How to Work with High Conflict Families in Play Therapy

Welcome to this week's episode of Next Level Play Therapy, where we talk about all things play therapy and expressive arts. This week, I am thrilled to introduce our special guest, Dr. Ann Ordway, an expert in both law and clinical mental health. Dr. Ordway is here to shed light on a challenging area for many play therapists: working with children from high conflict divorced family systems.

Understanding High Conflict Divorce Dynamics

As play therapists, we often find ourselves in complex and challenging situations when dealing with high conflict divorce cases. These cases can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling frustrated and uncertain about the best course of action. Dr. Ordway brings a unique perspective to this issue, combining her expertise as a family law attorney and a clinical mental health professional.

Dr. Ordway serves as the Program Director for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), an international multidisciplinary organization dedicated to resolving family conflict. She has extensive experience working with high conflict divorce cases, domestic violence, child protective services, and more. Her dual expertise in law and mental health provides invaluable insights into navigating these complex cases.

Key Resources and Guidelines

One of the most valuable resources for play therapists working with high conflict families is the AFCC’s guidelines for court-involved therapists. These guidelines provide a framework for understanding our roles and responsibilities, helping us to navigate the complexities of these cases more effectively. Dr. Ordway emphasizes the importance of knowing our lane and staying within it, which helps prevent burnout and ensures that we provide the best possible support for our clients.

Roles of Different Professionals

In high conflict divorce cases, several professionals may be involved, each with a specific role:

Custody Evaluators/Parenting Plan Evaluators: These professionals are appointed by the court to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the family. They gather information from all family members and may include clinical observations and testing. Their reports help the court make informed decisions about parenting plans.
Parenting Coordinators: These professionals work to manage conflict and facilitate communication between parents, aiming to keep children out of the middle of disputes. They may make recommendations or suggestions to help parents resolve conflicts outside of court.
Therapists: Play therapists may be appointed by the court or selected by the family to provide therapeutic support to children or other family members. Understanding the boundaries of this role and how to communicate effectively with other professionals is crucial.

Navigating Court Involvement

Dr. Ordway highlights the importance of understanding our role when subpoenaed or called to testify in court. Play therapists may be called as fact witnesses, providing observations and factual information about their interactions with the child and family. It is essential to be prepared and consult with an attorney if needed to navigate these situations effectively.

AFCC Resources

The AFCC offers a wealth of resources for professionals working with high conflict families:

Guidelines and Practice Standards: Comprehensive guidelines for court-involved therapists, parenting coordinators, and custody evaluators.
Family Court Review: A quarterly journal with scholarly articles on various topics related to family court and high conflict families.
Webinars and Trainings: Monthly webinars and intensive training sessions on relevant topics, including parent-child contact problems, cultural issues, and more.
Conferences: Annual conferences providing opportunities for networking and learning from top professionals in the field.

Conclusion

Navigating high conflict divorce cases can be daunting, but with the right resources and support, play therapists can provide effective and ethical care for their clients. Dr. Ann Ordway’s insights and the resources offered by the AFCC are invaluable tools in this challenging area of practice.

For more information, visit the AFCC website at afccnet.org. Stay informed, stay connected, and continue to support the families you work with through these challenging times.

Categories: : Play Therapy, Play Therapy Model, Podcast