parenting style, and decreased parental stress. Additionally, narratives reflect the positive influence the training had on parents’ perceptions of violence. A summary of the essence of the parent’s experiences is included.