What is reunification therapy?
Reunification is a court ordered therapeutic intervention in high-conflict divorced families where there is true parental alienation following separation or divorce. Parental alienation is a form of psychological and emotional abuse. One parent has primary contact with the child while the other parent has limited or no contact with the parent. The children become triangulated and polarized in their relationship with their parents and will sometimes refuse to have a relationship with other parent. The reunification therapy has one single goal to re-establish the connection between the parent and the child
When can a court order reunification therapy?
A judge will order reunification therapy where there is alienation between parent and child. The judge in Barrett v. Huver (2018) refused to order reunification therapy stating that a court cannot make an order compelling the parties to attend family counselling. Consent of the parties is required. In Leelaratna v. Leelaratna (2018), the judge concluded that she had the jurisdiction to make a therapeutic order pursuant to s. 28(1)(b), (c) of the Children’s Law Reform Act and s. 61(1)(6) of the Divorce Act.
What are the goals of the reunification therapist?
The goals are as follows:
- Minimize a child’s alignment with one parent over another
- Help parents understand needs of each child
- Educate and support parents in learning new communication and parenting skills
- Help parents differentiate between valid concerns and negative views relating to other parent
- Put plans in place for future difficult co-parenting situations
- Facilitate parenting time when appropriate
What is the process of reunification?
Reunification therapy is a very structured therapeutic process which places emphasis on family therapy. All members of the family should be present. Family members learn to be flexible in their thinking and to recognize negative thoughts and/or behaviours that cause conflicts in the family.
Phase 1: Parents agree to cooperate in the process
Phase 2: Individual sessions
Phase 3: Joint sessions
Phase 4: Follow-up to see if everyone is doing well