Family Systems Therapy: Recalibrating relationships for families raising children across two homes

Complex problems need tailored solutions.

When a child resists or refuses contact with a parent, it’s rarely as simple as it seems. These are layered family dynamics with histories of hurt, ruptured trust, and stuck patterns. Our work acknowledges the complexity and seeks to support meaningful, sustainable repair—without rushing, blaming, or oversimplifying.

Parent-child contact problems are complex—and you already know this

⬧ Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or professional seeking help for a family in crisis, this work requires more than a quick fix. We approach these challenges with humility, curiosity, and structure—designed to help families move from survival to stability.

⬧ When relationships are fractured, and there’s no repair in sight. Sometimes the rupture is so deep, the idea of reconnection feels impossible. But healing doesn’t start with force—it starts with safety, insight, and a shift in the family’s emotional choreography. We work toward building a more functional repair cycle across the system.

⬧ When you feel blamed for everything and painted into a corner. These dynamics often create scapegoats—parents who are blamed for “alienating” their children or others accused of being unsafe. We hold space for multiple truths. Our lens honors complexity and keeps the focus on accountability, healing, and movement forward—not fault-finding.

⬧ When the child’s perspective seems lost. Children’s voices matter deeply, but they should not be asked to carry the weight of adult decisions. We listen to children with compassion while also protecting them from becoming the referee or decision-maker in high-stakes family breakdowns.

⬧ When fear, confusion, and chaos are running the show. In high-conflict systems, reactivity replaces reflection. We help families create new rhythms grounded in curiosity, connection, and emotional safety—so that everyone can begin to feel human again, not just defensive or dismissed.

⬧ Find curiosity, connection, and relational repair. Family systems therapy offers a path forward when individual therapy or reunification efforts have stalled. By focusing on recalibrating the system—one relationship at a time—we make space for safety, respect, and deeper connection to re-emerge.

How Family Systems Therapy Works

    • We start by ensuring both parents understand the approach and agree to participate.

    • We review court orders to make sure services are permitted and that payment structures are clearly defined. (This work can proceed even without a court order.)

    • Individual intake sessions are conducted with both parents and all involved children.

    • Relevant documents (evaluations, court reports, prior therapy summaries) are reviewed.

    • A decision is made about whether the case is appropriate for treatment.

    • Goals are designed to address the entire family—not just one parent-child relationship.

    • Focus areas often include co-parent dynamics, communication patterns, emotional regulation, and attunement to the child’s developmental and emotional needs.

    • A written treatment plan is created, with input and agreement from all parties.

  • This work unfolds in phases—and while parent-child contact is often a central goal, it’s rarely the starting point. Our goal is sustainable change, not performative compliance.

    Individual Phase

    Each family member may engage in individual sessions to process their own experiences, build regulation skills, and prepare for future relational work.

    Dyad Phases

    Dyads are sessions between two people. This can include:

    • Parent-child sessions (with either parent)

    • Parent-parent sessions to work through co-parenting dynamics

    • Sibling work to repair or strengthen peer relationships

    Whole Family Sessions

    For some families, and typically later in the process, sessions may involve all members of the family. This is only introduced when the system has built enough safety and readiness to benefit from a full-system interaction.

This is slow, layered work—and it works best when there’s commitment from the system, not just a single person.

Whether you're navigating alienation claims, safety concerns, or grief after years of disconnection, family systems therapy offers an integrated, non-pathologizing way forward.

 Session Fees

  • $250 per parent for individual intake session

  • $250 per joint co-parenting session (split between parents)
    Most families begin with biweekly sessions, but we can adjust frequency based on your needs and level of conflict.

Getting Started

  1. No-cost 15-minute consultation

  2. Individual intake appointments for each parent

  3. Goal-setting and session planning

  4. Biweekly or flexible session scheduling

 

FAQ’s

  • I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill. For co-parenting or family systems work, the “client” is the family unit. That means no diagnosis will be included, which may limit your ability to get reimbursed.

  • Court-ordered therapy balances confidentiality with legal requirements and best practices around collaboration. Any communication outside our sessions requires signed releases from all parties in treatment. This ensures transparency while protecting your privacy and the therapeutic relationship.

  • Safety comes first. If there is a restraining order in place, I cannot begin therapy unless:

    • There is a court-ordered carve-out explicitly allowing for joint therapy

    • Safety concerns have been mitigated and addressed  (no active violations or safety issues)

    • All participants voluntarily agree to participate

    We will discuss and address all safety considerations throughout the therapeutic process.