Reunification: Different from Therapy
The reunification process differs from therapy, mediation, custody evaluation, and legal representation in the following important ways:
Though I am a licensed therapist, there is no therapist/client privilege.
The reunification process is not confidential.
Insurance companies do not reimburse for reunification services because the focus is not on a diagnostic issue, interventions extend outside office and teletherapy meetings, the length of sessions and other interventions varies widely, and multiple participants are often the focus of the work.
If a mental health diagnosis is identified, I will assess that as a factor in the reunification process and refer for treatment if necessary.
In addition, the scope of reunification is limited to matters concerning your child or children in the context of the entire family system, on behalf of the family court. Though you may have understandable grievances from the past or object to present actions by a parent, the focus of reunification is concerned primarily with how that behavior affects the child and family now, whether it is positive, negative or neutral.
It is expected that both parents will maintain a respectful tone during discussion with me and each other, make good faith effort toward cooperation, and prioritize the interests of the child over other competing concerns.
Some situations that are best served by reunification include for example:
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.”