Estrangement is a painful and complex issue that can affect families in many ways. When family members are estranged, it can be difficult to know how to move forward. Reunification therapy can be a helpful way to repair relationships and rebuild trust. At Counseling SDC, we offer services for child and parent relationship repair and adult child and parent relationship repair.

What is reunification therapy?

Reunification therapy is a type of family therapy that focuses on helping estranged family members reconnect. The goal of reunification therapy is to create a safe and supportive environment where family members can communicate openly and honestly about the issues that led to the estrangement. The therapist can help family members to understand each other’s perspectives, to forgive each other, and to build a new relationship.

Who can benefit from reunification therapy?

Reunification therapy can be beneficial for any family that is experiencing estrangement. However, it is especially helpful for families that are willing to work together and are committed to rebuilding their relationship. Reunification therapy can also be helpful for families that have experienced trauma, such as divorce, abuse, or addiction.

How does reunification therapy work?

Reunification therapy typically involves a series of individual and family sessions. The therapist will work with each family member to understand their perspective on the estrangement and to identify their goals for therapy. The therapist will also help family members to communicate more effectively and to develop conflict resolution skills.

The length of reunification therapy will vary depending on the individual family’s needs. However, most families need to attend at least 12 sessions.

Is reunification therapy successful?

Reunification therapy is not always successful. However, it can be a helpful way to repair relationships and rebuild trust. The success of reunification therapy depends on a number of factors, including the willingness of family members to participate, the severity of the estrangement, and the skill of the therapist.

For Adults

If you are considering reunification therapy, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Choose a Counseling SDC, who is experienced in working with estranged families.
• Be prepared to work hard. Reunification therapy is not a quick fix.
• Be patient. It takes time to rebuild trust and repair a relationship.
• Be flexible. Things may not always go according to plan.

If you are an estranged family member, here are a few things you can do to help yourself:

• Talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you to understand your feelings and to develop coping skills.
• Join a support group for estranged family members. This can be a helpful way to connect with others who understand what you are going through.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
• Stay positive. It is important to believe that it is possible to rebuild your relationship.

Reunification therapy can be a challenging but rewarding process. If you are an estranged family member, we encourage you to consider seeking help from us. With hard work and Counseling SDC, you can build a bridge to a better future.

For Children

Effects of estranged parenthood on children:

• Low self-esteem and self-hatred. Children who are estranged from a parent may internalize the negative messages they are being told about that parent, leading to low self-esteem and self-hatred. They may also feel guilty about loving the estranged parent, which can further damage their self-image.
• Lack of trust. Children who are estranged from a parent may learn to distrust others, including their remaining parent, their friends, and even themselves. They may be afraid to get close to people because they fear being hurt or rejected.
• Depression and anxiety. Estrangement can be a very stressful experience for children, and it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Children may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems.
• Substance abuse and addiction. Some children who are estranged from a parent may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their pain. This can lead to addiction and other problems later in life.
• Relationship problems. As adults, children who were estranged from a parent may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They may be afraid to get close to people or they may have trust issues.
• Grief and loss. Estrangement can be a form of loss for children, even if the parent is still alive. They may grieve the loss of the relationship they had with that parent, as well as the loss of the hopes and dreams they had for that relationship.

It is important to remember that the effects of parental estrangement can vary from child to child. Some children may be more resilient than others and may be able to cope with the estrangement better. However, it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects of estrangement so that you can provide your child with the support they need.

If you are concerned about the impact of parental estrangement on your child, there are a few things you can do:

• Talk to your child about their feelings. Let them know that it is okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.
• Encourage your child to express their feelings in a healthy way. This could include talking to a therapist, journaling, or creating art.
• Help your child to build a strong support network. This could include friends, family, or other trusted adults.
• Be patient and understanding. It may take time for your child to heal from the estrangement.

If you are the parent who is being estranged, it is also important to seek support. There are many resources available to help you cope with the emotional pain of estrangement. You can talk to a therapist, join a support group, or read books about parental estrangement.