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Therapeutic Supervised Visitation:
What is it and how does it work?

A therapeutic visit operates similar to a traditional supervised visit, except that a licensed therapist is the person supervising the visit. The therapist interacts with the family prior to, during, and after the visit to mend and heal the parent-child relationship. Guidance is given to the parent on bonding and nurturing techniques, child development, and typical child behaviors. The parent can then practice the new skills during the visit while the therapist provides guidance and feedback. The therapist also makes sure that the guidelines set by the Court or referral agency are followed, and submits progress reports and recommendations to the referral source as required.

GOALS
  • To provide a protected visitation and a therapeutic intervention between children and the non-custodial parent so that child benefits as much as possible from the contact.
  • To assist children and their families in maintaining or reestablishing.
  • To assist children in the transition of different family structures, while providing for the safety of the child.
  • To provide custody evaluators and treatment professionals with supplemental information or visitation and treatment planning.
  • To actively engage in assisting the non-custodial parent and child to reengage in a relationship if it has been interrupted by court process.
Through age-appropriate communications, a qualified therapist actively works with the parent to:
  • Address current problems;
  • Discuss issues of adult responsibility when abuse occurs;
  • Discuss any secrets, threats, or other pressures felt by the child;
  • Define the altered relationship between the child and parent regarding physical contact during visits;
  • Discuss areas of concern for the child and parent;
  • Talk about appropriate boundaries;
  • Set the stage for future open communication; and
  • Assist in positive dialogue between parent and child.
Visits focus on improving parenting skills. This incorporates understanding and guiding nurturing interactions between the infant or child and their parent. The goal of therapeutic supervised visitation is to:
  • Improve the child’s mental, emotional, physical, and social development;
  • Strengthen the parent-child relationship; and
  • Increase the number of non-custodial parents receiving nurturing parenting training to repair and/or prevent the effects of domestic violence, physical violence and/or neglect on children.

Lake Barrington Professional Services works with the whole family to resolve conflict and build healthy relationships.
Call 847-842-0012 for a Free Consultation.