Lessons from the Playroom Podcast: Filial Therapy with Risa van Fleet

Introduction

• Risa van Fleet is a licensed psychologist and registered play therapist supervisor.
• Author of several award-winning books related to play therapy and animal-assisted therapy.
• Specializes in complex trauma, attachment disorders, and relationship challenges.
• Pioneering work in filial play therapy influenced by Bernard and Louise Guerney.

Filial Therapy Overview

• Filial therapy involves parents as primary change agents for their children under therapist supervision.
• Developed by Bernard and Louise Guerney in the 1950s.
• Parents conduct play sessions with children to facilitate emotional and relational healing.

Risa’s Journey with Filial Therapy

• Initially worked in behavioral-oriented residential programs.
• Influenced by Bernard Guerney’s relationship enhancement family therapy.
• Studied extensively under both Bernard and Louise Guerney.

Defining Filial Therapy

• Not just any parent-child work; specific model involving non-directive play sessions.
• Parents learn to conduct child-centered play therapy to understand children's play themes and emotions.
• Emphasizes the psycho-educational model rather than a medical model.

Essential Features of Filial Therapy

1. Importance of Play: Play is central to healing and development.
2. Parents as Change Agents: Parents are empowered to be primary change agents.
3. Client is the Relationship: Focus is on the relationship between parent and child.
4. Empathy: Critical for healing; parents learn to reflect empathically.
5. Entire Family Involvement: Engagement of the whole family in the therapeutic process.
6. Psycho-Educational Model: Teaching parents skills in a structured, supportive way.
7. Collaboration: Therapists work collaboratively with parents as experts on their children.

Application and Misconceptions

• Filial therapy is not a blanket term for any parent-child interaction.
• Can be part of a broader treatment plan; adaptable but has core principles.
• Encourages a shift from traditional therapist-as-expert to family collaboration.

Books and Resources

• Risa van Fleet's books include “Filial Therapy: Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships Through Play” and others.
• Group filial therapy book by Louise Guerney and Virginia Ryan.

Conclusion

• Risa emphasizes the significance of belief in parents’ capabilities and the transformative power of filial therapy.
• Encourages ongoing learning and integration of filial therapy principles in practice.
• Filial therapy remains a vital, effective model for supporting family dynamics and child development.