Conducting filial therapy with homeless parents

Homelessness and the associated feelings of loss are highly distressing for parents and their children who experience them. The implications for young, homeless children are clinically significant, as these children tend to display higher rates of depressive, anxious feelings. The literature suggests that parents are especially challenged during a period of homelessness, as they cannot provide for their children financially or emotionally. Evidence-based mental health interventions, such as filial therapy, may assist the parent-child relationship by promoting healing during a highly distressing event such as homelessness. Filial therapy, derived from child-centered play therapy, teaches parents to play with their children to express feelings and gain mastery over difficult and often disturbing thoughts and emotions. This article's purpose is to (a) educate clinicians about the psychological complexities of homelessness with parents and their children and (b) highlight the benefits of using filial therapy as an evidence-based intervention with this population.