Interview with Laura Manuppelli, Ph.D. Practice of Psychotherapy and Family Counselor

What is your background?

Dr. Manuppelli was born and raised in San Antonio. She graduated from Alamo Heights High School. Following high school, she went to Sewanee, TN for college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in psychology from the University of the South. She attained two graduate degrees: A Masters in Clinical Psychology in 1985 and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2000. Dr. Manuppelli holds two licensures under the Texas State Boards of Examiners in Professional Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

Dr. Manuppelli extensively draws upon the philosophical foundations of a multitude of diverse models including Positive Psychology, Mindful Psychology, Neuroelasticity, and various relationship therapies.

How can a therapist help during a family law case?

Well, it depends on the issues and the intensity of the issues. Often mental health therapists are brought into a case because of acrimony and contention. The role of the therapist is ALWAYS to protect the children involved. So, social studies of the parties’ respective homes, family psychotherapy, and active advocacy of the children’s emotional and psychological well-being are imperative. Helping parents co-parent respectfully and amicably is essential in helping the children feel safe and secure. A therapist may also help the attorneys understand the critical issues and family dynamics that hopefully help them glean insight into negotiating a fair and kind outcome for everyone. The keys are helping all essential adults exercise reliability, respectability, and predictability for a smooth major life transition for everyone.

Are therapists recommended during divorce proceedings?

Yes, and very often, because a therapist may provide unbiased opinions, and advocate for children who are placed in the middle of their parents’ conflicts. Therapists may provide impartial assessments and support in family law cases that are predominantly very emotional and painful situations. Therapists’ opinions help guide lawyers and judges to determine decisions that are in the best interest of the children.

Should therapists testify in family law proceedings?

Tricky question. Sometimes a therapist may already be involved with a family who decides to divorce in the process of psychotherapy. So that therapist will go to court to help a positive outcome for families in a divorce crisis. Often, the therapist is subpoenaed by law to testify in family law proceedings. Therapists should testify to help the legal process make determinations that are in the best interest of the children.

What is the role of family therapy during family law cases?

It depends on the therapist’s role with the family,( i.e., does the therapist already have an established relationship with the family, or is the therapist court-ordered to help with decisions about the family’s relationships?) Is the therapist merely present to do a social study on the respective homes of the caregivers? Or is the therapist truly the therapist for the family unit? Family therapy can be instrumental in helping adults raise awareness of critical issues and help children feel secure and safe in the process. A family therapist can be a positive voice for all members of the family in addition to identifying problems that need to be managed.

Does a family therapist testify in family law proceedings?

Yes, if asked or subpoenaed. The family therapist is an advocate for the family to help raise critical issues that must be managed, and mostly to provide insights that are pertinent to the emotional and psychological well-being of the children.

How can a family therapist help during adoption cases, custody disputes, divorce proceedings, etc.?

The therapist shares the results of their assessments of the family members and advocates for their emotional and psychological well-being. The therapist’s knowledge and understanding of the family’s needs are instrumental to helping the court decide what is the healthiest determination for each family’s situation.

To learn more about Dr. Laura Manuppelli or to contact, visit her website here: https://www.manuppellitherapy.com/