In Group Filial Therapy (GFT), therapists train parents to conduct play sessions with their own children to help meet children's therapeutic needs, and to transfer appropriate skills to family life. Based on parents' application of Child-Centred Play Therapy, taught and supervised by filial therapists, this evidence-based method is highly effective for working with families from diverse backgrounds and locations. This book provides an accessible guide to the theory and practice of GFT, and for the first time offers step-by-step guidelines for implementing the GFT program developed by Dr Guerney, the co-creator of Filial Therapy. Important practical considerations are addressed by Dr Guerney and Dr Ryan, such as how to determine the composition of groups and the duration of programs, and how to conduct Filial Therapy intakes. The facilitative attitudes and skills needed to be an effective Filial Therapy group leader are also described, and comprehensive instructions for implementing Dr Guerney's 20-week model of GFT are provided. The book closes with examples of how the program may be adapted to meet the needs of special groups. Replete with examples and dialogues bringing to life the group process, this definitive guide will enable therapists already familiar with the method, as well as those wishing to learn it, to maximise the fulfilment of therapeutic goals for participating families. Practitioners in mental health, social services and counselling, as well as parenting experts, play and filial therapists and therapists in training will find that this book expands and enriches the services they can offer their clients.

Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment offers an engaging and practical integration of expressive arts and play therapy within family counseling. Building upon the most current research in family counseling, this volume presents new and humanistic approaches of family play therapy, including family-based cognitive behavioral therapy, family theraplay, and filial therapy. Application of these methods is explored with children and families affected by autism, divorce, and trauma. Essential coverage of the ethics of family play therapy as well as the therapist's own self-care is also included in this comprehensive and valuable resource. Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment provides clinicians and family counselors with an integrative and effective model of family counseling that will help children and families understand and develop their mental health needs.

Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment offers an engaging and practical integration of expressive arts and play therapy within family counseling. Building upon the most current research in family counseling, this volume presents new and humanistic approaches of family play therapy, including family-based cognitive behavioral therapy, family theraplay, and filial therapy. Application of these methods is explored with children and families affected by autism, divorce, and trauma. Essential coverage of the ethics of family play therapy as well as the therapist's own self-care is also included in this comprehensive and valuable resource. Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment provides clinicians and family counselors with an integrative and effective model of family counseling that will help children and families understand and develop their mental health needs.