Divorce and Co-Parenting

Divorce

Can a divorce be happy and healthy? When a divorce is amicable and agreed upon by both partners, the outcome may be favourable for the entire family. However, when one partner is blind-sided by the other demanding a divorce, turmoil follows. One partner may want to enter couples counselling, while the other is opposed to the idea. In this case, counselling for the individual is strongly advised. Facing and enduring the divorce process can be overwhelming without a strong support structure in place.

In the case of an impending divorce, through counselling, I work with my clients to

• confront the trauma (if necessary)
• gain perspective
• manage the stress surrounding the divorce
• make better choices during the legal phase (by processing emotions in a safe space)
• adjust to new circumstances
• prepare for a positive future.

Co-Parenting

Often young children attend play therapy to cope with their feelings about the divorce of their parents. Unfortunately, if the parents continue to bicker and use the children in their battles, the progress the child has made in play therapy may be affected. We all want to put our children first, but the reality is, in the case of divorce, the entire family should be receiving assistance.

I work with couples during and after divorces to create a new path for their relationship, especially in the case of joint custody of their children. Many studies have shown that the most positive outcomes for children of divorced parents come from the quality of the divorced couples co-parenting relationship. Through counselling, we can work towards ensuring that positive outcome for all involved.