Family courts face difficult situations when a child refuses contact with the noncustodial parent. In some cases, the child’s reason for the refusal is well-founded, such as when a child has witnessed domestic violence or when the child has been subject to parental abuse and neglect, but there are many other instances when the child’s reasons seem to not be based on actual incidents. In parental alienation cases when the child’s reasons for visitation refusal are not due to abuse or neglect, the court may order reunification therapy.
What is reunification therapy?
The purpose of reunification therapy is to foster or repair the relationship between the noncustodial parent and the child/ren. Reunification therapy typically involves interviewing each parent and child separately, reviewing any appropriate documents — such as best interest/parenting time evaluations and parenting time agreements — and speaking with other professionals who are involved with the family.
How does reunification therapy work?
The noncustodial parent and the child/ren have the opportunity to repair their relationship by spending time together in the neutral therapist’s office, under the therapist’s supervision.
As the therapist, I work with all involved to help repair the damaged relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent. This includes:
- Addressing the custodial parent’s concerns so that parent can support the child’s relationship with the noncustodial parent.
- Helping the noncustodial parent to develop and maintain a relationship with the child.
- Exploring the child’s distorted thoughts and perceptions to resolve the child’s resistance about the noncustodial parent.
When does the court order reunification therapy?
The noncustodial parent typically makes numerous petitions to the court, and even though the court orders parenting time, visitation does not occur; the custodial parent usually engages in behaviors designed to maintain the ruptured relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent. Parental alienation, the child’s refusal to have contact or rejection of the noncustodial parent, is frequently present. These factors may lead to court-ordered reunification therapy.
Who does reunification therapy in NJ?
I am a forensic psychologist and psychotherapist, and I provide reunification therapy in Livingston, New Jersey. Contact me to schedule an initial appointment.