Lindsay Lohan reconciling with estranged father Michael as part of recovery at Betty Ford Center

This time last year,Lindsay Lohanmight have laughed out loud if anyone predicted a reunion with her long-estranged and despised father,Michael.

But after several court appearances, brief stints in jail and court-ordered rehab, times are a changin'.

The actress, who has been enrolled in theBetty Ford Centersince September, has seen her dad at least twice this month, at the urging of her rehab counselors.

According to aPeople.comsource,"Lindsay really needed to hear it from her counselors how important it was for her to have a relationship with her dad."

Lindsay, 24, has long-blamed Michael for her failings and largely cut him out of her life some years ago. The elder Lohan has had his own brushes with the law, including a two-year prison term that ended in 2007.

And while Michael has spent much of the last year advocating for his famous daughter to enter a rehabilitative program and allow him back into her life, the"Mean Girls"star resisted.

But after failing a drug test in September, Lindsay started making some changes, including voluntarily entering rehab. (Judge Elden Foxordered her stay extended until Jan. 3.)

A Lindsay pal told People the actress is"taking things seriously and she's really had a lot of success so far. This is a long road for her with many issues she has to work through. But she's ready to tackle things."

"Lindsay is now open to working on things with her father,"the friend added."It's a part of her recovery."

Lindsay, seen here in 2002, began to grow distant from Michael in '05 when he and wifeDinadivorced. (Furman/Getty)

The two had their reunion Nov. 7, according toTMZ.com, spending"all day"together both atBetty Fordand at a nearby fair. Three days later, the father-daughter duo werespotted outagain.

And Michael seems pleased by the recent turn of events.

"I thank God that she is in the place that she is in now,"he told People."And I love her and I am very, very, proud of how far she has come. Really, really proud."

The next step?

Including mom Dina in the reconciliation.

TMZreported Thursday that the Betty Ford counselors are"encouraging"Lindsay to have a meeting with both of her parents, possibly next month,"to resolve some old issues that may have put her in her current state."

Lindsay has remained on good terms with her mom throughout her troubles, but Michael and Dina have a contentious relationship– which happens to be regulated by a restraining order barring Michael from getting too close.

Still, Dina"hasn't ruled out"a meeting with her ex if it's what's best for Lindsay.

"Whatever the facility wishes for her,"Dina said on the"Today Show"earlier this week."It's all about Lindsay and her healing."

sweiss@nydailynews.com

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