Description
In this presentation, attendees will learn about family law legal concepts that are in fact rooted in therapeutic models, including theories of parental alienation and high conflict cases and how issues around sexual orientation and gender identity are not well-settled matters of law. Attendees will learn how, for LGBTQ+ children, being subject to the stressors of litigated cases between their parents creates a heightened risk for poor outcomes immediately and in the long term. Participants will weigh the need of LGBTQ+ children to have their patient/therapist privilege protected against statutes that may suggest otherwise and will learn how to robustly protect LGBTQ+ children from the impacts of their parents’ ongoing legal conflict.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Recognize cases in which parents are weaponizing custody battles for their own purposes, utilizing the fact of their child’s LGBTQ+ identity as part of their weaponry.
- Identify and protect the confidentiality of their LGBTQ+ youth clients in the face of pressure from litigants, attorneys, and the Court system.
- Articulate for third parties associated with the Court system the specific needs and vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ youth in the context of high conflict custody litigation matters.
Continuing Education
2 hours of continuing education provided by AAMFT are available. Instructions to obtain CE will be sent in your confirmation and reminder emails. A session code will be provided during the event.
Other Information
If you are unable to participate on this date, please do not register. The webinar will be recorded and available for later purchase on Teneo.
About the Speaker
Rebecca Amster Cantor, Esq, LMFT
Rebecca was raised in Philadelphia, PA, where she learned to love cheesesteaks and Italian water ice. Always a high academic achiever, Rebecca attended Cornell University, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. Trading snowstorms for tropical breezes, Rebecca moved to Miami to attend the University of Miami School of Law, graduating a proud member of the Cane family in 2000.
Always interested in children’s issues, Rebecca opened her own law practice in 2003, concentrating on the needs of children in Family Court. She rapidly began building her caseload and her reputation as a strong voice for children as a Guardian ad litem in Dissolution cases.
Rebecca returned to school and received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Ever the academic achiever, Rebecca was the first student in Nova’s MFT program to receive a 100% on the Comprehensive exam.
Rebecca’s practice, as always, remains very focused on meeting the psychological and emotional needs of children, and of families in Family Court. Rebecca finds great joy and personal satisfaction in helping families seek new function and practical solutions so that parents can move on from the fatigue of litigation and move forward to enjoying their children every day.
When she is not working, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her own two children, training for long-distance races, and Zumba classes.