When a family is separated because of a high conflict divorce, custody fights, allegations of abuse or neglect, parental alienation, or blending of families, families might be in need of support to rebuild trust and connection between the parents and children. Reunification therapy is child focused therapy and will go at the pace that the child needs so progress can be made. The therapy also encourages the parents to support their children while obtaining some helpful tools to manage the stress of the situation.
There are many reasons reunification therapy is used with the most common reason being that therapy takes place during or following a high conflict divorce and/or a court order to have reunification therapy to connect a parent and child. This therapy provides a safe space for all members of the family to feel heard and be seen to address the complicated issues that arise from separation. Many children who have been separated from a parent can act out, feel insecure and disorganized as they are estranged from the parent. They may feel rejected or feel torn in the middle of two parents who do not get along. It is common for children to exhibit signs of anxiety, depression, anger, and stress.
As a clinician who has been working with these families for over 10 years and been a clinician for 30 years in a multitude of settings supporting children and adolescents, I support the child and parent to feel comfortable addressing the tough issues and difficult feelings to build trust and communication. The reunification therapy will include time for me to understand the child/children and what are their needs as well as emphasizing some education on family dynamics and encouraging the child to voice their concerns in a safe environment. I see each family as a unique system with many strengths and some challenges that need attention to help support all the members of the family to thrive.