EPISODE · May 27, 2026 · 28 MIN
What Reunification Therapy REALLY Is (And Why Courts Get It Wrong)
from Been There Got Out Podcast · host Chris & Lisa | Dr. Premela Deck
🔁 Dr. Premela Deck is back — and this time, she's going deeper.If you're navigating reunification therapy, supervised visitation, or simply trying to understand why court-ordered therapy isn't fixing anything, this is the conversation you've been waiting for.Dr. Premela Deck holds a rare trifecta of credentials: she's a family law attorney, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and a PhD-level social worker who has spent her career studying high-conflict families. Her practice, ST Family Services in Massachusetts, brings together psychologists, social workers, attorneys, and even a retired judge under one roof.In this episode, Lisa and Premela do something a little different: they brainstorm the questions that most parents in our community are too scared — or too confused — to ask. And what comes out of that conversation is some of the most practical, grounding guidance we've ever put on this channel.⏱ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction — Dr. Premela Deck Returns00:55 Real client case: the supervised visit that fell apart before it started04:10 Why court orders and clinical interventions are often in conflict06:30 The prep work that HAS to happen before any supervised visit09:00 What you should ACTUALLY tell your child about supervised visitation11:20 How removing the loyalty bind can unlock the relationship13:10 Dr. Premela Deck introduces herself and ST Family Services15:30 The collaborative model: why siloed professionals fail families17:45 What should a child be told about supervised visits? (Full question)20:00 How to handle transitions when a child is crying or dysregulated22:15 "I can't force her — she's traumatized": how to respond to this message25:10 How parenting plans (and their vagueness) impact reunification27:30 The silver bullet strategy — and why it blows up cases30:20 Your attorney is your employee: taking strategic oversight of your case32:00 Coercive co-parenting: "my ex is abusive — what do I do?"34:15 What to prepare before meeting a reunification therapist for the first time36:40 When a child is a teenager: what force is (and isn't) in this work38:50 Making a good impression on therapists and court professionals40:30 Who should pay for therapy when "you're the problem"?42:10 Will a charismatic, narcissistic ex fool the therapist?44:20 What is a parentectomy?46:00 "Breadcrumbs": how to keep the door open when you need to step back48:30 Parental rights vs. children's best interest — when they collide50:00 Looking ahead: webinars, court order strategy, and what's coming next#ParentalAlienation #ReunificationTherapy #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #FamilyTherapy #SupervisedVisitation #NarcissisticAbuse #CoParenting #FamilyCourt #BeenThereGotOut #DrPremelaDeck
What this episode covers
🔁 Dr. Premela Deck is back — and this time, she's going deeper. If you're navigating reunification therapy, supervised visitation, or simply trying to understand why court-ordered therapy isn't fixing anything, this is the conversation you've been waiting for. Dr. Premela Deck holds a rare trifecta of credentials: she's a family law attorney, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and a PhD-level social worker who has spent her career studying high-conflict families. Her pra...
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What Reunification Therapy REALLY Is (And Why Courts Get It Wrong)
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