Parent – Child Relationship Repair
Anderson Psychological Services, LLC (APS) provides Parent-Child Relationship Repair (PCRR), also referred to as reunification therapy. Dr. Anderson may work with the entire family, or may collaborate with one of several child therapists as part of a PCRR team. The recommended model is based on the particular circumstances of each family.
Who can benefit from Parent Child Relationship Repair?
Parent-Child Relationship Repair (PCRR) is a specific therapy for complex family systems that are impacted by resist-refuse dynamics. Therapeutic work is focused on addressing and correcting a break in a given relationship between a parent and child. Often times families that are engaged in PCRR services have had a complete disruption in the parenting time schedule, with one or more children refusing to go to a parent’s home for an extended period of time. Prolonging the relationship strain—when two safe and generally healthy households are available—can further increase the level of resistance.
Isn’t PCRR the Same as Family Therapy?
Family therapy is often provided in response to a family’s request for sessions and support in a given area, and may or may not involve more than one parent. PCRR is different from family therapy in that it requires both parents to participate along with the child who is resisting parenting time. PCRR strives to address the resist-refuse dynamics by addressing problematic patterns in parenting, coparenting, and family dynamics that have negatively impacted the relationship between a parent and child. PCRR requires the therapist to be directive in their approach in order to guide the course of therapeutic services, with requests for one or more sessions in a week, especially leading up to family sessions.
While family therapy often involves family sessions immediately after intakes are completed, therapeutic focus for PCRR begins with individual sessions for each parent, as well as coparenting sessions. This is done intentionally to address the multiple factors that often contribute to resist-refuse dynamics. By identifying and addressing the need for support on an individual, parenting, and coparenting level, parents are better able to support their children both outside of therapy, as well as during parent-child session.
Is the parenting time schedule determined by PCRR therapist?
No, the PCRR therapist is not able to establish (or even recommend) a parenting time schedule due to the nature of that being a dual role, and against professional ethical guidelines. Unless the parents are able to work together to address parenting time, PCRR typically involves another professional – or the court – assisting the parents with determining a supportive plan for shared parenting time. A plan should be identified early in the PCRR process for how parenting time will be addressed. Observing and experiencing the changed behaviors is often more helpful that statements made by a parent. Given that, even a small amount of interaction or time between a parent and child as PCRR services progresses allows the family to utilize the new skills learned in therapy.
How do we get started?
PCRR requires either a Court Order or a decision from a Parenting Consultant that identifies the terms and participation of family members. Then, once the paperwork and payment are provided, separate intake appointments are scheduled. The PCRR intake is completed over the course of two 90-minute appointments with each parent. If necessary, referrals for specified services will be provided – either to address an issue that is a safety concern, or a behavior or issue that is thought to have a negative impact on relationship repair. If outside referrals are not necessary, then Dr. Anderson provides PCRR goals for the parents as well as coparenting goals. Family therapy goals will also be developed by Dr. Anderson, or through collaboration with the co-therapist when a team approach is provided.
