Filial play therapy is a unique approach to therapy that emphasizes the parent-child relationship as a means of alleviating child and/or family difficulties.  Filial play therapy is also used to strengthen parent-child relationships in order to prevent problems.
Filial play therapy was developed in the early 1960s by Drs. Bernard and Louise Guerney.  Extensive research and use of the approach since then have shown it to be a very effective tool for helping children and strengthening families.  In filial play therapy, parents learn to conduct a special type of play session with their own children.  The therapist trains, supervises, and supports the parents as they learn this and helps them understand what their children may be communicating through their play.  Eventually parents can conduct the play session on their own at home as well as try other methods, such as behavior management.