1. To answer this, we must determine what the provisions are of the divorce decree.  This document spells out parents’ rights.  In joint custody, both parents have equal rights to information about treatment of their child.  The divorce decree may spell out who must be notified or give consent for any medical treatment of the child.  Counseling falls in this category.
2. In general, treating a child without the knowledge of the ex puts the child in the uncomfortable position of having to keep a secret from one of their parents.  This burden is often counter-productive to the child’s welfare.
3. Often this question is asked in high-conflict divorce situations.  These types of divorces include harmful stressors for children.  The counselor may first need to address the continued “high-conflict” condition, starting with one willing parent.  Counseling can help a parent find ways of reducing the level of conflict as a way of protecting the child from further harm.  Once emotional safety for the child is established and the child is out of the middle of the conflict, counseling can begin for the child.

In some cases, courts may have given full custody to one parent, or limited the rights of the non-custodial parent.  In these cases it may be acceptable to see the child without the other parent knowing or being entitled to any information.

If a non-Christian comes to CFI, they have a general idea of what we believe. Early in the process we will usually discuss the role faith plays in a client’s life.  Part of that discussion will help the therapist and client determine if and how faith elements will be handled.  Sometimes even Christians don’t want much faith talk in their therapy sessions for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps they are in a spiritual crisis or they have grown tired of simplistic faith talk and have been turned off by it.

We have seen clients from all faith perspectives.  That includes a wide variety of Christian faiths, other faiths, and those with atheistic and agnostic viewpoints. Part of our motivation to be helpers is rooted in our faith, however, that does not mean we will force our faith on our clients. We will respect our client’s desire about the role of faith in therapy.

At Christian Family Institute, we do our best to tailor a custom treatment plan for each individual, couple or family with whom we work.  Most clients attend treatment approximately once a week, particularly in the beginning stages of counseling. As desired changes are attained, visits tend to be scheduled farther apart, such as every-other-week or monthly to help monitor and support ongoing change.

As the need arises and as schedules allow, we can also offer more intensive assistance (two or three meetings in one week) in order to stabilize a crisis situation.

Many situations in life do not require medication, but if during the course of treatment, symptoms persist or increase in intensity, your counselor may recommend a consultation with your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist.

Having open and honest discussions with your child about a variety of topics will normalize the topic of sex when it is addressed.

It may be beneficial to think in terms of risk factors: the more risk factors that are present, the more likely depression or anxiety is to develop.  Having family members with a mood disorder may elevate the risk, but it doesn’t doom someone to the disorder.

At Christian Family Institute we view anxiety and depression as a combination of biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors.  All of these components are considered when treating mood disorders.

The Story of Christian Family Institute (CFI)