I am a trusted evaluator for the courts in Riverside County when cases involve the need for counseling or psychotherapeutic intervention. Many of these cases involve minors who are caught in the middle of a divorce and parents who are unable to resolve problems amicably. I regularly receive referrals from area judges who need input when making difficult decisions in these cases. I also receive a large number of referrals from area attorneys whose clients are struggling emotionally as they progress through the judicial process. I provide co-parenting counseling and reunification therapy.

The divorce process can be devastating for families and all family members will experience some emotional scarring during this event. Once the initial phase of disbelief has passed, children start to get a sense that divorce is really happening and that changes to their family structure and routine are unavoidable. For many children, the adjustment is difficult and they struggle to work through the loss of their family unit. They may need extra support when attempting to make this transition. The need for assistance is especially prevalent in high-conflict divorce cases when parents lose sight of what is in the best interest of their children.

Children who are struggling may start to display symptoms of depression, anxiety, or behavioral problems. The courts have the power to order evaluations and counseling in an effort to determine the causes of these types of issues. I am often asked to work with children and adolescents in an effort to understand why these problems may be occurring. In addition, there are times when a child or adolescent rejects one of their parents during this time. They may refuse visitation or contact with a parent. The court is hopeful that a minor will be able to have a relationship with both parents. That is why I am sometimes contacted for reunification therapy. Reunification therapy is therapy designed to heal the relationship between a parent and child torn apart by divorce.

Counseling provides the child and parents with a forum to work through emotional issues, and it may help the parties to gain clarity about their situation. An objective third party can often formulate a better understanding of the family’s situation and then make recommendations for the best possible outcome.