Parental Responsibilities Evaluations (PRE) & Reunification at Healing Pathways Collective
With Dr. Stephanie Norris, Psych Candidate, LPC, LAC
Serving families through high-conflict custody support, court-ordered evaluations, and healing-focused therapy.
Parental Responsibilities Evaluation (PRE) Services
What Is a PRE?
A Parental Responsibilities Evaluation (PRE) is a court-ordered process designed to provide the Court with a comprehensive, objective assessment of the family system. The PRE is often requested when parents are unable to reach an agreement regarding parenting time, decision-making authority, or how to best share responsibilities for their children after separation or divorce.
Dr. Stephanie Norris, PhD, LPC, LAC, has over 12 years of experience working in high-conflict family law cases and offers PRE services to assist the Court, attorneys, and families in creating parenting plans that are focused on the best interests of the child.
Purpose of the Evaluation
The goal of a PRE is to develop detailed, child-focused recommendations that describe a constructive path forward for the family. These evaluations aim to:
Maximize the child’s relationship with each parent
Promote healthy co-parenting dynamics
Preserve the child’s opportunity for future connection with both parents
Provide the Court with clear, evidence-based recommendations when parents cannot reach a settlement
It’s important to understand that the PRE process can be emotionally complex. As with mediation, neither party should expect to have all of their expectations fully met. The focus remains on creating a functional, supportive structure that serves the child’s long-term well-being.
When Is a PRE Needed?
A PRE is typically requested in high-conflict cases where:
- There is significant disagreement over custody or parenting time
- Allegations of abuse, neglect, or substance use have been raised
- One or both parents have mental health concerns or personality disorders
- Previous attempts at co-parenting or mediation have failed
Dr. Stephanie Norris’ Approach
Dr. Norris combines clinical expertise with compassion and professionalism. Her role is to facilitate an impartial evaluation that supports both the legal process and the emotional needs of the child. Through interviews, observations, assessments, and collateral information, she gathers a full picture of the family system to inform her recommendations.
Contact us about PRE Services.
Please contact Dr. Norris directly at drnorris@healingpathwayscollective.com or Anna Petersen (PRE Assistant) at anna@healingpathwayscollective.com , give us a Call at (720) 598-5512 , or use this form to contact us regarding PRE Services.
Reintegration & Reunification Therapy
What Is Reintegration or Reunification Therapy?
Reunification or Reintegration Therapy is a structured therapeutic process used when there has been a disruption, estrangement, or prolonged absence in the relationship between a parent and child. These situations can arise due to:
High-conflict custody battles
Parental alienation
Trauma or neglect
Substance abuse or mental health concerns
Prolonged separation due to relocation, incarceration, or protective orders
The goal of therapy is to rebuild trust, restore connection, and support the child in feeling safe and emotionally secure with both parents.
A Child-Centered, Trauma-Informed Approach
In all reintegration work, the child is the primary client. The pace of therapy is based on the child’s emotional readiness and adjustment, not the desires or timeline of the parents. Dr. Norris uses a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approach to:
Prioritize the child’s emotional safety and boundaries
Heal relationship wounds in a step-by-step, guided manner
Support both parents in developing healthier interaction patterns
Break intergenerational patterns of conflict, avoidance, or dysfunction
When Is Reunification Therapy Appropriate?
Reunification therapy may be recommended when:
A child has not had contact with one parent for a significant period
A previous relationship was damaged due to conflict, abuse, or neglect
The child is resistant to visitation, despite court orders
The family wants to move toward rebuilding relationships in a healthy, supervised way
Why Choose Dr. Stephanie Norris?
Dr. Stephanie Norris brings a unique combination of clinical insight and real-world experience to complex family dynamics. With over a decade of experience working with:
High-conflict custody cases
Parental alienation and estrangement
Personality disorders and substance abuse
Trauma-informed family therapy
Dr. Norris offers both evaluation and therapeutic services designed to support children and families during some of their most difficult moments.
Her goal is always to help families move toward healing, healthier relationships, and long-term resilience.
Stay Connected.
If you're interested in learning more about Reintegration Therapy in Centennial, CO, we’re here to help. Reach out with questions or to inquire about availability.
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(720) 598-5512