Divorced/separated parents
Conducting therapy with divorced or separated
parents is especially challenging. If the parents still
have an adequate working relationship, both parents
may be invited to participate in PCIT, especially
if both continue to be involved in the child’s
care. In most cases, however, divorced parents are
in conflict and unable to work together in treatment.
In these cases, the child is usually seen alone
with the primary custodial parent unless the child
spends a significant amount of time with both
parents and both parents wish to be involved in the
child’s treatment. When parents in conflict are both
seen, they are seen in separate sessions with the
child, much like two separate therapy cases. The
therapist will explain to the parents in advance that
although the progress of one dyad will not be
discussed with the other, their records may not be
confidential from the other parent depending on
their legal status vis-à-vis the child.