Supporting Connection and Healing for Families in Complex Transitions
When parents and children have experienced separation due to court involvement, child protective services, high-conflict divorce, safety concerns, or other disruptions, the process of rebuilding trust and connection can feel overwhelming.
Therapeutic supervised visitation offers a supportive, structured, and healing-centered environment where families can begin that process with the guidance of a licensed mental health professional.
At Westchester Parent & Child Therapy, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapeutic visitation services that help parents and children reconnect in a safe and emotionally supportive way.
What Is Therapeutic Supervised Visitation?
Unlike standard supervised visitation, therapeutic visitation is guided by a licensed therapist who is trained to support the emotional needs of both the child and the parent during each session. The focus is not only on physical safety, but also on emotional regulation, attachment repair, trust-building, and healthy communication. This approach is often recommended when:
- There has been a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse
- A parent has been absent for an extended period of time
- There are ongoing concerns about emotional safety or regulation
- The family is navigating custody transitions or court-mandated reunification
- A child needs support reestablishing trust with a caregiver
Our role is to create a safe and emotionally attuned environment where the needs of the child are prioritized, while the parent is supported in reestablishing a secure, developmentally appropriate relationship.
Goals of Therapeutic Supervised Visitation
- Facilitate safe reconnection between parent and child
- Support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety for the child
- Coach the parent on how to respond sensitively and build trust
- Reinforce safety and predictability within the parent-child dynamic
- Track relational patterns that support or hinder reunification
- Document progress in a clinically appropriate and neutral manner
We believe that healing is possible when relationships are approached with care, consistency, and emotional presence. We work closely with involved professionals (e.g., attorneys, case managers, court-appointed evaluators) to ensure the visitation process aligns with safety plans, court orders, and reunification goals.
What Happens During Sessions?
Sessions typically take place in our child-friendly therapy space, in a home or park, and through approved virtual platforms (when appropriate). The therapist remains present throughout the visit, offering:
- Real-time emotional coaching and co-regulation support
- Guidance around developmental needs and sensitive responses
- Gentle structure and redirection when necessary
- Reflection after each visit to help the parent understand what supported connection and what may need attention in future sessions
Who Is This For?
Therapeutic visitation may be helpful for:
- Parents working toward reunification with children in foster care
- Families undergoing court-involved custody arrangements
- Rebuilding trust after mental health, addiction, or domestic violence concerns Children experiencing ambivalence or fear about seeing a parent
- Parents who are ready and willing to engage in reflection and growth
If you’re unsure whether therapeutic visitation is right for your family, we offer a consultation to review your situation and explore the best path forward.
Our Approach
Our practice is rooted in attachment theory, developmental psychology, and trauma-informed care. We create a space where parents feel supported in understanding their child’s needs, and children feel safe and emotionally held throughout the reunification process. We use techniques from:
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Integrative Attachment Family Therapy (IAFT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Parent Coaching and Emotionally Attuned Parenting
This multidisciplinary foundation allows us to adjust our approach to meet the unique needs of each family.
Rebuilding Connection Starts with Safety and Support
We know how painful and complicated family separation can be. Therapeutic supervised visitation is not about judgment, it’s about healing. With structure, empathy, and guidance, it’s possible to begin rebuilding your relationship in a way that feels safe and grounded for everyone involved.
Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about how therapeutic visitation can support your family’s next chapter.