Reunification: Different from Therapy
The reunification process differs from therapy, mediation, custody evaluation, and legal representation in the following important ways:
Reunification is mandated by the court.
The reunification process is not confidential.
Insurance companies do not reimburse for reunification services because there is no identified client, the focus is not on a diagnostic issue, interventions extend beyond the office and teletherapy meetings, sessions may occur out of state, the length of meetings and other interventions varies widely, and multiple participants are often the focus of the work.
If a mental health diagnosis is identified, the reunification facilitator will assess that as a factor in the reunification process and refer for treatment, if necessary.
There is no therapist / client privilege.
The scope of reunification is limited to matters concerning the best interest of your child or children, for the benefit of the entire family system, as a service to the court.
Interventions frequently involve emails, texts, phone calls, in-person meetings, community-based sessions, virtual and teletherapy sessions, letters, and review of documents, which are billable to a party or parties.
Therapeutic sessions include numerous modalities with participation from individuals, siblings, other conjoint dyads, entire family systems, parent-to-parent meetings, meeting with step-parents, and other groupings.
The reunification specialist (RS) may consult regularly with attorneys and other providers involved in the case.
Reunification cases may involve a parent or entire family system that resides in another state or country.
The RS may provide expert witness testimony, if issued a subpoena, to update the court about the case status.
The RS may exercise authority to implement temporary parenting time plans, and / or transitional parenting time plans, subject to the court order.
Though a parent may have understandable grievances from the past, the focus of reunification is concerned primarily with promoting a healthier relationship going forward, and normalizing parenting time.
Some situations that are best served by reunification include:
Prolonged separation between a parent and child.
Allegations, accusations, or events that alienate, disrupt and strain a parent-child relationship.
Substance abuse or mental health problems that necessitate a gradual, structured reintroduction, repair and reintegration of the parent-child bond.
Introducing a parent and child for the first time.
Medical, military, geographic or other circumstances that disrupt a parent-child relationship.
Changes in sexual orientation, gender, religion or lifestyle that significantly impact the parent-child relationship.
“Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.”