One Size Really Does Not Fit All: The Importance of Incorporating Culturally Relevant Adaptations in Reunification Therapy

Abstract

Reunification therapy is specialized family therapy to address parent–child relational disruption (i.e. child resistance to or refusal of parent contact), typically during or following a high‐conflict divorce or custody dispute. The literature discussing reunification therapy interventions with families involving racial diversity, SES, religiosity, and other socio‐cultural aspects is limited to non‐existent. In the move towards being culturally sensitive to the ever‐present multitude of identities that exist within family systems, professionals are challenged to develop a balanced approach between providing competent practice that is culturally sound and considering empirical evidence. This paper offers suggestions for enhancing evidence‐informed interventions to address parent–child contact problems within diverse populations by incorporating culturally specific interventions to increase parenting skills, reduce parent and child distress, and repair attachments through therapeutic experiences.