Filial Therapy

A child spends 45 minutes a week with a therapist and hundreds of minutes with a parent. Filial Therapy is built on that arithmetic.

İstanbul In person and online Free 15-min intro call

What is Filial Therapy?

Filial Therapy is a play-based parent training approach. Parents are taught the core skills of child-centred play therapy, practise them at home in weekly special play times, and review each session with the therapist.

The four core skills

Structuring

Setting a clear beginning, duration and end for the play time.

Empathic listening

Reflecting what the child does and feels, without interpreting or praising.

Child-centred imaginary play

Taking the role the child offers without taking over the play.

Limit setting

Acknowledge the feeling, state the limit, offer an alternative.

Who it suits

Families dealing with behavioural difficulties and frequent conflict
A sense of disconnection in the parent–child relationship
Transitions: a new sibling, divorce, relocation
Children too young for individual therapy, or unwilling to attend
Adoption and foster care, where attachment is the focus

Ask about this Appointment form

Free

Let's talk for 15 minutes before you decide.

Starting therapy is a big decision. Let's meet first: tell me what is on your mind and I will tell you plainly whether ongoing work is needed and, if so, how we would proceed. You are not committing to anything.

Book on WhatsApp Use the form

What we talk aboutWhat you have noticed at home, and what worries you.
What you getA clear answer on whether ongoing work is needed.
How long15 minutes, by phone or video — whichever suits you.

S.S.S.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the programme?

The classic format runs 16–20 weeks; intensive versions can be completed in 10–12.

Should both parents attend?

Where possible, yes — differences in parenting approach are often part of the difficulty.

Can it be done online?

Yes. Skills training and supervision work well online; parents can share a recording of the play time for feedback.

Play Therapy

What conversation is to adult therapy, play is to child therapy.

Parent Counselling

Not for the child alone — for everyone living with the child.

Child & Adolescent Therapy

Individual therapy that works in the child's own language and keeps parents inside the process.

Appointment

A good day to talk it through.

You don't need to be sure. In a free 15-minute call, tell me what you have noticed and we will work out together whether ongoing work is needed.

Message on WhatsApp Use the appointment form +90 538 570 24 27