How Can Reunification Therapy Help a Child After Their Parents’ Divorce in Orlando, FL?

Reunification therapy (RT) is a type of family therapy that is often ordered by the court. The purpose is to address a disrupted parent-child relationship during or after a contentious divorce or period of separation. This intensive therapy aims to rebuild trust and contact between children and parents.

Because it’s a child-focused therapy, RT proceeds at the child’s pace. It’s designed to improve the lives of children by addressing the separation and any related problems with a parent with the help of a qualified professional. 

How Does Reunification Therapy Work?

Reunification therapy usually starts with an assessment to learn about the cause of the estrangement or disrupted parent-child relationship. The therapist will assess the family’s needs and begin to understand the challenges and dynamics within the family. 

A reunification plan will be developed that may include many techniques to address these needs. During the first phase, the therapist will focus on establishing a relationship of trust with each party. In the next phase, the therapist will help the family address underlying issues, trauma, conflicts, and communication issues. 

Techniques the therapist may use include: 

  • Family systems therapy: This approach is based on the premise that each family member is part of a larger unit with complex group dynamics that must be understood. It focuses on identifying and improving communication and behavioral patterns.
  • Play therapy: This is often used with younger children to help them communicate, process their feelings, and develop better relationships. 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps kids and parents change destructive behaviors and thought patterns. This can improve communication and conflict-resolution skills. 

It’s very important during RT that the child’s feelings and experiences are not discounted or ignored. There may be many complex dynamics at play, including “justified rejection.” This happens if the child has witnessed or been the victim of abuse, poor parenting, or untreated mental illness.

Will Reunification Therapy Be Ordered by the Court?

Family reunification therapy can be initiated by parents without the involvement of a family court or judge. It can also be court-ordered if either parent brings up specific concerns or the court sees a need. 

Common scenarios that result in court-ordered reunification counseling include: 

  • Parental alienation: If a parent can convince a judge that alienation has occurred, the court may mandate a supervised reunification program. 
  • Estrangement: If a parent is estranged, the court may seek to reunify the parent and child through therapy. 
  • One parent failed to attend proceedings: Courts often order RT when a parent has missed scheduled hearings or any part of divorce or family court proceedings. 
  • A child does not want to spend time with a non-custodial parent: Reunification therapy may be ordered when a child struggles with visits or refuses to see their non-custodial parent. Therapy is often appropriate to determine the cause and improve the child’s relationship with their parent. 

A judge may decide to order reunification therapy if they believe it may help an ongoing dispute, but parents can also request the court to order therapy. It may be ordered during divorce, custody disputes, following a period of separation, or when one parent asks the court to enforce a custody order.

What Are the Benefits of Reunification Therapy for Children After a Divorce?

The parent-child relationship is one of the most influential relationships for a child’s development. Studies have found the quality of this relationship can affect a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical health and future. 

A disrupted relationship with a parent can lead to a range of negative effects on a child, such as: 

  • Insecure attachment styles as an adult
  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Behavioral problems
  • Insecurity, depression, and other mental health issues

Reunification therapy may help mitigate the negative impact of a divorce. Bringing children and parents back together and fostering the closeness and trust that’s been lost helps children benefit from a healthy, supportive parental relationship.

Reunification counseling isn’t a cure-all that can make a relationship perfect, but it can improve your relationship with your child. It can also improve your child’s mental and emotional well-being and support a positive future. 

If you’re going through a divorce or a child custody dispute in Orlando, Florida, we are here to assist. Contact our law office for a free consultation with an Orlando family law attorney to discuss how we can help you.

Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803