When choosing a court-ordered counselor or therapist for your family, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are qualified and capable of providing the support needed and so you don't hire someone else to fight in court! By asking these questions upfront and in writing you could save yourself and your family a lot of headache, heartache and money.
If you have a suggestion for other questions please comment below. Let's start taking charge of our family's future, as we know the system can't be trusted! Keep checking back in for updates to this page.
1. Qualifications and Experience:
Are you licensed to provide service in the state that ______ resides in?
What is your educational background and training in counseling or therapy?
How many years of experience do you have working with families in court-ordered situations?
Have you worked with families facing similar issues to ours before?
What are your beliefs on Parental Alienation?
Do you believe you have the knowledge and ability to notice signs of parental alienation and will you report any signs you may see?
What do you believe should be done in cases of suspected parental alienation?
Are you experienced in the coaching of the children by a parent(s)?
Could you explain the signs of coaching?
If you provide telehealth services how will you ensure the children have privacy and feel free to express their feeling?
What are some signs you look for that may indicate the child does not have privacy or does not feel comfortable sharing their feelings?
2. Approach and Techniques:
What therapeutic approach or techniques do you use when working with families in court-ordered counseling?
How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy in your sessions, especially in court-ordered cases?
Can you provide examples of successful outcomes from your work with families in court-ordered counseling?
Under what circumstances do you believe it is in the children's best interest to be kept away from their parent?
If there comes a time when a child is kept from their parent what measures will you take to ensure a safe and healthy reunification?
3. Collaboration with Legal Systems:
How do you communicate with legal professionals involved in our case, such as attorneys or court-appointed officials?
Are you familiar with the requirements and expectations of court-ordered counseling in our jurisdiction?
Do you provide written reports or updates to the court as part of the counseling process?
Will you provide information to anyone without a written release?
4. Availability and Logistics:
What are your availability and office hours for counseling sessions?
How often do you typically schedule sessions for families in court-ordered counseling?
Do you offer virtual or remote counseling options, if needed?
5. Fees and Insurance:
What are your fees for counseling sessions, and do you accept insurance or work on a sliding scale basis?
Are there any additional costs associated with court-ordered counseling services?
What is your policy regarding missed or cancelled appointments in court-ordered cases?
6. Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills:
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within the family during counseling sessions?
What is your approach to mediating disputes or facilitating communication between family members in court-ordered counseling?
How do you ensure that all family members feel heard and respected during the counseling process?
How many times have you taken a parent to court?
What were your reasons for taking a parent to court?
How many parents have you denied access to their children's sessions with you?
How many parents have you provided access to their children's sessions with you?
By asking these questions and insisting in open communication with the court-ordered counselor or therapist, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your family receives the support they need during challenging times.
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