A Healing Conversation
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The process of reunification therapy is designed to build up to a positive interaction
between an non-time sharing parent and child that results in a healing conversation. |
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The Process of Getting to that
Healing Conversation
The onslaught of emotions that are unleashed in a court ordered reunification case are intense and often overwhelming.
These emotions can range from intense anxiety and fear to overwhelming hope and excitement.
These emotions can range from intense anxiety and fear to overwhelming hope and excitement.
I am here to walk with you through this process. This is a process, not just an event.
I work with each member of the family involved to ensure that everyone is ready for that first joint meeting.
I work with each member of the family involved to ensure that everyone is ready for that first joint meeting.
AssessmentThe first step in the process is assessment.
During this time, I get to know you and all the parties involved in the process. I meet individually with each person to assess where they are, how they are feeling, and determine what work needs to be done. You also have a chance to get to know me. |
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PreparationNext we move into the preparation phase. During this time, I work with the child and the non-time sharing parent separately to make sure that that first meeting is a positive one.
Depending on what the assessment revealed and the goals of the treatment plan, this preparation time is spent making sure that each member of the family is ready for that first meeting. The safety and well-being of the child is my primary concern.
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Joint Family SessionsIn this stage, the parent and child have the opportunity to have Healing Conversations. They can talk about what has happened in their relationship and explore what a new relationship might look like.
Our goal here is to help the child be able to express what they would like to express to the parent and to help the parent be emotionally available and able to hear what the child needs to express. |
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ProgressionThe joint sessions continue as the parent and child deepen their relationship with each other. How this relationship develops will depend on the people involved, the parenting plan, or further court orders. There may be a progression from therapeutic visits, to supervised visits, to unsupervised visits outside of the therapy office. At each stage of this progression the well-being of the child will be assessed and prioritized.
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CompletionContinued monitoring of the visits may be needed for the newly reunited parent and child. These visits may progress to full days or over-nights. I remain available to the family to assess the progress of the relationship and the well-being of all involved. Reunification therapy usually concludes when the family has met their goals, the requirements of the parenting plan, or the court order.
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My Experience
Just because a relationship is broken, doesn't mean that we just throw it away. Being able to repair a relationship and experience a healing conversation is so vital not only in our families, but also for all of our relationships. I am committed to not leaving families stuck in their current pattern. I will work to teach the skills necessary to bring people together, not just wait until they feel like it.
I have completed training in Reunification Therapy with Jane Irvine, MA, LPC, Barbara Shindall, LCSW, and Karen Jamieson Darr, PhD. This training provided the tools and resources for me to guide my clients through this complex process. I work with attorneys and the courts to provide required reports. When requested, I also provide assessments for the court to determine whether or not reunification therapy should be recommended for a family.
The phrase "Healing Conversation" is specific to the training offered by Jane Irvine, MA, LPC, Barbara Shindall, LCSW, and Karen Jamieson Darr, PhD. More information on that training can be found at Reunification Therapy Education.
I have completed training in Reunification Therapy with Jane Irvine, MA, LPC, Barbara Shindall, LCSW, and Karen Jamieson Darr, PhD. This training provided the tools and resources for me to guide my clients through this complex process. I work with attorneys and the courts to provide required reports. When requested, I also provide assessments for the court to determine whether or not reunification therapy should be recommended for a family.
The phrase "Healing Conversation" is specific to the training offered by Jane Irvine, MA, LPC, Barbara Shindall, LCSW, and Karen Jamieson Darr, PhD. More information on that training can be found at Reunification Therapy Education.
Fees$270 per 90-minute session
$150 per 50-minute session and per administrative hour $1,500 Retainer (The minimum expense for all of the evaluations in the assessment phase is $1,230.) |
Contact InfoAthena McCullough, MA, LPCC, NCC
athena@mcculloughfamilytherapy.com 720-257-9121 3600 S. Yosemite St. #1050
Denver, CO 80237 |