Reunification-Oriented Family Therapy
Supporting strained parent-child relationships with care and clear therapeutic boundaries
Some families seek therapy when the relationship between a parent and child has become significantly strained or disrupted following separation, prolonged family conflict or other difficult experiences.
Reunification-oriented therapy is intended to support the parent-child relationship where doing so is clinically appropriate and consistent with the child’s wellbeing.
Because these situations can involve complex family and legal circumstances, an intake and screening process is completed before a case is accepted.
Before Therapy Begins
The intake process may include reviewing:
- The reason for the referral
- Who is requesting the service
- Who has authority to consent
- Relevant parenting agreements or court orders
- Other therapists or professionals currently involved
- The child’s current needs and circumstances
- Relevant safety concerns
- Potential conflicts of interest
- Expectations regarding records, reports or communication with third parties
Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee that a case will be accepted.
Our Role Is Therapeutic
Reunification-oriented therapy is a therapeutic service.
The treating therapist does not determine parenting time, decision-making responsibility or the outcome of a family-law dispute.
Before treatment begins, we clarify the therapist’s role, who the client or clients are, consent arrangements, therapy goals, confidentiality, parent involvement and expectations regarding third-party communication or reports.
When the requested service falls outside the therapist’s role, competence or scope, another service or referral may be recommended.
Consent, Records & Confidentiality
Consent and confidentiality are clarified before therapy begins.
Relevant parenting arrangements or court documentation may need to be reviewed when determining who can provide consent.
Therapy is not conducted for the purpose of producing evidence for one family member against another.
Requests for records, reports or communication with lawyers, courts or other professionals are handled according to applicable privacy requirements, professional standards, consent and the therapist’s therapeutic role.
Conflicts of Interest
Before accepting a case, Elpizo considers whether any current or previous therapeutic relationship could interfere with the therapist’s ability to provide appropriate care.
Where necessary, an external referral may be recommended.
How to Start
Reunification-oriented cases require screening before an appointment is booked.
Contact our team to begin the intake process. We will explain the next steps and any information required before the case can be considered.