Filial Family Therapy

What is Filial Family Therapy?

Filial Family Therapy is a unique therapeutic method that directly involves parents as the primary agents of change. Parents are trained and supervised by a qualified filial therapist to use basic play therapy skills, which they then apply in regular 30-minute “special play times” with their child.

At Bright Insight Counselling, we believe parents play a vital role in their child’s healing and growth. Through guided practice, parents learn to connect with their children in meaningful ways that foster understanding, trust, and emotional wellbeing.

This approach has been shown to benefit families experiencing challenges such as oppositional behaviour, anxiety, depression, trauma, neglect, attachment issues, chronic illness (e.g., ASD), family substance abuse, single parenting, divorce, adoption, and more.

Benefits

To Children

  • Develop self-regulation and ability to comply with limits
  • Learn to express needs, experiences, and feelings
  • Build positive self-concept and self-esteem
    Strengthen empathy, forgiveness, and gratitude
  • Gain confidence in decision making
    Improve ability to form and maintain relationships
  • Increase success in school and family life
    Support healthier future relationships

To Parents / Caregivers

  • Strengthen the parent–child relationship
  • Develop open communication throughout childhood and adolescence
  • Reduce parental stress and anxiety
  • Improve overall family dynamics
  • Enhance reflective skills and support positive personal growth

Service Structure & Pricing

At Bright Insight Counselling, Filial Family Therapy includes:

  • Parent training and supervision with a qualified filial therapist
  • Regular parent–child “special play time” sessions at home
  • Ongoing therapist support and feedback sessions
  • Collaboration with other professionals as needed

NDIS Participants: We welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients. Fees are aligned with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information.

Private Clients: Please contact us for current fee information. Therapy package discounts are available for private clients — terms and conditions apply.