Highly Trained and Experienced Therapist Working with Divorce
I am a psychotherapist in Austin, Texas, with over 30 years of experience specializing in work with divorcing parents and families. I provide divorce coaching for parents; counseling for children and adolescents impacted by divorce; support for parents experiencing parent–child contact problems and estrangement; as well as court-ordered standard reunification and court-ordered intensive family reunification therapy for parent-child contact problems.
I have extensive training and experience working within the Texas family court system. I have served families and courts in the Texas counties of Bastrop, Bee, Brazos, Burnet, Collin, Dallas, Harris, Hays, Matagorda, McLennan, Travis, and Williamson, as well as courts in Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina. I have worked on more than 180 court-ordered cases and offer consultation and resources to attorneys and parents navigating complex divorce matters, including those involving parent–child contact problems.
Here are some of the most common questions that I get. Hopefully they will help. But if you have other questions, please contact me here.
If I Am Considering Divorce, How Can You Help?
If you are considering divorce, I offer a confidential and supportive space to explore next steps, discuss ways to protect yourself and your children, receive referrals to qualified family law attorneys, and learn how to navigate the court system if needed. I also provide individual counseling to help you manage the stress and emotional impact of divorce.
Why Choose A Therapist Specializing in Reunification Therapy Rather Than a Therapist On Your Insurance Plan?
Due to changes to the Texas Family Code in 2025, therapists must now meet specific qualifications to serve as a reunification therapist. In Texas, a reunification therapist must be a licensed mental health professional with a master’s degree, substantial experience in family therapy, specialized training in parental alienation, trauma, and domestic violence, and demonstrate familiarity with the Texas Family Code and the family court system. This role requires a strong focus on high-conflict cases and the clinical expertise needed to support the restoration of healthy parent–child relationships.Interns and therapists without this specialized training can inadvertently cause significant harm in these cases, increase the likelihood of families returning to court, and prolong both the emotional and financial costs associated with repairing the effects of inexperienced intervention.
Have You Worked with Many Children or Adolescents?
I began my career in education, working as a teacher in school districts in both Massachusetts and Texas. After earning my masters degree I began my clinical practice, working extensively with children and adolescents. I have extensive training in anxiety disorders, depression, self-harming behaviors, EMDR training for treating trauma, treatment in eating disorders, ADD and ADHD, and the unique needs of gifted and talented youth. I also have experience working with autistic children in both individual and family therapy.
How Do I Get Started With Reunification Therapy?
Reunification therapy normally requires a court order. Once the order has been issued — or once the attorneys or judge have agreed that I will serve as the reunification therapist — please contact me. I will help you understand and guide you through the process.
How Does Reunification Work?
Reunification therapy requires the participation of all family members living with the child. The process begins with individual intake sessions with each parent and each child. After completing these meetings, I develop a structured plan for joint sessions. Reunification therapy does not require both parents to be present in sessions; most sessions involve one parent and the child or children.
I have many videos and resources on this site that may help you understand what Reunification Therapy is. Maybe start here.
Do You Incorporate Parenting and Co-Parenting Education into Reunification Therapy?
As part of my reunification services, I incorporate a required on-line co-parenting class and request a certification of completion. I also integrate evidence-based parenting approaches, including Love & Logic and relational neurobiological strategies informed by the work of Dr. Dan Siegel. Parenting styles are evaluated during the intake process, and recommendations for adjustments in parenting strategies are an integral component of therapy. The impact of these strategies on the family system is consistently addressed throughout the reunification process.
How Do I Get Started with Parent Coordination or Co-Parent Counseling Services?
Parent Coordination requires a court order. Once the order has been issued— or once the attorneys or judge have agreed that I will serve as the Parent Coordinator — please contact me. I will then email you the required contracts and intake forms to complete.
Co-Parent Therapy does not require a court order. Both parents may voluntarily choose to participate in co-parent counseling without court involvement. In some cases, however, co-parent therapy may be court ordered. If so, once the order has been issued and it has been determined that I will serve in this role, please contact me, and I will provide the necessary contracts and intake forms.
Do You Offer Afternoon, Evening Time, or Weekend Sessions?
My office hours are generally between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. I do offer late afternoon and select evening appointments, as well as sessions on one Saturday each month.
Do You Take Insurance?
My practice is private pay. I do not accept insurance; however, I can provide a superbill for individual or family therapy services that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I also provide a detailed statement listing all sessions you have attended. For Reunification Therapy or Parent Coordination services, superbills are not issued. These services require a retainer, and all fees and payment terms are outlined in my contract.
I’ve Heard There Have Been Changes to Texas Law. Is Reunification Therapy Still Available?
Licensed professionals such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers remain fully empowered to offer reunification therapy and contact-repair interventions. Advocates for banning reunification therapy contributed to a storm of misinformation. Headlines and social media posts proclaimed that the new law “banned” or “outlawed” reunification therapy. These assertions are inaccurate and have caused confusion among parents, attorneys, therapists, and even judges. However, the bill neither bans reunification therapy nor restricts available treatment options, including intensive, trauma-focused family reunification therapy for severe cases of alienation when ordered by the court.
Why is your site logo a little red paw-print?
My last name is a version of the original German “Rothfuß” or “Rothfuss” name which was shortened to “Rothfus” around 1890 or so. It means “red foot” (do an online translation of “roth fuß” to check that). The early Rothfuß clan got their name from their job: they stomped red dye into animal hides for clothing. That was a long time ago, we don’t do that anymore.
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