A three-day Comprehensive Introduction into Filial Family Therapy with Helen Younan-Barrett, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and certified Filial Family Therapist
Filial Therapy is a highly effective play based and relationship focused intervention that integrates family therapy and play therapy to address a wide range of presenting child and family problems while strengthening family relationships. The methodology is empirically supported and focuses on reducing child symptoms, enhancing the parent-child relationship, boosting child competence and self-esteem, and expanding parenting knowledge and skills. It is structured and straightforward and can be learned in a relatively short period of time.
Explore the fundamentals of conducting effective Filial Family Therapy in this three day experiential approach to training. Participants will learn how to train and supervise parents to conduct special child-centered play sessions with their own children within their family system (ages 2-12+).
This three day advanced workshop is specifically tailored for play therapists with prior training in child centered play therapy. Its aim is to offer a thorough introduction to the Filial Family Therapy model, teaching the principles and techniques for conducting all aspects of Filial Family Therapy (FFT) with parents, from intake to termination.
The training places a strong emphasis on cultivating participants’ therapeutic play therapy skills, employing various teaching methods such as lectures, video examples, live demonstrations, and supervised skills practice. Through engaging in role plays, participants will actively learn the methods of training, supervising, and supporting parents to learn to conduct therapeutic play sessions with their children.
There is also a certification pathway available for those seeking to advance their filial therapy expertise and become a certified filial therapist.
To book, please follow the Register Now link in the event details menu. This will take you directly to the Registration page.
Learning objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical foundations of Filial Therapy
- Understand the history, development and supporting research for FFT
- List the five major therapeutic goals of Filial Therapy
- Identify the main phases and elements of the FT
- Describe what happens at each stage of the FT process
- Describe the 7 key essential features that comprise a Filial Therapy model
- Identify the different roles that the therapist plays during the Filial Therapy process
- List the six major underlying principles and attitudes needed for success in training parents during the Filial Therapy process
- Explain at least 2 reasons that can be given to parents as to why Filial Therapy can benefit their particular situation/problem area.
- Identify at least 3 child/family problems for which Filial Therapy is useful and why
- Describe the inclusion and exclusion criteria relating to parents when utilising FT
- Describe at least 3 benefits of Filial Therapy (parent-child play therapy) over individual play therapy
- Identify when the therapist helps parents generalise the skills they have learned in their home environment
- Identify the two phases of training in FT
- Describe the three training principles of teaching FT to parents
- Demonstrate use of empathic listening with parents when handling questions and concerns during the intake and training sessions of FT
- Describe the teaching method for the parents mock play sessions when teaching the core play therapy skills
- Describe the 4-step parent feedback process used in supervising parents’ play sessions with their own children
- Identify at least 3 common problems that can arise in the training phase with parents
- Discuss the 4-level hierarchy of supervisory issues used to prioritise what feedback to give to parents after their demonstration of play sessions
- Describe the FT methodology and other method adaptations for specific demographics
- Address challenges and resistance in implementing Filial Therapy
3 day Workbook & Parent Manual included.
Full Fee: TBC (All fees include GST)
Prerequisite training
To gain the maximum benefit from this course, participants must already possess a deep understanding of humanistic play therapy/child centred play therapy OR in-depth clinical training and supervised practice specifically in child centred play therapy or non directive play therapy (Synergetic Play Therapy applies).
You must have also read the following book in Child Centred Play Therapy prior to commencing the Filial Therapy Practitioner Skills Training. You can choose either one (see below).
- Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Therapeutic Relationships with Children, Nordling & Cochran
- Child Centred Play Therapy, Dr Rise Vanfleet
Certificate
Certification Details
Upon completing this three day workshop, participants will receive a certificate acknowledging the contact hours of the training. However, this does not certify competency in Filial Therapy. Regular supervised practice with a certified Filial Therapist is strongly encouraged to develop and solidify the skills needed to effectively implement this methodology with families.
For those seeking certification as a Certified Filial Family Therapist under Helen Younan-Barrett, a competency-based supervision program must be completed to demonstrate proficiency at a basic level. Acceptance into this program is subject to an application process.
Investment
Full Fee: TBC (All fees include GST)
Manuals
Workshop Leader
Testimonials
“A much deeper appreciation for the power of empathy and what that can do for a struggling parent. It was also a wonderful refresher of CCPT which I was so so grateful for as it has been a few years since I finished my training and I found myself being re-invigorated about the approach, my love for it and my belief in it. I learned so much, it is hard to pick just one thing! I think the biggest takeaway has been a sense of inspiration and also gratitude that I now have a new skill I can draw on to help many of the kids and families I am working with. That’s the most important thing.”
(Play Therapist, Brisbane)
“I was extremely impressed with the training. The structure of the workshop provided a balanced approach to theory and practice. The content was presented in a meaningful and thoughtful manner.”
(Play Therapist, Brisbane)
