The Connection & Belonging Pathway
The Connection & Belonging Pathway
Art as Therapy offers the Connection & Belonging Pathway, a structured therapeutic art therapy approach to supporting children and caregivers in building or rebuilding safe, meaningful relationships. This work is often known as reunification therapy. Our approach is grounded in attachment-informed, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally affirming care. We support families navigating parenting across two homes, long gaps in parenting time, high conflict separation/divorce, foster care and adoption transitions, and complex relational rupture. Our process is collaborative, child-centred, and paced according to readiness.
What to Expect: The Connection & Belonging Pathway
An overview for caregivers
Beginning this work can feel emotional, uncertain, and sometimes even intimidating, especially when there has been conflict, distance, or pain within the relationship. At Art as Therapy, we understand that families come to this process carrying many different experiences, stories, and hopes.
The Connection & Belonging Pathway is designed to offer a structured and supportive therapeutic space where children and caregivers can move toward connection in a way that is paced, respectful, and grounded in safety.
Here is what you can expect:
A child-centred approach
The child’s emotional safety and well-being is the foundation of this work. We take time to understand the child’s experience, developmental needs, and communication style. Children may express themselves through art, play, silence, resistance, behaviour, or emotion. We honour these expressions as meaningful communication.
Our goal is not to force closeness. Our goal is to create the conditions where connection can grow naturally and safely.
A collaborative and co-created process
This work is not something that is “done to” families, it is something we build together. We collaborate with caregivers to co-create clear goals and a shared plan for the therapeutic journey. We revisit and adjust goals as the work evolves.
We also support caregivers in understanding what the child may need in order to feel safe, supported, and emotionally protected throughout the process.
A paced and phased structure
Connection and belonging take time. Each family’s journey is different, and we do not rush the process.
Families may move through phases such as:
screening and readiness assessment
child-centred art therapy sessions
caregiver coaching and support
dyadic sessions (child + caregiver)
family sessions (when appropriate)
integration and transition planning
Some families begin with caregiver work first, some begin with child work first, and many require a combination of both.
Caregiver support and coaching
Caregivers are not expected to “already know what to do.” Many adults come into this work feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or afraid of making things worse.
We support caregivers through coaching and reflective parenting work, including:
understanding trauma responses and attachment needs
learning how to respond to resistance with calm and regulation
strengthening emotional attunement and validation
building safe repair practices
supporting transitions between homes
developing consistency, boundaries, and relational rituals
Caregiver support is an essential part of the process, as children need emotionally safe adults around them in order to rebuild trust.
Art therapy as a bridge
Art therapy is central to our model. Art can help children express complex feelings that may be difficult to put into words. It also provides a shared language for connection between children and caregivers.
Dyadic art therapy sessions can offer meaningful opportunities for:
co-regulation
shared positive experiences
gentle repair
building new relational memories
strengthening belonging
A deeper understanding of what shaped the rupture
We recognize that relationship disruption does not happen in isolation. Our approach includes exploring the deeper factors that may have contributed to disconnection, including:
intergenerational trauma
adoption and identity disruption
foster care and attachment rupture
family conflict and separation stress
systemic oppression and cultural displacement
experiences of racism, migration, poverty, or marginalization
family histories of abuse, violence, or survival adaptation
We hold these realities with cultural humility, compassion, and care.
Progress may be slow—and that is okay
Healing does not always look linear. There may be setbacks, pauses, or moments where the child needs more stabilization. This is a normal part of trauma-informed relationship work.
We approach progress with patience and curiosity, focusing on sustainable change rather than quick outcomes.
A respectful, supportive space
Our intention is to create a space where children feel emotionally safe, caregivers feel supported, and relationships can be rebuilt with dignity and care.
A Note on Scope, Confidentiality, and Court Involvement
The Connection & Belonging Pathway is a therapeutic service focused on child well-being, caregiver support, and relationship-building. While this work is often referred to as reunification therapy in legal settings, Art as Therapy’s role remains therapeutic rather than evaluative.
Art as Therapy does not provide custody and access assessments, parenting capacity assessments, or legal opinions. Our work is not designed to determine “who is right” in family conflict, but rather to support children and caregivers in building safe and meaningful connection where appropriate.
When families are court-involved, we maintain clear therapeutic boundaries and prioritize the child’s emotional safety. Any communication with external systems (lawyers, courts, CAS, or other professionals) occurs only with appropriate consent and ethical consideration.
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. As with all therapeutic services, confidentiality has limits related to safety and legal obligations, which will be reviewed during the intake process.
Is the Connection & Belonging Pathway Right for Our Family? (And What to Expect When You Contact Us)
Families often reach out to Art as Therapy feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted. This is completely understandable—especially when a child is refusing contact, there has been a long gap in parenting time, or the family system is under stress due to separation, conflict, or court involvement.
This Pathway May Be a Good Fit If:
your child is struggling with connection, trust, or belonging with a caregiver
there has been a long gap in contact or parenting time
your family is navigating separation/divorce or parenting across two homes
your child is resisting or refusing visits/contact
there are allegations of gatekeeping or alienation
your family is navigating foster care reintegration, adoption, or kinship care transitions
there is a history of relational trauma, disruption, grief, or instability
you want a process that is attachment-informed, trauma-informed, culturally affirming, and anti-oppressive
caregivers are willing to engage in reflection, coaching, and support alongside the child’s therapy
This Pathway May Not Be the Right Fit Right Now If:
there are unresolved safety concerns such as ongoing violence or coercive control
there is pressure to force immediate contact despite clear child distress
therapy is being used primarily to support a legal position rather than child well-being
caregivers are unwilling to participate in therapeutic expectations or boundaries
the family system is too escalated at this time to support safe therapeutic work
In these cases, we may recommend stabilization, caregiver work, or referrals before dyadic or family sessions begin.
What to Expect in the Process
The Connection & Belonging Pathway is paced and collaborative. Depending on readiness and goals, services may include:
child-centred art therapy and regulation support
caregiver coaching and parenting support (separately or jointly)
caregiver individual therapy or couples therapy (as needed)
dyadic art therapy sessions (child + caregiver) when appropriate
family art therapy sessions (when appropriate)
co-created written goals and progress reviews
We do not rush children into closeness. We focus on building safety, trust, and sustainable connection.
What Happens When You Contact Art as Therapy
When families inquire about “reunification therapy,” we explain that this work is offered through our Connection & Belonging Pathway. The first step is a initial consultation where we gather information such as:
the child’s age and current emotional needs
the nature of the relationship rupture or lack of relationship
whether there has been a gap in contact
whether there is court involvement or CAS involvement
what the family hopes to rebuild or create
From there, the therapist determines whether this pathway is appropriate at this time and what pacing and structure best supports the child.
A Gentle Note About Timing
This work is not a quick fix. Relationship building and repair takes time, especially when trauma, disruption, high conflict, or intergenerational patterns are involved.
Many families engage in this work for:
6 months (moderate disruption)
6–18 months (complex disruption)
1–3 years (deep trauma histories or prolonged separation)
Progress depends on external factors such as caregiver consistency, legal stress, system involvement, and the child’s readiness.
Our Commitment
At Art as Therapy, we provide therapeutic services that are child-centred and emotionally safe. We do not provide custody/access assessments, and we do not force children into contact. We focus on supporting families toward safe, meaningful connection in a way that honours culture, identity, and lived experience.
FAQ: The Connection & Belonging Pathway
What is the Connection & Belonging Pathway?
The Connection & Belonging Pathway is Art as Therapy’s structured approach to supporting children and caregivers in building or rebuilding and repairing safe, secure relationships after disruption, transition, or prolonged separation.
This work is often referred to as reunification therapy or therapeutic reintegration. At Art as Therapy, we use the term Connection & Belonging to reflect our values and child-centred approach.
Is this only for rebuilding relationships, or can it help build a new relationship too?
Yes—this pathway supports both.
Some families are rebuilding connection after rupture or disconnection, while others are building connection for the first time, such as in blended families, adoption transitions, kinship care, or foster care placements.
Do parents/caregivers need to participate?
Ideally, yes, as children benefit most when caregivers are aligned.
However, we understand that some families experience high conflict or limited communication. We can structure caregiver support individually when needed and appropriate.
What if my child refuses contact or refuses to attend?
This is common. We do not view refusal as defiance.
We understand resistance as communication and often a sign of fear, overwhelm, grief, loyalty binds, or nervous system stress. We may begin with child-centred sessions first to build safety and emotional regulation before introducing parent - child or caregiver - child work.
How is art therapy used in this process?
Art therapy provides children with a safe and developmentally appropriate way to express complex emotions, experiences, and relational needs.
Art-based approaches can reduce pressure, build trust, and support meaningful connection through shared creative experiences. They are also useful for the adults engaged in the process and can expediate therapeutic outcomes.
What does the process look like?
The Connection & Belonging Pathway is phased and collaborative and may include:
initial intake and readiness assessment
co-created goals and session planning
child-centred art therapy
individual therapy and or couples therapy (as needed)
caregiver coaching and support
dyadic sessions (child + caregiver)
family sessions (when appropriate)
integration into real-life transitions and routines
The pacing is guided by readiness and emotional safety.
How long does this process take?
Every family’s timeline is different. Children don’t heal in a straight line, and progress can be slow or subtle. Building or rebuilding relationships takes time and unfolds step by step. However, commitment and consistency can help move the process along.
Many families engage in this work for:
6 months (moderate disruption)
6–18 months (complex disruption)
1–3 years (deep trauma histories or prolonged separation)
External factors such as legal stress, caregiver consistency, financial and logistical considerations, and the child’s readiness can influence the timeline.
Do you work with families impacted by trauma or intergenerational harm?
Yes. Our approach is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and culturally affirming.
We recognize that relational rupture is often shaped by intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, identity disruption, and historical family experiences. We approach these realities with cultural humility and deep care.
Do you work with CAS-involved families?
Yes. We have extensive experience supporting children and caregivers impacted by child protective services involvement, foster care transitions, reintegration processes, and adoption-related relational challenges. Over the past 22 years, we have developed strong collaborative relationships with CAS agencies across Ontario. While we work alongside many systems and service providers, our primary commitment is always to the child and family we serve. Our role is to provide safe, trauma-informed therapeutic support and to advocate for our clients’ needs when appropriate.
Is this service appropriate in high-conflict divorce situations?
It can be, depending on readiness and safety.
We often support families navigating high conflict separation and parenting disputes. However, we also carefully assess whether the family system can participate in a way that protects the child emotionally and therapeutically.
Is this court-ordered?
Sometimes. Families may come voluntarily or with court involvement.
While this work is often referred to as reunification therapy in legal settings, our focus remains therapeutic and child-centred.
Do you provide court reports?
Our role is therapeutic rather than evaluative.
We may provide documentation such as confirmation of participation or clinical summaries when appropriate and with consent. We do not provide custody/access assessments.
How do we get started?
We begin with an initial consultation to explore fit, readiness, and goals. From there, we co-create a plan tailored to the child and family system.
If you are parenting from two separate homes, we will ask questions about custody, parenting time, and decision-making responsibilities to ensure we understand the current family structure and can provide appropriate support.
For families navigating high-conflict separation or divorce, caregivers may book sessions separately or together, depending on what feels most safe and appropriate. We will also need clear and written agreement regarding how communication will occur throughout the process (including consent, boundaries, and expectations). Emotional and relational safety is essential for this work to continue and for meaningful progress to be possible.
To find out more or book the first consultation please email admin@artastherapy.ca or call 519 307 9000 and speak with one our client care coordinators.