From Conflict to Calm: Which Type of Therapy is Right for your Family

Custody cases in Pennsylvania often involve more than just physical custody schedules and legal custody decision making. When family conflict impacts a child’s emotional well-being, courts and attorneys frequently turn to therapy as a tool for healing, communication, and resolution. However, not all therapy is the same. Understanding the distinct types of therapy commonly used in custody cases can help parents, lawyers, and judges make informed decisions that support children and families through difficult transitions.

1. Individual Therapy

Individual therapy provides one-on-one support for a child or parent. In custody matters, children’s therapy is often put in place via agreement or Court Order when a child is struggling to cope with family changes, conflict, or anxiety about custody transitions. The therapist’s role here is not to act as an investigator or report on the child’s preferences, but rather to provide a safe, confidential therapeutic space for emotional support and coping skill development. Parents may also participate in individual therapy to address anger management, communication problems, coping strategies or other issues that can interfere with co-parenting.

2. Co-Parenting Counseling

Co-parenting counseling focuses on improving communication and cooperation between parents. The goal is not reconciliation but rather creating a functional, child-centered partnership despite severe interpersonal conflict. Co-parenting sessions are usually structured, short-term, and focus on practical strategies such as reducing conflict during custody exchanges, managing joint decision-making, and setting consistent rules between households.

3. Reunification Therapy

Reunification therapy is used when a child has become estranged from one parent, whether due to high conflict, alienation, or long periods of separation. The process is gradual and carefully structured, starting with therapeutic sessions involving the child and therapist, then progressing to sessions that include the parent and, eventually, direct interaction and parenting time. The reunification therapist helps rebuild trust and attachment while monitoring the child’s emotional safety.

4. Family Therapy

Family therapy brings multiple members of the family together to address systemic issues affecting everyone’s wellbeing. This can include communication breakdowns, conflict patterns, or boundary problems. In a custody context, family therapy may help families transition after separation or address how parental conflict is affecting children. Family therapy be an effective early intervention to prevent long-term emotional harm to children affected by divorce or separation.

5. Psychological Evaluations and Therapeutic Recommendations

While not considered therapy themselves, psychological evaluations often serve as the foundation for therapy recommendations. A custody evaluator or psychologist may recommend therapy for one or more family members based on clinical findings. Courts often rely on these recommendations to shape custody orders, particularly in cases involving high conflict, mental health concerns, substance abuse, or parental alienation claims.

Conclusion

Therapy can’t change the past, but it can help shape a healthier future for separated families and children. Therapy can play a vital role by not only supporting children’s emotional health and helping them manage significant changes in their lives, but it also helps to repair strained relationships, improve communication, and allows parents to manage conflict more effectively so they stay focused on what matters most.

The right therapeutic support can help your child heal and improve long-term family dynamics beyond the courtroom. If you are involved in a custody matter and unsure which type of therapy may benefit your family, consult a licensed therapist familiar with family court procedures or speak to one of Obermayer’s experienced custody attorneys.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.