Reunification therapy (RT) is often court-ordered for separated or divorced families, where there is a favored parent and a rejected parent. The goal of reunification therapy is to restore a disrupted parent-child relationship. While the term is commonly used in the court systems, there are actually no standard therapeutic protocols for “reunification therapy,” so every therapist or counselor is free …
Managing Narcissistic Grandparents
Even under ideal circumstances, extended family dynamics can be extremely challenging to navigate. When mental health and high-conflict personalities come into play, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and painful for you and your child. Whether they’re your own parents or those of your (ex) partner, a narcissistic grandparent can wreak havoc in your child’s life if left unchecked. Narcissistic Personality …
Co-Parenting with a Narcissist
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is clinically characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, an intense need for attention and admiration, and an extreme lack of empathy. If your co-parent exhibits these symptoms, they must be accounted for in your co-parenting strategy. If their behavior is left unchecked, it can cause unnecessary trauma for your child, lead to family bond obstruction, …
Parallel Parenting with a Narcissist
Developing a parenting arrangement after separation or divorce is hard. As many parents know, underlying mental health issues can complicate the situation even further. One of the most common factors in a high-conflict separation or divorce is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy, NPD and other high-conflict personalities can make …
What is Family Coaching?
If you are currently working through a contentious separation or divorce, you’ve likely heard the term “family coaching.” Perhaps it has been ordered by a law court, recommended by your legal or medical teams, or maybe you’ve sought it out on your own as a means to work through your challenging circumstances. But what is family coaching? The truth is …
Online Conflict Coaching with Pathways
Conflict management skills are critical in family restructuring. But where can parents learn these skills? Traditional family coaching or in-person counseling has been the standard approach to date. However, in-person sessions may not be the right choice for everyone. Everything from scheduling difficulties to safety concerns (especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic) can prevent in-person conflict coaching from being …