Bridging the Law, Therapy and Justice with Caitlin Burgess

High-Conflict Custody Cases: How Courts and Clinicians Work to Protect Children

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy, and Justice*, Attorney and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Caitlin Burgess delves into the defining characteristics of high-conflict custody cases. She explains the key signs that differentiate high-conflict cases from merely stressful situations, highlighting the importance of effective communication and cooperation between parties for the well-being of the child. Caitlin also discusses the deep-rooted issues that contribute to high-conflict cases, such as unresolved trauma and mental health concerns. She further explores how tensions can quickly escalate, impacting a child's stability, and the structural steps judges implement to mitigate conflict and protect the child.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Signs of high-conflict custody cases
04:30 – Understanding deep-rooted issues
06:10 – Rapid escalation of tension
08:20 – Structural steps to reduce conflict
10:05 – Working towards shared understanding
12:00 – Establishing communication structures
14:25 – Next steps when interventions fail
16:40 – Focusing on the child’s well-being
About the Show:
*Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy, and Justice* explores the intersection of law, mental health, and forensic work to assist families, attorneys, and courts in navigating complex and emotionally charged situations with clarity and care.

What Courts Look for in a Child Custody Evaluation

Episode Summary:In this episode, Attorney and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Caitlin R. Burgess, sheds light on the intricate process of child custody evaluations in family court. From the purpose and selection of evaluators to the factors assessed and collaboration with mental health professionals, Caitlin provides valuable insights into how these evaluations impact judicial decisions.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Purpose of custody evaluations in family court03:45 – Qualifications and selection of evaluators05:20 – Factors evaluated in custody recommendations07:10 – Gathering information from various sources09:05 – Communication protocols between attorneys and evaluators11:20 – Integrating therapy into the evaluation process13:15 – Assisting families to engage honestly during evaluations15:30 – Unique aspects of each family in the evaluation process17:00 – Influence of evaluations on judicial decisions19:45 – Tips for families and professionals preparing for evaluations
About the Show:*Bridging the Gap Law, Therapy and Justice is a podcast hosted by Caitlin R. Burgess, focusing on the intersection of legal and clinical insights to support families, attorneys, and courts in navigating high-conflict situations with compassion and expertise.

Domestic Violence and the Legal System: How Therapists and Courts Can Work Together

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy and Justice*, Attorney and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Caitlin R. Burgess delves into the complexities of domestic violence within the legal system. She sheds light on how courts and therapists can collaborate to ensure safety, promote accountability, and facilitate recovery for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Integrated Approach of Law and Therapy in Domestic Violence Cases
03:45 – Purpose of Therapy in Conjunction with Legal Measures
05:20 – Signs of Readiness for Therapeutic Intervention
07:10 – Signs Indicating a Family is Not Yet Ready for Therapy
09:05 – Emotional Impact of Litigation on Domestic Violence Survivors
11:20 – Balancing Confidentiality and Court Information Requirements
13:45 – Escalation of Conflict in Legal Proceedings
15:10 – Discerning Credible Safety Concerns in Domestic Violence Cases
17:30 – Effectiveness of Intervention for Perpetrators Ordered into Counseling
19:15 – Collaborative Efforts between Courts and Mental Health Professionals
21:05 – Positive Shift towards Mental Health Awareness in Legal Cases
About the Show:
*Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy and Justice* with Caitlin R. Burgess explores the intersection of law and psychology, offering insights and strategies for navigating complex legal and emotional challenges. The show aims to provide valuable resources for families, attorneys, and mental health professionals involved in high-conflict cases.

When a Child Resists a Parent: Breaking Down “Resist/Refuse Dynamics”

Episode Summary: In this episode, Attorney and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Caitlin Burgess delves into the complexities of child resist-refuse dynamics in family law matters post-separation or divorce. She highlights the multifactorial approach to assessing cases where a child resists contact with a parent, emphasizing the importance of understanding the entire family system to identify underlying causes. Caitlin also explores the emotional and fear-driven factors influencing children's resistance and shares insights on differentiating normal reactions from patterns requiring court intervention.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Definition of resist-refuse dynamics in family law
- 03:45 – Common circumstances leading to child resistance
- 05:20 – Emotions and fears driving resistance in children
- 08:10 – Distinguishing between natural reactions and serious patterns
- 10:15 – Utilizing forensic evaluations to assess child resistance
- 12:40 – Focusing on the child's experience over blame in court cases
- 14:50 – Implementing therapy in resist-refuse cases
- 17:25 – Collaborative approaches to keep focus on the child's best interest
- 19:00 – Building connections and security for the child in therapy
About the Show: *Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy and Justice* is a podcast that explores the intersection of law and mental health, offering insights and solutions for families, attorneys, and courts dealing with high-conflict situations.

Understanding Court-Involved Therapy: What It Is and Why It Matters

Episode Summary:
In this premiere episode, Caitlin Burgess shares her journey from attorney to licensed therapist, driven by personal experience with parental divorce. The discussion defines court-involved therapy, explores triggers like custody disputes and domestic violence, clarifies mandated vs. voluntary roles, and highlights collaborative, child-centered outcomes in family law cases.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction and Dual Background
01:30 - Defining Court-Involved Therapy (AFCC)
02:45 - Common Triggers: Custody, DV, Substance Abuse
05:00 - Mandated vs. Private Therapy Differences
06:30 - Balancing Legal and Therapeutic Perspectives
08:00 - Productive Collaboration for Child Focus
09:00 - Building Safety: Boundaries and Ethics
10:00 - Rewarding Changes: Reunification and Empowerment
11:30 - Closing Resources
 
About the Show:
"Bridging the Law, Therapy and Justice with Caitlin Burgess" fuses legal expertise and mental health to support families, attorneys, and courts. Caitlin Burgess guides high-conflict resolutions with clarity, compassion, and interdisciplinary insight.