FAQs for Family Therapy & High-Conflict Family Therapy

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High-conflict family therapy is a structured form of therapy designed for families experiencing persistent, entrenched conflict that impacts children and family functioning.

The focus is on stabilizing interactions, reducing harm to children, clarifying roles, and interrupting destructive patterns—rather than assigning blame or relitigating past disputes.

Traditional family therapy often assumes a baseline level of cooperation and shared goals. High-conflict family therapy recognizes that this cooperation may not yet exist.

Sessions are more structured, paced, and carefully managed to prevent escalation and to maintain emotional and psychological safety for all involved.

Participation requirements depend on the structure of services and whether therapy is voluntary or court-ordered.

When therapy is voluntary, involvement is discussed case-by-case. When court-ordered, participation follows the scope of the order. Therapy can still be effective even when motivation or alignment between parents differs.

Not necessarily. Family therapy may include work on repairing strained relationships, but it is distinct from formal court-ordered reintegration or reunification therapy unless explicitly designated as such.

The scope, goals, and limitations of services are clarified at the outset.

Family therapy is confidential within ethical and legal limits.

Information is not shared with the court unless:

• The therapy is court-ordered and reporting is specifically required, or
   
• All parties provide written authorization for limited communication
   

Any reporting expectations are discussed clearly before therapy begins.

No. The therapist maintains neutrality and does not act as a judge, investigator, or advocate for either parent.

The focus remains on child well-being, family functioning, and forward-focused change, not fault-finding.

Resistance and defensiveness are common in high-conflict cases. Therapy is structured to manage these dynamics without reinforcing power struggles or escalation.

Progress does not require perfection or immediate insight—only participation within agreed-upon boundaries.

Children are involved thoughtfully and intentionally. Sessions are structured to avoid placing children in the middle of adult conflict or asking them to take sides.

Child involvement is guided by developmental appropriateness, emotional safety, and therapeutic necessity.

Therapy is not an investigative process and does not determine the validity of allegations. The role of therapy is to address current functioning and the child’s needs, not to resolve legal disputes.

When legal history exists, boundaries between therapy and legal processes are maintained.

There is no set timeline. Duration depends on the complexity of the situation, level of cooperation, court involvement (if any), and the family’s ability to engage in change.

Progress is often gradual and focused on stabilization before deeper relational work occurs.

Goals often include:

• Reduced intensity and frequency of conflict 
• Improved emotional safety for children 
• Clearer boundaries and roles 
• More predictable and respectful communication 
• Greater capacity to make child-focused decisions
   

Therapy focuses on progress, not perfection.

In some cases, individual therapy, parallel parenting support, or other services may be more appropriate initially.

Recommendations are made with careful consideration of safety, readiness, and the child’s best interests.

An initial consultation helps determine whether family therapy is appropriate, what structure is recommended, and how services will be framed.

Expectations, boundaries, and limitations are discussed clearly from the beginning.