Family-Centred Therapy | Partnering with Parents as Experts | Aquila Kids

Key Takeaways

• Family-centred therapy values parents’ knowledge, goals and daily routines in shaping therapy planning and delivery.

• Evidence shows parent involvement supports improved participation and confidence in everyday activities.

• Aquila Kids works collaboratively with families to set meaningful goals and offer flexible therapy options.

• Family-centred practice emphasises respect, communication and shared decision-making not promises of specific outcomes.

• Support is tailored to each child’s and family’s needs, contexts and priorities.

Content List

1. What Is Family-Centred Therapy?

2. Why Parents Are Considered Experts

3. Evidence Supporting Family-Centred Practice

4. How Aquila Kids Applies This Model

5. Our Collaborative Process

6. Flexible Therapy Options

7. When Family-Centred Therapy Helps

8. FAQs

Family-Centred Therapy: Partnering With Parents as Experts

What Is Family-Centred Therapy?

Family-centred therapy is an approach used in paediatric allied health that recognises families as the primary decision-makers in their child’s care. Instead of therapists working in isolation, this model supports shared planning and collaborative goal-setting so that everyone involved understands the priorities that matter most to the child and their caregivers. It values open communication, ensuring families feel informed, respected and involved at each stage of the therapy process. A key feature of this approach is providing strategies and support within the environments where children live, learn and play, helping skills translate more naturally into daily routines. By working alongside families in this way, therapists can tailor interventions to each child’s unique strengths, interests and needs while honouring the expertise parents bring to their child’s development.

Why Parents Are Considered Experts

Parents and carers are considered experts because they hold deep, day-to-day knowledge of their child’s behaviours, preferences and strengths. They also understand their family’s routines, values and capacities insights that are essential when planning supports that genuinely fit into everyday life. This lived experience helps identify meaningful goals that matter to the child and their family, not just in therapy sessions but across home, school and community settings. When this knowledge is combined with clinical expertise, it leads to more practical, relevant and sustainable interventions. By recognising parents as partners in the process, therapists can tailor supports that build on what families already know and do well.

How Aquila Kids Applies This Model

Aquila Kids applies a family-centred model by grounding every interaction in empathy and genuine respect for each family’s lived experience. The team works collaboratively with parents and carers throughout assessment, goal setting and therapy planning, ensuring decisions reflect what matters most to them. Transparency is a key part of the process, with clear conversations about therapy options, timelines and the types of support available. As children grow and family circumstances evolve, Aquila Kids remains flexible, adjusting supports so they continue to feel relevant and manageable. This approach reflects the organisation’s core values and practice philosophy, ensuring care is both compassionate and practical.

Our Collaborative Process

Step 1: Getting to Know You

Initial appointments involve assessments, discussions about priorities and an understanding of your child’s environments. Families receive a summary outlining goals and therapy options.

Step 2: Shared Goal Setting

We work with you to establish goals that reflect your child’s needs and your family routines.

Step 3: Tailored Therapy Options

Based on your goals, Aquila Kids may offer:

• clinic-based physiotherapy or occupational therapy

• home, kindergarten or school visits

• therapy blocks including aquatic programs

• Allied Health Assistant support

• home-based activity ideas that integrate into everyday routines

This variety helps families choose supports that best fit their schedule and priorities.

Flexible Therapy Options

Because children’s needs vary, Aquila Kids offers a number of formats to support participation and skill development. This avoids one-size-fits-all approaches and respects each family’s circumstances and preferred level of involvement.

When Family-Centred Therapy Helps

Family-centred therapy can be particularly helpful for families who have questions about their child’s development and want guidance that fits naturally into their daily routines. It supports parents and carers who are looking for tailored strategies they can use at home, rather than generic suggestions that may not suit their child or lifestyle. Many families also value this approach when they prefer collaborative planning over prescriptive instruction, appreciating the chance to share insights and help shape the direction of therapy. Clear communication is a core part of the model, ensuring families feel included and informed when decisions are made. If families are unsure whether this approach is suitable for their situation, they are encouraged to speak with a qualified health professional for personalised guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is family-centred therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Family-centred principles are widely supported in paediatric research, particularly regarding participation, parent satisfaction and shared decision-making. See CanChild and King et al. (2004) for peer-reviewed evidence.

Does this approach guarantee particular outcomes?

No. Every child progresses differently, and therapy outcomes can vary. Family-centred practice aims to support participation and confidence, not guarantee specific results.

How involved do parents need to be?

Involvement varies by family. Some prefer hands-on participation, while others focus on decision-making and understanding strategies. Aquila Kids adapts to your comfort level and capacity.

Is this approach suitable for children without a diagnosis?

Yes. Family-centred therapy is helpful for families seeking clarity about development or wanting guidance on supporting skills in daily life.

Can therapy occur at home or school?

Yes. Aquila Kids offers flexible support options, which may include home, school or kindergarten visits where appropriate.