What Mid-Michigan Families Should Know
Divorce and custody disputes can cause families in Ingham, Eaton, Lansing, Clinton, and Ionia counties to experience profound and long-lasting conflict and dysfunction. When these emotional challenges arise, therapy is normally recommended to help children and their parents begin the healing process and rebuild relationships. But there are different therapeutic approaches for different situations, and not every family benefits from the same type.
In family court cases throughout the Lansing area, two therapeutic options are often raised: reunification therapy and family systems therapy. These terms are frequently tossed around in family courts and custody cases, often without much analysis as to which one is actually appropriate for each family’s circumstances. Before any parent agrees to a therapeutic approach, either voluntarily or by court order, it’s important to evaluate what these models involve and how they differ.
What is Reunification Therapy?
Reunification therapy is used when a child has become estranged from a parent, sometimes due to a custody dispute, allegations of abuse, or long-term absence. The goal is to rebuild the parent-child relationship, focusing on trust, emotional safety, and improved communication. It is important to remember that Michigan law presumes that children and parents should have a close and continuing relationship.
A trained mental health professional schedules structured sessions with the child and the estranged parent, sometimes including the other parent, depending on the circumstances, to work towards reestablishing a healthy relationship. Here iIn Michigan, courts may order this type of therapy under MCL 722.27(1)(a), which allows judges to take any action necessary to protect the child’s best interests, including therapeutic interventions.Many highly trained family law attorneys in and around Lansing, Clinton County and Livingston County have experience in helping parents that have become estranged from their children.
What is Family Systems Therapy?
Family systems therapy, on the other hand, focuses on relationships in the entire family unit. Instead of working on one strained relationship, it seeks to improve the overall family dynamic.This approach should be used in situations involving high, ongoing conflict, mental health challenges, or substance abuse issues affecting all members of the household. However, family systems therapy is not recommended in cases where domestic violence has been present.
Therapists using this approach aim to identify negative behavioral patterns, improve communication between all family members, and create healthier boundaries. Unlike reunification therapy, this approach is more holistic, and it’s useful in most family situations.Our Lansing based family law attorneys have had good success with this option.
Key Differences for Michigan Families to Consider
| Aspect | Reunification Therapy | Family Systems Therapy |
| Purpose | Rebuild a fractured parent-child relationship | Improve overall family functioning |
| Focus | One or both parents and the child | The entire family unit |
| Best Used In | Estrangement, parental alienation, and high-conflict custody cases | Chronic family conflict, addiction, or mental health struggles |
| Therapeutic Style | Structured, court-driven | Holistic, collaborative |
In family court cases from Okemos, Holt, and Mason to Grand Ledge, Jackson, Ionia and St. Johns, and throughout the Lansing area, parents are often ordered into therapy as a condition of a custody order. Unfortunately, reunification therapy in particular can be recommended when family systems therapy would be more suitable. These decisions are made in a knee-jerk fashion, without proper evaluation of the appropriateness or likelihood of success.
In Michigan, especially in counties like Ingham and Clinton, courts rely heavily on Friend of the Court reports, counselor recommendations, and mental health professional’s evaluations when making custody decisions in the child’s best interest. However, not all professionals are experienced in handling high-conflict dynamics or accusations of alienation, and the incorrect therapeutic approach can do more harm than good. It is important to consider your family dynamics and the outcomes you hope to achieve through therapy. You should consult with your family law attorney if you believe that a different therapeutic approach would be more appropriate than the one ordered by the court.
Consult with a Top Rated Family Law Attorney
Understanding the difference between reunification therapy and family systems therapy is just the beginning. The more important question is whether the therapy is right for your family, given your unique circumstances, and whether it’s in your child’s best interest. Keep in mind that not all therapists are created equal. The best attorneys can often recommend therapists that have proven results in cases they have worked on.
If you’re facing a custody dispute in Lansing, Jackson County, Livingston County or Ingham County, and and have been asked to participate in either of these forms of therapy, it’s critical to speak with an experienced family law attorney who understands both the legal and psychological aspects of these interventions. At The Kronzek Firm, we help parents across Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, and Ionia navigate custody cases with a focus on protecting their children’s best interests and preserving their parental rights.
📞 Our attorneys have helped thousands of Michigan clients over the last 30 years. You can reach our Lansing office 24/7 at (517) 886-1000.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]