reunification family therapy in fairfield, nj
Reunification isn’t easy,
but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
why reunification therapy?
→Your child is refusing contact or visits with a parent, and it’s creating stress, conflict, or legal pressure.
→There’s been a breakdown in the parent-child relationship after divorce, separation, or prolonged absence.
→The court has ordered reunification therapy, and you’re unsure what to expect or how to make it work.
→Co-parenting is tense or high-conflict, and it’s impacting your child’s emotional well-being and stability.
What Is Reunification Therapy in fairfield, nj
Reunification therapy is a court-recommended or voluntary therapeutic process designed to:
✔ Support a child in re-establishing or strengthening a relationship with a parent
✔ Address resistance or reluctance in the parent-child dynamic
✔ Improve co-parenting communication and reduce tension
✔ Prioritize the emotional well-being and safety of the child
This therapy is not about blaming or choosing sides! It’s about slowly restoring connection, guided by a neutral therapist, with the child’s mental health and comfort at the center of every step.
Who reunification therapy in essex county Is For:
We work with families who are experiencing:
✔️ A parent-child estrangement after separation or divorce
✔️ Resistance to parenting time with one parent
✔️ Court-ordered reunification therapy
✔️ Concerns about past parent behavior (not involving active abuse or neglect)
✔️ High conflict co-parenting that impacts the child’s emotional health
Our Approach to Reunification Therapy
We understand that reunification work is nuanced and sensitive.
Our approach is grounded in trauma-informed, child-centered care and includes:
A thorough intake process to understand each family’s history
Ongoing assessment of each family member’s readiness and progress
A structured, phased reunification plan
Individual sessions, joint sessions, and family sessions as appropriate
Communication and documentation for courts, attorneys, or GALs (as needed)
We work at the pace that is safe for the child, balancing court expectations with emotional readiness.
What You Can Expect
✔ Initial Consult + Family History Review
✔ Treatment planning based on emotional safety + reunification goals
✔ Separate and joint sessions to build rapport and guide reconnection
✔ Clear documentation of progress, setbacks, and therapist observations
✔ Collaboration with legal professionals when required (with signed consent)
KRISTEN HANISCH, LCSW
I’m Kristen, a licensed therapist passionate about helping children, teens, and families heal, grow, and thrive. I specialize in treating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, and parent-child conflict using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Kazdin Parent Management Training (PMT), and the Nurtured Parent approach. My style is warm, collaborative, and goal-focused — whether I’m working with a sensitive child, a struggling teen, or a parent who just wants things to feel easier at home.
FAQ
Reunification Family Therapy
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Both! We support court-ordered reunification cases as well as private families who want to rebuild a relationship after conflict or estrangement.
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Yes, with appropriate consent. We offer professional documentation of attendance, engagement, and progress when requested by attorneys or the court.
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It varies based on each family’s dynamic, history, and goals. Some cases resolve within a few months, while others require longer-term support.
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Reunification therapy is not classified as medically necessary and therefore is not covered by insurance
Hourly Rate + Retainer
Session Fee: $195 per 55-minute session
Retainer Requirement: A $1,950 retainer is due prior to beginning services. This covers approximately 10 hours of time, which may include:
Initial intake and clinical interviews
Individual and family therapy sessions
Coordination with attorneys, court-appointed professionals, or other providers (as consented)
Written documentation and case updates as needed
You will receive monthly billing summaries with a breakdown of how hours are used. The retainer must be replenished as needed to continue services.
