The Parent Child Relationship Repair (PCRR) services process (aka “reunification therapy”) typically has three phases, although the length and steps of each phase varies from case to case. Note that prior to committing to working with a family, I first require that there be a court order of parenting consultant (PC) decision that this work will be done. Once I know this is in place, I then provide the co-parents with a screening questionnaire to determine the likely effectiveness of the PCRR process with the family. If I determine that it the process is NOT likely to be effective, I will inform the co-parents and provide referrals to other providers.
Parent-Child Relationship Repair (PCRR) process
Phase I: Initial Intake & Assessment
This phase begins with a meeting with both co-parents, in-person or virtually, to review several key elements of the process – the Agreement & Informed Consent document, the Fee Agreement, possible treatment goals, roles, and expectations, etc. I will also ask to receive copies of the divorce decree, custody evaluation report if there is one, psychological evaluations, etc. Following an initial joint meeting, I then meet individually with each parent and then the child or children. This is followed with a feedback session with both parents present.
Phase II: Relationship Repair Work
Step 1 – I begin this phase by working with the “in” parent to address his/her concerns about the “out” parent’s role with the child or children. Often, this involves addressing areas of blame or past resentments, as a lack of acknowledgement of past injustices is often what keeps parents stuck in old cycles of anger and the pointing of fingers. Sessions with the “in” parent continue throughout the process, in parallel with steps 2 and 3, as necessary to achieve the objective of the process.
Step 2 – This phase begins with sessions with the child/children and is done in parallel with Step 1. The goal is to establish trust and for me to gain an understanding behind the resistance or refusal that is taking place. I will also meet with the “out” parent to further discuss the child or children’s reasons for resistance and steps this parent can take to address any justified rejection that may be taking place.
Step 3 – With step 3, I have the child and the “out” parent work directly together. Sessions are used to gradually and incrementally unravel the difficulties that have occurred in the family and resolve them to the point that communication and contact can be restored.
Phase III: Integration
For some families, this phase signals the initiation of parenting time. Other families will have had some schedule of parenting time already in place. The type and frequency of access will vary according to a number of factors. Regardless of what the parenting time looks like, the message sent to the child by the “out” parent is one of caring, interest, and purpose. The message sent to the child by the “in” parent is one of support for the child’s relationship with each parent.
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