Why Choose A Therapist Specializing in Reunification Therapy Rather Than a Therapist On Your Insurance Plan?
Due to changes to the Texas Family Code in 2025, therapists must now meet specific qualifications to serve as a reunification therapist. In Texas, a reunification therapist must be a licensed mental health professional with a master’s degree, substantial experience in family therapy, specialized training in parental alienation, trauma, and domestic violence, and demonstrate familiarity with the Texas Family Code and the family court system. This role requires a strong focus on high-conflict cases and the clinical expertise needed to support the restoration of healthy parent–child relationships. Interns and therapists without this specialized training can inadvertently cause significant harm in these cases, increase the likelihood of families returning to court, and prolong both the emotional and financial costs associated with repairing the effects of inexperienced intervention.
Have You Worked with Many Children or Adolescents?
I began my career in education, working as a teacher in school districts in both Massachusetts and Texas. After earning my masters degree I began my clinical practice, working extensively with children and adolescents. I have extensive training in anxiety disorders, depression, self-harming behaviors, EMDR training for treating trauma, treatment in eating disorders, ADD and ADHD, and the unique needs of gifted and talented youth. I also have experience working with autistic children in both individual and family therapy.
How Do I Get Started With Reunification Therapy?
Reunification therapy normally requires a court order. Once the order has been issued — or once the attorneys or judge have agreed that I will serve as the reunification therapist — please contact me. I will help you understand and guide you through the process.
How Does Reunification Work?
Reunification therapy requires the participation of all family members living with the child. The process begins with individual intake sessions with each parent and each child. After completing these meetings, I develop a structured plan for joint sessions. Reunification
therapy does not require both parents to be present in sessions; most sessions involve one parent and the child or children.
I have many videos and resources on this site that may help you understand what Reunification Therapy is. Maybe start here.
Do You Incorporate Parenting and Co-Parenting Education into Reunification Therapy?
As part of my reunification services, I incorporate a required on-line co-parenting class and request a certification of completion. I also integrate evidence-based parenting approaches, including Love & Logic and relational neurobiological strategies informed by the work of Dr. Dan Siegel. Parenting styles are evaluated during the intake process, and recommendations for adjustments in parenting strategies are an integral component of therapy. The impact of these strategies on the family system is consistently addressed throughout the reunification process.
Do You Incorporate Parenting and Co-Parenting Education into Reunification Therapy?
As part of my reunification services, I incorporate a required on-line co-parenting class and request a certification of completion. I also integrate evidence-based parenting approaches, including Love & Logic and relational neurobiological strategies informed by the work of Dr. Dan Siegel. Parenting styles are evaluated during the intake process, and recommendations for adjustments in parenting strategies are an integral component of therapy. The impact of these strategies on the family system is consistently addressed throughout the reunification process.
