High Conflict Divorce
& Family Reunification
“Let me begin by saying the art of effective co-parenting is not an easy topic, nor is it by any means an easy task! The feelings following separation or divorce are often still very raw—and may be exacerbated if the end of the relationship was marked by a high level of conflict. Working cooperatively with someone you no longer hold in the highest regard can be very difficult—but your children are counting on you to put your own feelings aside and attend to their needs.”
Bren M. Chasse, LMFT
HIGH-CONFLICT DIVORCE & FAMILY REUNIFICATION THERAPY: RESTORING CONNECTIONS, HEALING RELATIONSHIPS
Family is often considered the cornerstone of our emotional lives—and, at the same time, those we love most can also be a source of deep pain. Even some of the strongest families can face significant challenges that lead to broken connections, hurt feelings, and painful loss. Whether it's a history of high-conflict, a period of separation, the experience of parental alienation, or complex family dynamics, family reunification therapy can offer a safe space where families can heal and relationships can be restored.
Even in families where there is a complete rupture in the relationship and a family member has disengaged, each family member, nevertheless, remains a part of the family system.
Family therapy centers on redefining the role of each family member within the family system, placing emphasis on everyone’s strengths. One of the goals of treatment includes restructuring the family system such that dysfunctional patterns are replaced by open and authentic communication, and the role each member plays in the family is redefined in a way that capitalizes on everyone’s strengths and supports their contribution to a healthy family structure. By restructuring the family system, old patterns are replaced with healthy boundaries and open and authentic engagement, allowing for each family member to experience their needs as meaningful.
SAFE HARBOR THERAPY
The therapeutic goal of Safe Harbor Therapy is to allow children to have a protected space that they deem safe, where they can fully engage in the therapeutic process without fear that what they share in therapy may be used to interfere with or create conflict in their relationship with either parent. This form of therapy is typically mandated by the court, and can be a condition of a legal proceeding, child custody dispute, high-conflict family dynamics, or cases involving violence, abuse, or trauma.
SUCCESS REQUIRES COMMITMENT
Working with families experiencing high-conflict family relationships is a highly specialized area within the mental health field. This work can only be effective if everyone is fully committed to the process. High conflict within a family structure presents numerous challenges, but with patience, perseverance, and a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the entire family, it is possible to navigate these turbulent waters and work towards healthy and secure relationships. By implementing strategies for effective communication, seeking professional support from Anchor Psychotherapy, and focusing on the needs of the children, families can emerge from divorce stronger and more resilient than before.