What’s the Difference Between Divorce Counseling Co-Parenting Counseling
Creative Family Counseling is excited to announce two new specialties for clients: Divorce Counseling and Co-Parenting Counseling. Oftentimes there can be an overlap for these two services as couples navigate divorce and co-parenting dynamics at the same time but there is a clearly defined difference between these two services.
What is Divorce Counseling?
There are fewer family decisions that have such a monumental impact than deciding to divorce. This is especially so when children are included in the picture. For couples who are navigating a revision to their relationship, there are many factors involved. This can be overwhelming and difficult to discuss in a neutral and positive way with the partner in which you are un-coupling.
Divorce Counseling is best for couples who wish for an amicable and respectful divorce process. Divorce Counseling is not appropriate for couples who are working through mediation due to challenges getting on the same page or those who have hostile court-involvement in their un-coupling.
Common Issues Addressed in Divorce Counseling:
- Managing the crisis phase of un-coupling
- Revising your relationship
- Determining communication expectations
- Shifting from a Personal Relationship to a Parental Relationship for couples who share children
- Basic co-parenting decisions
- Navigating the divorce process with respect
- Saying goodbye and grieving losses
What is Co-Parenting Counseling?
After separation or divorce, there are many decisions that impact the life of a child throughout their whole life span. Former partners have to navigate new relationship roles, shifting to co-parents who have to communicate, make decisions, and share responsibility for their children. Navigating these dynamics can be difficult and overwhelming to discuss in a way that is cooperative and respectful with a former partner while keeping the children at the heart of the matter. Co-Parenting Counseling takes a more in-depth look at the dynamics of raising children while living apart than the basic co-parenting conversations in Divorce Counseling.
Co-parenting counseling is beneficial for couples who wish to minimize the impact of divorce or separation on their children. Co-parenting counseling is not appropriate for partners who are working in mediation to get on the same page or who are in hostile court-involvement over custody. It is important that co-parents enter co-parenting counseling with a mutual understanding that they will be learning to work as a team and for the benefit of their child.
Common Issues Addressed in Co-Parenting Counseling:
- Exploring new relationship roles as you shift from a couple to co-parents.
- Determining communication expectations
- Co-parenting meetings and handoffs between homes
- Navigating holidays, special occasions, and schools
- Developing a process for making joint co-parenting decisions
- Exploring dating and remarriage
Who May Benefit from Co-Parenting Counseling?
Co-parenting counseling can be helpful for many parents who are working to navigate relationship dynamics after separation or divorce. This may include:
- Single parents post divorce, separation, cohabitation, or a long-term relationship
- Individuals currently in the separation or divorce process
- Co-parents together in the therapy room after separation or divorce
Who Provides Divorce Counseling and Co-Parenting Counseling?
Creative Family Counseling has invested in team members who have specialized training to address the issues associated with Divorce Counseling, such as un-coupling in a neutral and productive way as well as issues specific to Co-Parenting children while living apart. Not all therapists are equipped to treat the unique dynamics within these types of partnerships, but some team members of the Creative Family Counseling team have received additional training in therapy models that are effective in helping couples and parents navigate this journey in their lives.
How do we get started with Divorce Counseling or Co-Parenting Counseling?
- Contactour Practice Administrator to be matched with a Therapist who fits your needs. She can help you determine if Divorce Counseling or Co-Parenting Counseling would be the best fit.
- Schedule an intake appointment to discuss your concerns and goals.
- Allow your Therapist to create an individualized treatment plan for you and your partner.
- Work together to meet your goals.
- Enjoy a more fulfilling relationship and a happier home.
