Parental Perceptions of an Advanced Filial Therapy Model

Abstract

This exploratory phenomenological study examines the experiences of nine parents who completed an advanced filial therapy model that provides participants with ongoing support and skill development after participating in a basic filial approach called child parent relationship therapy. Experiential and intensive, the advanced model is patterned after a training-supervision approach utilized for play therapists. Using a systems-relational lens, this in-depth analysis utilizes parent playtime notes, facilitator field notes, and transcripts of group process sessions and a focus group. Findings reveal that parents experienced (1) an improved ability to implement and generalize the basic filial skills across relationships and contexts, (2) positive relational influences across a wide variety of relationships, not just with their target child, and (3) an enhanced understanding of the relational benefits of parent–child playtimes. Adding to the research on filial therapy, this study represents the first examination of an advanced filial approach and highlights the systemic dimensions of play-based family therapy.