WHAT IS REUNIFICATION THERAPY?
Frequently in the aftermath of a divorce or separation, a physical or emotional distance builds between a parent and their child. Even if the reasons that contribute to a physical or emotional distancing between a parent and their child are not intentional or inherently negative, divorce and separation can take a toll on everyone in the family. The FAMILY is THE client in reunification therapy (RT). Not only to foster connection but also comfort and communication. RT can encourage family members to be honest with each other and engage in healthy behaviors and communication to solve conflicts and prevent future issues.
The courts will appoints a therapist to be the family’s reunification therapist with the goal of reuniting the estranged parent and the child in a best case scenario. The court will determine if reunification is an “if” or a “when” scenario and will instruct the therapist whether or not the court is tryig to determine if reunification will occur or when reunification will occur. The court order must be specific as to provide dates and guidedlines for the transition program/plan, provide dates when the standard possession order should begin, and provide dates to which the therapist should report to the court if the reunification counseling was not possible. Our therapists WILL NOT recommend conservatorship, possession, or parent access recommendations. These decisions are under the court’s responsibility as it is unethical for a reunification therapist to make such decisions/recommendations in Texas.
In reunification therapy (RT), the counselor that was court appointed, will assess the family system through a holistic approach, coordinate a workable plan with input from parents and family, and implement a plan of action that is designed to address the issues that are contributing to the child’s avoidant behavior and reactions. Through the identification and targeting of these contributing factors, the Reunification Therapist will strive to help the child and both parents make changes that will lead to a healthier parent-child relationship.
Reunification therapy is designed to restore the relationship between a child and parent. This specific therapy between a parent and their child is healing, helpful, and in some cases, necessary, despite the circumstances of the marriage or separation.
For various reasons, divorce and separation can cause parents and children to lose touch. When this happens, children lack the support and emotional connection that comes from having both parents in their lives.
Both custodial parent and the other parent must be involved in the reunification therapy process if possible.
Reunification therapy is a therapy intended to reconcile and reinforce this fundamental connection in a child’s life. It is also beneficial for the parents’ happiness to fortify this relationship.
The goal of reunification therapy is to bring the parents and children together. Not only to foster connection but also comfort and communication. This therapy can encourage family members to be honest with each other and engage in healthy behaviors and communication to solve conflicts and prevent future issues.
Please contact our office or have your attorney to contact us for more information regarding our process. We will send you our Reunification Therapy Agreement for you and your attorney to review upon request.