Reunification is a” type.”
of family therapy,
but it’s unique
in the sense of the word.
It’s not therapy exactly; it’s mediation, facilitation,
and translating everyone’s perspective enough
to strategize a plan
that will address the family dynamics in both homes.
It is also a component
of Co-parenting because, frankly,
I don’t fix a “wheel” ONLY to put it right back on the wagon that “broke” it. 

 Education on parenting
is a key component of Reunification therapy.

The primary goal of
Reunification therapy
is to repair and rebuild the relationship between
a parent and child
that has been damaged
or severed,
often due to issues like abuse, neglect, or parental alienation.
But it’s more than that.
The child(ren) 
now have to “live”
between two homes.
That includes bringing
the two households
into a space where
they can work cooperatively
and civilly, for the
sake of the child(rent).
Whatever happened
between your relationship
is in the past
Reunification cannot
be successful without
both households engaged.
. 

Education on parenting is a crucial part of this process for several reasons:

Improving Parenting Skills:
Many parents entering Reunification therapy
may lack the necessary skills
or knowledge to parent effectively.

Education can equip them with tools for communication, discipline, emotional regulation, and meeting their child’s needs.

Addressing Underlying Issues:

Parenting education can help parents address the root causes of past difficulties,
such as substance abuse, mental health challenges, or trauma.
This can lead to lasting changes in their behavior and improve their overall parenting ability.

Building Confidence:

Learning new parenting skills can boost a parent’s confidence in their abilities,
reducing anxiety and promoting a more positive parent-child interaction.

Creating Consistency:
Education can ensure that both parents have a shared understanding
of parenting techniques and expectations,
creating a more consistent and predictable environment for the child.

Fostering Healthy Attachment:
By learning how to respond sensitively to their child’s needs and emotions,
parents can foster a secure attachment bond,
which is crucial for the child’s emotional well-being and development.

Reunification involves BOTH parents/households

While education on parenting is essential,
it’s important to note that it’s just one aspect of reunification..
Reunification also focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts,
rebuilding trust, and addressing any underlying trauma or emotional issues.

That is ‘why, in this type of intervention,
it is the family dynamics that exist for the child(ren) that is the actual representative focus. 

HOW IT WORKS:
The Court Order determines the % responsibility for payment.

The first meeting will be via a Google Meets with BOTH parents present so we can come up with a strategy that will allow the child(ren) to align themselves to feeling loved, protected and heard  between their two homes.

From there, we come up with a Strategy that BOTH parents support in the interest of the child(ren)
The next step is for me
to have an individual session
with each parent
for me to understand
the dynamics that were not discussed in the joint meeting.
Then, I will meet with the child(ren)
It’s important the the
child(ren) can connect with me
and trust that they can share
anything with me
because then their wishes
can be honored and explored..
At that point, I will understand
where the sessions will take place
This depends on the individual
factors that have to be considered
on a case-by-case basis.
I did “in-home” work
with children & families 
so I’m familiar and sensitive
to where the child(ren) 
will be most comfortable
and where we have the
best ability to reunify.
Again, each case is unique
However, I usually recommend
at least 10 (ten) sessions
as the first 4 (four) is focused
on “fact-finding”
After that, we can determine
again, based on the complexity
where and how often we meet.
Usually, I like to space the
appointments PRN (as required)
The goal is not to
“stretch it out” longer than
necessary