Child-Centered Reunification Therapy: Reconnecting Families Through Play (Virtual)

Thursday, October 1, 2026

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST | 2 CEHs | $40

Child-Centered Reunification Therapy (CCRT) was developed by Dr. Nicole Baker and Sarah Cross to meet the increased demands of court-ordered reunification therapy between estranged parents and their children. Rooted in the theoretical foundations of general systems theory, attachment theory, filial therapy, transformational systems theory, and Multi-Modal Family Intervention; Child-centered reunification therapy is designed to give children a voice in the reunification therapy process.  Child-centered reunification therapy uses a unique two-therapist approach, which integrates parent education, co-parenting skills, mental health education, filial play therapy, and experiential play therapy approaches to reunify a disrupted family system.  In CCRT, the two-therapist approach promotes equal representation of the parents and the child or children. The child gains a voice in a process, which typically ignores the needs of the child, and parents receive education in relation to better understanding the needs of their child and co-parenting skills.  The presentation outlines case examples of when child-centered reunification therapy would be appropriate for use, the process of child-centered reunification, hands-on play therapy activities to facilitate parent-child connection, addressing trauma in reunification therapy, ethics in working with high-conflict families and the court system, and the process of integrating child-centered reunification therapy into a practice.  

Nicole Baker PhD, LMFT-S, RPT-S, AAMFT Approved Supervisor & Sarah Cross MSW, LICSW,

About the Presenters: Nicole holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She is also an approved supervisor with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Her advanced clinical training includes Sand Tray Therapy, Experiential Play Therapy, Somatic Experiencing®, Filial Therapy, and Theraplay®. Nicole is trained in DC:0–5 diagnostic criteria for young children and is also qualified as a Social Early Neutral Evaluator (SENE), mediator, and custody evaluator. 
 
Nicole works with all ages and diverse relationship structures, and has a strong commitment to inclusive and affirming care. Her areas of clinical focus include play therapy, trauma, high‑conflict divorce, attachment, personality disorders, and reunification therapy. She is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and practices from a sex‑positive, ethical non‑monogamy–affirming, and kink‑aware framework. 
In addition to her clinical practice, Nicole offers training, supervision, and consultation at the local, state, and national levels and remains actively engaged in academia as a professor  

Sarah believes in connecting and building safe and trusting relationships with clients to find a path to health and happiness. Therapy can be hard work, but also a fulfilling experience when embarked upon with someone who is willing to support you on your journey. 

Sarah specializes in working with children who have experienced trauma, as well as related mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment, stress, and behavioral challenges. Sarah has been intensively trained in Experiential Play Therapy and Theraplay and uses creative and experiential techniques in her approach to working with children and families. These creative approaches include sand tray, art therapy, narrative work, mindfulness, and movement. Sarah also partners with parents to provide guidance, education, and support. 

In addition to working with children, Sarah also works with adolescents, couples, and families who have experienced trauma, family conflicts, and divorce. Sarah partners with parents, family systems, teens, adults, and couples who are experiencing life challenges, relationship concerns, sexual issues, conflict, and communication difficulties.