Reunification/Conjoint Court Ordered Therapy

in Los Angeles or Orange County

Licensed in California & Nevada

Providing hope and healing for folks looking to mend relationships and transform conflict into connection.

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Therapy that reunites families and children so they can build a legacy

At The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling in Los Angeles, CA, families facing the devastating effects of estrangement, alienation, and separation find a path toward healing, understanding, and reconnection. Family breakdowns, particularly those impacted by high-conflict dynamics or legal disputes, can leave parents and children feeling lost, unheard, and emotionally torn. The weight of the court system, legal battles, and years of emotional distance can feel insurmountable—but healing is possible.

With deep compassion and expertise, the therapists at The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling provides structured, evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of each family. Specializing in reunification therapy, co-parenting support, and trauma-informed care, their clinicians create a safe, neutral space where families can address past wounds, rebuild trust, and develop healthier ways to communicate. Whether a parent has been wrongfully alienated or a child is struggling to navigate conflicting loyalties, their team offers the tools, guidance, and emotional support necessary to foster meaningful, lasting relationships.

Through a blend of therapeutic techniques, court-compliant reunification programs, and compassionate coaching, they work to bridge the painful divides that keep families apart. By addressing not only the legal complexities but also the emotional realities of parental separation, The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling helps families navigate these challenges with clarity, resilience, and hope.

Are you or your loved ones feeling the emotional strain of family estrangement or navigating the challenges of separation and the court system?

OUR MISSION

We Are Here For You & Your Family

We’re dedicated to helping families break the cycle of alienation and build lasting, loving relationships. Our goal is to give families the tools and guidance they need for healthy communication and emotional growth. We understand that rebuilding relationships can be challenging, but with compassion, expertise, and personalized support, stronger and more connected family bonds are possible.

Reunification is more than just getting back in touch—it’s about true healing, understanding, and creating a bond that lasts. We’re here to walk with families every step of the way, supporting them as they grow and reconnect.

Estranged Sibling Therapy

We offer specialized therapy for estranged siblings, multicultural families, and blended families seeking to reconnect and heal. Our approach provides a supportive space to navigate complex family dynamics, rebuild trust, and foster meaningful relationships. With guidance and structured support, we help families bridge gaps, strengthen bonds, and move forward together.

Reunification Therapy - ClientTestimony

Reunited After Years Apart – A Life-Changing Experience"

"For years, I felt like I was losing my child to forces beyond my control. The pain of alienation was unbearable, and every attempt to reconnect was met with resistance, fear, and heartbreak. I was hopeless—until I found The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling.

From the very first session, their team provided a safe, structured, and compassionate space where both my child and I could begin to heal. They didn’t just offer therapy; they gave us a roadmap to understanding, trust, and emotional reconnection. Through their reunification program, they helped my child feel safe enough to express their fears while guiding me on how to rebuild our bond with patience and empathy.

Week by week, I saw small but powerful changes. The walls that had once seemed unbreakable began to fall. My child’s body language softened, conversations became easier, and for the first time in years, we laughed together again. The therapists not only helped us reconnect but also equipped us with tools to navigate challenges in a healthier way moving forward.

Today, I no longer feel like a stranger to my own child. We have a genuine, loving relationship, something I feared might never be possible again. I am forever grateful to The Couples Therapy and Reunification Counseling for their expertise, their kindness, and their unwavering belief in the power of healing. They didn’t just help reunite us—they gave my family a second chance."

– A Grateful Parent

Frequently Asked Questions About Reunification and Court Ordered Therapy

Reunification therapy is a specialized, child-focused intervention designed to rebuild the relationship between an estranged parent and child. This therapy helps address underlying emotional issues, facilitating communication and fostering a new, healthier relationship dynamic.
Court-ordered reunification therapy is a structured, legally mandated form of family therapy designed to repair and rebuild the relationship between a parent and child when there has been estrangement, parental alienation, or significant conflict following divorce or separation. This therapy is typically ordered by a family court judge in cases where the parent-child bond has been disrupted due to high-conflict custody disputes, allegations of abuse (substantiated or unsubstantiated), or long periods of separation.
Key Aspects of Court-Ordered Reunification Therapy:
1. Mandated by the Court – A judge requires both the parent and child to participate in therapy sessions with a trained professional.
2. Focuses on the Child’s Best Interests – The goal is to repair trust, heal emotional wounds, and rebuild the parent-child relationship in a way that is emotionally safe for the child.
3. Facilitated by a Licensed Therapist – The therapy is conducted by a professional skilled in reunification therapy, family dynamics, and often high-conflict divorce cases.
4. Structured Process – Therapy sessions follow a gradual process, often beginning with individual sessions for the child and parent before moving into joint sessions.
5. Parental Cooperation Required – Both parents (including the custodial parent) are expected to support the process, as resistance or interference can negatively impact the therapy and, in some cases, lead to legal consequences.
6. Monitored Progress & Reporting – The therapist may be required to provide progress reports to the court, attorneys, or other appointed professionals.
7. Can Influence Custody Arrangements – The outcomes of reunification therapy may impact custody agreements, visitation rights, and future parenting plans.
Court-ordered reunification therapy is often used when a child has refused contact with a parent, whether due to justified concerns (such as past abuse or neglect) or unjustified alienation (such as one parent turning the child against the other). The therapist helps assess the root cause of the estrangement and provides interventions to work toward a healthier relationship.
The process typically involves individual sessions to understand each family member's perspective, followed by joint sessions aimed at healing emotional wounds and improving communication. The ultimate goal is to create a strong, positive bond based on empathy, understanding, and trust, paving the way for long-term family harmony.
We deeply value our clients and strive to ensure a seamless process. Our intake evaluation consists of two individual sessions—one for each parent—at $500. After the evaluation, sessions with the child/children will be $250 per session. Please note that additional time may be required depending on the number of children involved.
Yes, we offer consultations for out-of-state cases; however, all child and family reunification sessions must take place within the state of California. Conjoint sessions also require in-person meetings, which must occur in California.
Until in-person sessions begin, we provide consultations to discuss the case, assess needs, and develop a plan. During these consultations, we can also offer parenting guidance, clarify the reunification process, and keep families updated on the progress of the case. description
- Signs of Estrangement: Persistent anger, fear, or reluctance from the child to engage with the estranged parent.
- Failed Reconciliation Attempts: When independent efforts to repair the relationship have not been successful.
- Court-Ordered Reunification: Therapy becomes essential when mandated by the court to ensure the child's well-being.
- Communication Breakdown: Ongoing issues in communication between a parent and child that require structured therapeutic support.
When these signs are present, reunification therapy provides the structured support needed to address communication breakdowns and restore trust. Seeking therapy at the right time can be a crucial step toward reestablishing a healthy and loving relationship within the family.
This process is designed to address the emotional needs of each family member while focusing on the child’s well-being and the development of healthy communication.
1. Initial Assessment: Individual sessions to understand each family member’s perspective and emotional state.
2. Child-Focused Approach: Prioritizing the well-being of the child throughout the process.
3. Joint Sessions: Gradual introduction of joint sessions to address past hurts and improve communication.
4. Effective Communication Skills: Development of effective communication strategies to foster a new, healthy relationship dynamic.
5. Healing and Rebuilding: Aiming to restore trust and create a supportive, unified family environment.
This structured 5-phased reunification model sounds like an excellent, gradual approach that prioritizes the child's emotional safety and comfort. The 90% success rate is a strong testament to its effectiveness! By progressively reintroducing communication and interaction in a controlled and supportive manner, this model ensures that children are not overwhelmed while also fostering trust and emotional security.
Strengths of This Model:
✅ Gradual Exposure – The step-by-step process allows children to adjust at their own pace, reducing anxiety and resistance.
✅ Structured & Predictable – Having clearly defined phases helps set expectations for all parties involved.
✅ Prioritizes Emotional Safety – The approach ensures the child feels heard and supported throughout the reunification process.
✅ Encourages Trust-Building – By starting with non-verbal forms of communication (letters, texts) before moving to direct contact, it allows the child to rebuild trust before face-to-face meetings.
✅ Evidence-Based & Effective – With a 90% success rate, this model proves to be a highly effective reunification strategy.
Would you like help refining how you present this for marketing purposes (e.g., website content, social media, or brochures)? It could be really impactful to showcase real-life success stories (while maintaining confidentiality) or a visual flowchart of the phases!
Yes and no. While there is no pressure for a child to engage with a parent who is actively unsafe or unfit, reunification therapy is one particular program that does allow more and more access to children when parents are progressing in the program and doing well individually.
ItemAn estranged parent in reunification therapy refers to a parent who has been separated from their child due to emotional, psychological, or relational factors, often stemming from high-conflict divorce, parental alienation, or family disputes. Unlike a parent who has voluntarily distanced themselves, an estranged parent in reunification therapy is typically seeking to rebuild and restore the parent-child relationship.
In the context of reunification therapy, estrangement can occur due to:
- Parental alienation (when one parent negatively influences the child’s perception of the other parent)
- High-conflict divorce or custody disputes
- Past trauma or misunderstandings between the parent and child
- External influences, such as family members or new partners affecting the child’s view of the parent
Reunification therapy aims to help the child and estranged parent reconnect in a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment, focusing on healing emotional wounds, rebuilding trust, and fostering a healthy relationship.description
Parental alienation occurs when a child is influenced to reject or resist a relationship with one parent, often due to the actions or behaviors of the other parent. This can happen in high-conflict custody cases and can create deep emotional distress for both the child and the rejected parent. Reunification therapy helps address the impact of alienation, rebuild trust, and restore healthy parent-child relationships in a structured and supportive way.
Yes, we do. Most of the cases we handle involve set court orders, and we have extensive experience writing reports and making recommendations. We work closely with minor’s counsel and lawyers on a daily basis to ensure a structured and effective reunification process that prioritizes the child’s well-being.
Reunification is a complex process, especially in high-conflict cases involving parental alienation. Our therapists and reunification experts have extensive experience navigating these challenges, working closely with minor’s counsel and attorneys to ensure a structured and effective approach. We follow a phased reunification process designed to rebuild trust, strengthen connections, and prioritize the child’s well-being. No matter how strained the relationship may be, we are here to support your family every step of the way.
Reunification therapy integrates multiple evidence-based practices (EBPs) to address trauma, attachment issues, and relational conflict. Below are some of the most effective therapeutic approaches that can be used in the Reunification Bridge 5-Step Model:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Addresses negative thought patterns and emotional distress that may contribute to estrangement.
✅ Helps children and parents reframe beliefs about each other and the situation.
✅ Supports parents in learning effective communication and coping strategies to avoid conflict escalation.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Helps children and parents process traumatic memories related to family separation, divorce, or conflict.
✅ Reduces emotional distress tied to past high-conflict experiences.
✅ Supports emotional regulation and healing before re-establishing contact.
3. Attachment-Based Therapy (ABT)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Focuses on repairing attachment wounds caused by separation or parental alienation.
✅ Strengthens secure attachment bonds between parent and child.
✅ Helps both parent and child understand and express their emotions safely.
4. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Specifically designed for children exposed to trauma, including family-related stress.
✅ Combines CBT with trauma-focused interventions to rebuild trust and safety.
✅ Teaches both child and parent coping skills to manage emotional distress.
5. Structural Family Therapy (SFT)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Helps realign family roles and dynamics disrupted by estrangement or conflict.
✅ Encourages healthy boundaries and positive interactions within the family unit.
✅ Supports parents in developing a consistent, nurturing parenting approach.
6. Narrative Therapy
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Allows children and parents to reframe their family story in a healthier, non-blaming way.
✅ Helps individuals separate themselves from past negative experiences.
✅ Encourages constructive communication through storytelling and perspective-taking.
7. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Helps rebuild trust and positive interactions through structured parent-child activities.
✅ Improves communication, emotional regulation, and positive reinforcement.
✅ Strengthens parental attunement to the child’s emotional and behavioral needs.
8. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Why It Helps in Reunification:
✅ Encourages willingness and readiness for the reunification process.
✅ Reduces resistance and ambivalence in children and parents hesitant to reconnect.
✅ Helps individuals explore emotions and goals without feeling forced.