Filial Therapy
“Intraquest was inspired by personal challenge, renewed hope and transformation. With this we wholeheartedly believe there are no ‘hopeless people’, just people lacking hope!” JEN & KAREN
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Filial Therapy
What is Filial Therapy?
Filial Therapy is a non-directive play-based approach that involves the whole family and seeks to improve relationships and communication between all parties. This is where you, as parents or carers, are taught key therapeutic skills that help you to understand your child’s play and interactions, whilst helping you to respond to the underlying need of your child, rather than the behaviour itself. For example: If your child is behaving in a controlling manner, we would help you to explore the reasoning behind it and respond therapeutically without shame, or compliance. This approach really builds upon the relationship you already have, often bringing about change and understanding more readily than some of the individual types of therapy – trust is the key here.
Who is it for?
This approach is particularly effective with children aged 4 – 12 years, however, it has been proven to be just as effective with young people, when the skills are adapted for this age range. Here are some of the struggles and life experiences that a Filial therapy approach may be ideal for…
Struggles
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Emotional dysregualation
• Control & other fear-based responses
• Attachment & Trauma related difficulties
Life Experiences
• Witnessed domestic violence
• Drug misusing adults
• Parental separation/divorce
• Bereavement
• Separation from culture, parents and/or family
• Struggling with illness, are young carers or have siblings with disabilities
• Abuse: Emotional, physical, neglect, sexual
What is the process?
Step 1: Complete the online referral form here.
Step 2: Await contact from an IntraQuest Therapist to discuss the referral.
Step 3: Quotation & Assessment. If applicable a quotation for therapy will be provided and once approved the assessment process will begin.
Step 4: Filial Therapy. Once the assessment is completed and Filial deemed an appropriate approach for your family, training begins for you as parents or carers. Each training session is 1.5 hours long and covers a variety of therapeutic skills. Eventually you will be able to run your own therapeutic sessions that are video recorded and then explored alongside your therapist. Sessions are usually weekly, then gradually reduce in frequency. It is usual to have at least 20 sessions and a review meeting halfway through to check that everyone is happy with the process.
Step 5: Closure. Once you feel confident with your new skill set, the discharge process begins. You may want to check in with your therapist monthly for a short time and then conclude your sessions once you feel settled with everything. A report may be provided for you at this point should you require one. The great thing about this approach is that it’s easy to adapt as your child grows, so should difficulties arise in the future, you have the skills to respond to them therapeutically and understand the drivers behind the behaviours you are seeing.
How much does it cost?
As a not-for-profit organisation we can periodically apply for grants to help support our children and families with their therapeutic journey. Do chat with us about this when you make contact. See our services brochure for much information on pricing.
Confidentiality
We work in line with the BAPT, PTUK and BACP’s code of ethics and in line with current child protection legislation, therefore we will never keep information to ourselves where we believe an individual we are working with is at risk. Where our children or young people are working with other agencies, we will always encourage appropriate information sharing, in order that therapy compliments any other care plans in place. Consent for this must be given by the family working with us before contact is made.
As with all therapies our therapists will have regular supervision whereby their interaction with clients will be discussed. This will enhance their understanding of their client’s needs. All paper-based documentation regarding your child will be kept safe in a locked cabinet, and all digital information held within our secure case management system, in line with our privacy policy.
