Cheshire Play Therapy

Filial Play Mentoring/Coaching is a therapeutic intervention developed by PlayTherapyUK/PTI. Filial Therapy was developed in the 1960s by Bernard and Louise Gurney. Dr. Risë VanFleet further developed the approach, calling it Filial Play Therapy. The PTUK method is firmly rooted in the American models but uses a more accessible approach while achieving the same goals.

Parents/carers are the most important figures in their children’s lives, but sometimes the relationship between parent/carer and child is strained and damaged by life events and difficulties.

In Filial Play as practised by Childspace, the therapist coaches the parent/carer in child-centred, non-directive play techniques. Alongside caring and supportive mentoring in arranged sessions with the therapist, the parent/carer practises the newly learned skills with their child at home.

In this way, the parent/carer becomes the agent of change, and by building a closer and more rewarding relationship with their child, helps to alleviate any mild to moderate emotional, social or behaviour problems he or she has been experiencing.

“The nature of the parent- child relationship is of primary importance to the present and future mental health of children.”

Garry L. Landreth