FAMILY LAW THERAPEUTIC SERVICES

WHY FAMILY THERAPY
There exist many reasons to utilize a therapist in a family law case. Divorce is a very difficult time that is very often filled with high tension, conflict and disagreements. Couples benefit from engaging in therapy and/or mediation to learn better forms of communicating with each other particularly when it comes to co-parenting. Sometimes they also benefit from individual sessions where they can explore their feelings in therapeutic environment and explore what they are contributing to conflicts. Children and adolescents also benefit from therapy where they can verbalize their feelings in a safe space. Finally, some families engage in “reunification therapy” which is focused on helping parents and children rebuild their relationship after they have been separated.

CO-PARENTING COUNSELING
A child’s developmental years is a crucial period academically, socially and emotionally. It is a time where parental involvement is instrumental in promoting health in all these areas. Learning effective co-parenting communication to minimize conflicts and disagreements will ensure that your child’s needs are appropriately met. Therapists are often asked to submit reports to the court outlining progress.

PARENTING COORDINATION
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), the premier interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict, definition of parenting coordination:

“Parenting coordination is an alternative dispute resolution process combining assessment, education, case management, conflict resolution and, sometimes, decision-making functions.  A Parenting Coordinator is typically appointed by a court order or private consent agreement to help parents implement, modify and comply with the parenting plan.”

Parenting Coordinator’s Provide:

  1. Psychoeducation on healthy co-parenting and parental communication
  2. Outline psychological and developmental needs of children
  3. Teach strategies to manage conflicts and disagreements
  4. Skills to assist in post-separation parenting

Parenting Coordinator’s make appropriate referrals within the community and collaborate with professionals who are involved with the family.

PARENTING SKILLS TRAINING
Parenting skills training is a beneficial tool in providing children with the emotional and physical support that they need throughout their developmental years. Parents are equipped with effective skills to help minimize disruption to their child’s life particularly during the difficult transition of divorce. Courts view parenting skills training as favorable in complicated custody cases. Therapists are often asked to submit reports to the court outlining progress.

REUNIFICATION THERAPY
Reunification therapy is utilized to help a child and parent re-establish their bond after an extended separation period. Very often children are separated from their parents due to traumatic events including neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. During reunification therapy both parent and child are able to discuss their feelings and explore ways to overcome hurt and grief. This type of therapy is typically court mandated at a judge’s discretion depending on the complexity of the case. Therapists are often asked to submit reports to the court outlining progress and making recommendations.

THERAPEUTIC SUPERVISED VISITATION
Therapeutic supervised visitation is typically court mandated to provide the parent and child with a safe environment in which to work on rebuilding their relationship. Visits are structured and goals are set by parents and therapist with mutual agreement. Goals are usually determined based on the specifics of each case and the developmental stage of the child. A therapist helps to guide appropriate interactions during visits. The overall idea is that the child and parent are able to ultimately heal their relationship and build a strong bond. Therapists are often asked to submit reports to the court outlining progress and making recommendations.

To setup an appointment for Family Law Therapy, call 646.204.6755

Contact Fieldston Counseling For Your Family Law Needs

Our clients always come first. We will take time to listen to you and respond to your needs. We will set up appointments that work best for both you and our therapists. We can be contacted via our contact form*, email, phone or fax.

*Disclaimer, it may take up to 24 hours to respond by contact form. If it’s an urgent request then please call us.