Family Counseling Approach Paper: Filial Family Therapy

Family counseling approach paper: Filial family therapy
Liberty University- 2013

Introduction
Filial therapy is commonly known as a type of play therapy used to help create a bond between a child and their parents in creating different skills the family may be struggling with. In this paper the writer will go over different ways this therapy can be effective, when this therapy may be best used and for what ages that are most receptive to this form of therapy. In this paper the reader will also explore a little bit of why it is important to the writer on a personal level while also exploring the writer’s perspective in implementing filial therapy.
This integrative approach was developed in
When I see a parent that actually disciplines or is aware of what is going on in their child’s life I smile because not only do children live with emotional trauma but they never learn to cope with it when their parents are absent. In trying to incorporate filial therapy with Christianity, I think it is important to look back on how Jesus used children, and metaphors in explaining the special bond he intended and created for parents and kids to enjoy. For an example, there is the connection between Jesus as the son and God being described as the father so that we as humans can relate to the intimacy of that relationship as mentioned in Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV), “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” This idea can help in relating the importance and the value of the therapy sessions and communicating through play what the child may perceive or feel. For a family to experience freedom in any circumstance, God has to be present in their lives and also a standard for how the family interacts with one another. In Biblical times, children were seen as lowly but Christ changes this perception when he tells the disciples to let the children come and sit with him. I
Studies have shown that after filial therapy is completed that the parents leave with better people skills that don’t just help them with communicating to their child but also to others. Filial therapy can open the door to acceptance no matter what the problem may be, because filial therapy is more concerned with the child as a person rather than the problem. Filial therapy helps the parent and the child see each other as people rather than a problem or the communication barriers. Landreth, G. L. (1991). As one continues to grow mentally and emotionally so does the relationship of those that are a part of a family unit that has gone through filial therapy. Play changes through years, as does communication, and people but the consistency and commitment within the family doesn’t have