Early Childhood Parent Psychotherapy (Ages 0–5) and Support for High-Conflict Custody Cases in California
A Gentle, Attachment-Based Approach to Rebuilding Parent-Child Relationships
As an evidence-based model, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is supported by decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness in improving early attachment, emotional security, & developmental outcomes.
By working directly with both the caregiver and child, CPP helps repair relational disruptions, foster safety, and build a strong emotional foundation during the most critical years of development.
You’re in the Right Place If…
Your child is 0–5 years old and showing fear, resistance, or confusion toward a parent
Your case involves court, custody disputes, or high conflict co-parenting
Your child struggles with regulation, attachment, or transitions between homes
You want your child to have a safe space separate from reunification sessions
Why Early Childhood Support Is Critical
Children ages 0–5 do not have the language to explain their distress, they express it through behavior, attachment, and regulation. Without early support, these patterns can become long-term relational difficulties.
How CPP Supports Reunification (Not Replaces It)
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is not reunification therapy.
It is a parallel, supportive therapy designed to:
Help children regulate their nervous system
Process fear, confusion, or trauma
Strengthen attachment safety
Prepare the child emotionally for reunification work
When a Young Child is Resistant or Afraid…
It’s a signal that their nervous system does not feel safe. Our role is to gently rebuild that safety. Children ages 0–5 often do not have the words to explain their emotions, but they show distress through:
Separation anxiety
Fear or avoidance of a parent
Emotional shutdown or dysregulation
Clinginess or regression
Behavioral changes during transitions
In high-conflict situations, pushing reunification too quickly can increase distress rather than resolve it.
The Quiroz Bridge Method: Early Attachment Track (TM)
At The Couples Therapy & Reunification Counseling, we use a developmentally informed approach to reunification.
For children ages 0–5, we begin with an additional phase:
Phase 0: Attachment Stabilization
This phase is designed to help your child feel safe, regulated, and emotionally supported before reunification begins. We incorporate:
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)-informed care
Attachment-based interventions
Nervous system regulation
Parent-child relationship strengthening
Trauma-informed support
Once your child is ready, we gently transition into structured reunification using the Quiroz Bridge Method.
How It Works
A Collaborative, Two-Therapist Model
Your family is supported by a coordinated clinical team.
Early Childhood Specialist (CPP-Informed Therapist)
Works directly with your child and primary caregiver to:
Build emotional safety
Reduce fear and distress
Strengthen attachment
Reunification Therapist
Guides the overall process by:
Structuring reunification phases
Coordinating with parents and attorneys
Gradually reintroducing the estranged parent
Monitoring progress and readiness
This ensures your child is supported emotionally and clinically at every step.
For Court-Involved Cases
Trusted Support for High-Conflict Custody Situations
Our approach is especially helpful in cases involving:
High-conflict co-parenting
Custody disputes
Court-ordered reunification therapy
Children resisting visitation
Allegations of trauma or emotional distress
We prioritize:
Developmentally appropriate care
Emotional safety and stabilization
Clear clinical structure
Ongoing communication with legal professionals when appropriate
Schedule a consultation to see if your child is a good fit. Limited availability for early childhood cases
When Early Childhood Therapy is recommended and may be a good fit for your child:
Is between the ages of 0–5
Shows fear, resistance, or distress toward a parent
Has experienced high-conflict family dynamics
Struggles with transitions between homes
Needs a slower, more supportive approach before reunification
What Makes Us Different
Specialized care for young children (0–5)
Integration of attachment therapy and reunification therapy
Trauma-informed and child-centered approach
Bilingual services available (English and Spanish)
Collaboration with attorneys and court systems
Led by experienced reunification specialists
We do not rush reunification.
We build it on a foundation of safety, trust, and connection.
Let’s Support Your Child Together
If your child is struggling in a reunification or custody situation, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help.
📞 Schedule a Consultation
📍 Montebello & Newport Beach
💻 Virtual Therapy Available Across California
Visit Our Mental Health Clinic
Book Appointment:
Monday - Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 8AM - 4PM
Sunday: Closed
Clinic Hours:
Directions:
MONTEBELLO
NEWPORT BEACH
🚨 Important Notice: Emergency Situations 🚨
If you are experiencing a crisis, feeling unsafe, or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For mental health emergencies, you can also contact:
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 (Available 24/7)
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
📞 Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741
Our practice does not provide emergency services. If you need immediate help, please seek emergency support.