Puja Sachdev | July 19, 2023 | Divorce
Recent marriage and divorce statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that in 2021, there were 1,985,072 marriages and approximately 689,308 reported divorces. Based on these numbers, which represent data from only 45 states and the District of Columbia, roughly one-third of marriages end in divorce.
Divorces Can Be Difficult for Parents and Children
Every divorce is different, but if there are children involved, chances are good that the children may suffer some adverse psychological consequences as a result of the divorce.
It is not uncommon for a child to blame one parent or the other for the marriage’s dissolution. This can cause the child to pull away from that parent, refusing to talk to or spend time with that parent.
If your child dissociates from you, it can compound any other emotional challenges you are facing. You might suspect that the other parent is not doing enough to encourage your child to maintain contact with you or is actively sabotaging your and your child’s relationship. Such suspicions only complicate the already difficult task of co-parenting.
Reunification Therapy May Help You Reconnect with Your Child
Some period of adjustment should be expected following a divorce. However, if your child persists in refusing to see you, speak with you, or spend time with you following your divorce, you may need professional assistance. A counselor or therapist might suggest reunification therapy to help you and your child repair your relationship.
How Reunification Therapy Works
In reunification therapy, a therapist visits with the child and one or both parents. The goal is to repair the relationship between the estranged parent and the child such that the child is willing to speak and visit with that parent. Reunification therapy can also help the parents communicate with one another better about the child.
Depending on your needs and situation, reunification therapy sessions may take place with you, your child, and the therapist only. The sessions may involve your child’s other parent as well. Oftentimes, the therapist will assess your needs and situation and then recommend how the other parent should participate.
When Reunification Might Not Be the Best Option for You
Despite putting intense work toward repairing a broken parent-child relationship in sessions, reunification may not yield results for you. Successful reunification therapy requires the support and involvement of both parents. You and the other parent must share a commitment to restore your child’s relationship with both of their parents.
Therefore, reunification therapy may not be a viable option for you if:
- Your child is older and refuses to participate in therapy
- You and your ex have an acrimonious relationship and do not support each other
- You are not prepared or interested in repairing your relationship with your child
- There is a history of serious abuse or neglect that caused the child to pull away from the alienated parent
However, as long as you and the other parent can agree that it would be in your child’s best interests to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, it is worth exploring whether reunification therapy can benefit you and your child.
Getting the Most Out of Reunification Therapy
If you choose to engage in reunification therapy, be certain that you do so with either the agreement of the other parent or with a court order. It is crucial that the other parent supports your efforts and does not try to undermine them. Be open and honest during sessions, attend sessions consistently, and give the process time to work.
With good faith efforts by all involved, reunification therapy can lead to a stronger, healthier parent-child relationship.
Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in San Diego, CA
Contact our experienced San Diego divorce lawyers at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC today for legal assistance. Contact our San Diego office at (619) 866-3756 to schedule a free consultation.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
