Filial Therapy is a therapeutic approach derived from Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in which Educators are trained to become the primary agents of therapeutic change for the children in their care.

In this model, a qualified Play Therapist formally teaches Educators the core skills and relational principles of non-directive, Child-Centered Play Therapy. Once these foundational skills are learned, Educators begin conducting therapeutic play sessions with their focus children in a safe and structured manner.

Throughout this process, the Play Therapist provides ongoing supervision and support, either in person or online. These supervision sessions allow Educators to reflect on their experiences, receive feedback, and continue developing their therapeutic skills. This reflective guidance helps to deepen the Educator-child connection and improve the effectiveness of the therapeutic play sessions.

Filial Therapy empowers Educators with the relational attitudes and responsive skills essential for fostering a non-directive, therapeutic environment—one that supports emotional maturing, social competence, strengthens wellbeing and promotes resilience in children.

Find out more:

https://nestcc.com.au/filialtherapy/

The expected outcomes for this program are:

• stronger educator–child relationships
• improved emotional regulation, emotional literacy and interoception
• increased self-esteem and confidence
• reduced behavioural difficulties
• enhanced social skills and peer interactions and
• improved resilience.

This program is delivered in a small group setting over 12 sessions:

• 1 x 1 hour session for Planning and observation
• 4 x 2 hour blocks of skill acquisition
• 6 x 1.5 hour blocks for practice integration and supervision and
• 1 x 1 hour session for Final Debrief and evaluation.

This program also includes resources and handouts.

This program is delivered for $193.99 per hour. If travel is required, this will be charged based on location. All costs listed are GST exclusive.