Parenting Classes

Parenting classes have their emphasis on parenting after violence. In addition to addressing the impact of domestic violence on children, parents are taught how to discuss the violence openly with their children. We also teach Filial Therapy (FT). Filial Therapy is a unique approach used by professionals trained in play therapy. Parents are trained to be therapeutic agents with their own children throguh a format of didactic instruction, demonstartion, play sessions, skills training, and practice play sessions. We teach basic child-centered play principles and skills. These include reflective listening, recognizing, and responding to children's feelings, therapuetic limit setting, building children's self esteem and the structuring required to have a supervised session, or when appropriate, an at home play session with their children using a special kit of selected toys.

The core curriculum of the parenting class spans about 12-15 weeks depending on the materials covered. Class meets once a week at one of two different times:

Classes meet at CAFA Wednesday evenings at 5:00pm and Saturday mornings at 11:00am. Childcare is provided at no cost, during both of these meeting times.