Reintegration Therapy
Family Reintegration Counseling
Family reintegration counseling provides a safe environment for children to get reconnected with a parent from whom they have been separated. I am often asked by the court to help improve and foster a better relationship between a child or a teenager and a parent they have not seen in a while or with whom they have developed a strained relationship with.
I have nearly ten years experience in understanding the psychological, social and legal aspects of family reintegration. I strive to foster cooperation between all parties while keeping foremost the interests of the children.
There are many reasons for a breach in a relationship: long separation, a difficult divorce, domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse or parental alienation.
Reintegration Sessions:
Sessions will be conducted at my office and as progress is made sessions might be gradually scheduled at a park, restaurant or recreation center to give children an opportunity to spend more time with the estranged parent outside of the office. Eventually visits might be scheduled at the estranged parent’s house.
I will provide regular reports to each party and to the court as necessary. I also coordinate communication with other therapists or professionals involved with the case. If individual counseling or other services are necessary, I will make appropriate referrals.
Trust takes time to rebuilt so patience is an intricate element of the reintegration process, but it can help families develop healthy relationships and deepen their bond with each other.
Preliminary Process:
I will meet with or talk to all parties involved in the case before starting the reintegration process:
1. The children: to understand their concerns, fears, and hopes. Children might have strong feelings and sometimes distorted beliefs about what happened, they might experience loyalty issues with one or both parents.
2. The parents: to understand their concerns, fears, and hopes. To assess their ability to support and listen to the children. The estranged parent might have to take responsibility for past failings and might also have feelings of anger toward the custodian parent. The non-estranged parent might have feelings of resentment toward the non-custodian parent. Both parents have an important role to play in helping the children reestablish a healthy relationship with the estranged parent. Letting go of anger, resentment and personal feelings is part of the work parents have to do to support their children through the reintegration process.
3. Other professionals: to coordinate efforts to support the children and parents. Parties are often already involved with an individual counselor, a CFI, a PRE, a domestic violence or a drug and alcohol counselor. I will facilitate coordination of services because I understand its importance for the success of the reintegration process.