Reunification therapy rebuilds a relationship between a child and a parent that has broken down, gone dormant, or been damaged by conflict, absence, or allegations. It is the most demanding work in this practice and the reason most families are referred here.
The process begins before the child is ever in the room. Sandra reviews the court order, speaks with each parent separately, and reads the available record so she understands the history she is walking into. Where there is an attorney, guardian ad litem, or amicus involved, she confirms the scope and the reporting expectations in writing at the start.
Early sessions are typically individual. The child needs to know that this is not an ambush and that their reluctance will not be punished. The parent seeking reunification usually needs preparation too, often around managing disappointment, resisting the urge to litigate the past in the room, and tolerating a slower pace than they want.
Joint sessions begin only when both sides can hold them. They are structured, time limited, and built around small, achievable contact rather than a single emotional reunion. Contact expands as the child's capacity expands. If a session goes badly, that is data, not failure, and the plan adjusts.
Sandra is explicit with everyone about what reunification is not. It is not a tool for one parent to win a case. It is not a guarantee of a warm relationship. Some cases end with a functional, limited relationship instead of a close one, and that outcome still protects the child better than a permanent rupture.
Throughout, documentation stays clean. Notes, summaries, and reports are written with the awareness that a court may read them. Parents are told in advance what will be shared.
