Reunification Therapy: Rebuilding Parent-Child Relationships During and After Divorce
Seth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome psychotherapist Gina Aguinaga to explore one of the most challenging aspects of divorce: repairing fractured parent-child relationships. As part of their ongoing "Your Divorce Case" series, this episode dives deep into reunification therapy. Gina, who specializes in helping families navigate difficult divorces and separations, brings her expertise to this crucial conversation about healing broken family bonds.
The episode examines the nuanced dynamics of parent-child estrangement during divorce, including both unintentional and intentional alienation behaviors. Seth and Pete guide the discussion through practical approaches to rebuilding relationships, from simple first steps like phone calls to the importance of maintaining presence at children's events. Gina shares insights from her therapeutic process, emphasizing the need to treat family issues holistically rather than focusing solely on the rejected parent and child relationship.
Questions we answer in this episode:
What behaviors or situations typically lead to parent-child estrangement during divorce?
How can parents start rebuilding damaged relationships with their children?
When should families seek reunification therapy versus trying to handle issues themselves?
Key Takeaways:
Start with small, manageable steps toward rebuilding relationships
Focus on the child's activities and interests during reconnection attempts
Address issues early - waiting only makes reunification more challenging
This vital installment in the children and divorce conversation provides essential guidance for parents navigating complicated family dynamics. Through professional insight and practical examples, listeners gain valuable strategies for maintaining and rebuilding parent-child relationships during the divorce process, making it a crucial resource for families in transition.
Links & Notes
Find Gina and learn more about the reunification process at her website
Got a question you want to ask on the show? Click here!
(00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster
(00:26) - Meet Gina Aguinaga, Reunification Specialist
(01:00) - When Reunification Therapy Is Needed
(03:36) - Reasons
(06:25) - When the Child Doesn’t Want to Connect
(07:59) - Role of Favored Parent
(10:27) - Intentional Alienation
(13:20) - Court-Ordered
(15:41) - The Favored Parent’s Perspective
(16:57) - Frequency
(18:48) - Changing Outcomes
(20:49) - New People in Parents’ Lives
(21:12) - Extended Family
(22:24) - Harder Cases
(24:04) - When They’re Doing the Work
(26:14) - Out of State
(27:50) - Get Your Own Treatment Too
(30:24) - Finding Gina
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