Description

Filial Therapy and Child Parent Relationship Therapy in Play Therapy
Filial Therapy is an empirically-supported intervention integrating family therapy
and Play Therapy to address child and family problems. Therapists learn how to
explain the therapeutic powers of play that are exhibited in filial therapy. Attendees
will observe how child-centered play sessions are conducted with parents and their
own children. In previous training, students have been introduced to CPRT hence

most of the focus of this training will be practicing skills that are utilized in Filial
Therapy.

Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the theoretical foundations, principles, and goals of Filial Therapy
and Child-Parent Relationship (CPR) Theory, explaining their relevance
within the broader framework of Play Therapy.
2. Analyze the role of the therapeutic relationship between parent and child in
Filial Therapy, identifying how play-based interactions facilitate attachment,
empathy, and emotional regulation.
3. Demonstrate the ability to teach and coach parents in core CPR skills—such
as reflective listening, limit setting, and choice giving—within supervised
Play Therapy sessions.
4. Evaluate case studies and session recordings to assess parental skill
development, child behavioral change, and the effectiveness of Filial
Therapy interventions.
5. Apply Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) principles to design and
implement structured play sessions that strengthen family relationships and
promote secure attachment.
6. Critically reflect on ethical, cultural, and developmental considerations in
delivering Filial Therapy, and propose adaptations to ensure culturally
responsive, trauma-informed Play Therapy practice.