부모-자녀 놀이치료에 대한 기독상담적 고찰

Overview of Filial Therapy from a Christian Perspective

The purpose of this study is to introduce and review available literature of filial therapy in Korea and discuss from a Christian perspective. The search was conducted by entering “parent–child play therapy (Korean translation of Filial Therapy)” in Korea Education and Research Information Service. Filial therapy was developed by Drs. Bernard Guerney, Jr. & Louise Guerney in 1960s for parents with children with emotional problems. Parents receive training and supervision in child–centered therapy in a small group, and also play with their children at home. Filial therapy is built upon parent–child relationship. In Korea filial therapy was introduced in 1998, and many related articles were published during the past 10 years, ranging from case studies to experimental studies. In general, experimental studies reported increased parental empathy, however, improvements in child’s behavioral problems showed mixed results. Filial Therapy’s emphasis on the parent–child relationship can be appreciated from a Christian perspective as humans are created as relational beings. A child’s experience of acceptance and care from a parent is a necessary element for healthy development. However, filial therapy may be short in exercising parental authority.