School Based Filial Therapy: a Play Therapy Program in Remote and Outer Regional NSW
Tracks
Balcony 1+2 - In Person Only
Thursday, November 10, 2022 |
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM |
Overview
Jane Cooper, Monash University
Speaker
Mrs Jane Cooper
Occupational Therapist, Phd Candidate
Monash University
School Based Filial Therapy: a Play Therapy Program in Remote and Outer Regional NSW
Abstract
School-Based Filial Therapy (SBFT) is a play therapy intervention specifically designed to address problems associated with limited access to specialist children’s mental health services in remote and outer-regional locations. The intervention occurs on school grounds, during school hours and functions as an integrated element of the school routine for children who participate in the program. Specially trained teacher’s aides facilitate the intervention with children who are experiencing emotional and behavioural problems that are impacting on their daily functioning in the school environment. Research has demonstrated positive changes for participating children, the facilitators of the intervention and for the child’s family. This presentation will provide an overview of SBFT and a summary of the current research.
Biography
Jane is a senior mental health occupational therapist in a children's mental health service in Sydney, and the coordinator of the school-based filial therapy program for Eternity Aid, an NGO providing allied health support to outer- regional and remote communities in NSW. Jane has published 6 articles in peer reviewed journals and as a PhD candidate with Monash University, she is currently investigating the impact of school-based filial therapy in remote and outer-regional primary schools in NSW.