Co-Parenting Facilitation (also called Co-Parenting Counseling) may be accessed in two ways: Voluntarily or through a Court Order. The service itself is the same, but the path to participation differs.
Court-Ordered Co-Parenting Facilitation
Court-ordered services mean that the court has required the parents to participate. This can occur in several ways:
- A judge directly orders Co-Parenting Facilitation in a hearing.
- The attorneys or parents reach an agreement during negotiations or mediation, and the parents sign a Consent Order (also called a Stipulated Order) agreeing to participate.
- The Order is then entered with the court, making participation mandatory.
Voluntary Co-Parenting Facilitation
Voluntary services mean that, while Co-Parenting Facilitation may have been recommended or referred by an attorney, therapist, school, or another professional, the parents have not signed a specific Order requiring it. Parents choose to participate on their own.
What Co-Parening Facilitation Involves
Co-Parenting Facilitation is a short-term, structured intervention designed to help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen their shared decision-making. Once parents meet the goals and benchmarks identified in the process, they transition to as-needed sessions for support when issues arise.
A Structured, Step-by-Step Process
- Individual Intake Sessions
I begin by meeting privately with each parent to gather background information, understand concerns, and assess goals prior to bringing both parents together. - First Joint Session: Best Practices & Vision Planning
In our first group meeting, we review Co-Parenting “best practices,” identify obstacles you are experiencing, and work together to create a shared Vision Plan for your child. These challenges are then translated into clear, actionable goals. - Subsequent Sessions: Guided, Goal-Focused Work
Early sessions are typically weekly. We follow your agenda and work through the topics you are struggling with as Co-Parents. We “peel back the layers” of conflict, examine patterns, and build mutual understandings. - Every-Other-Week Sessions for Skill Development
After foundational progress is made, sessions typically move to every other week to allow time to practice new skills and return to debrief, especially around communication and collaboration. - Parenting Time Planning (If Divorcing)
If you are currently navigating a divorce, we can work together as a group to create a Parenting Time Plan that you may submit to your attorneys for inclusion in your final court documents.
- Individual Intake Sessions
If One Parent Declines to Participate
If one parent is unwilling or unable to participate in Co-Parenting Facilitation, you may still choose to engage in one-on-one coaching. These sessions focus on strategies to help you work more effectively with your Co-Parent.
I strongly recommend that each parent also maintain an individual therapist, and I can provide referrals if needed.
Child and Family Therapy Referrals
I refer out for individual child therapy and for family therapy involving children and parents when clinically appropriate. I work closely with any therapist involved and have referrals to clinicians who specialize in supporting children of divorce, including those navigating high-conflict situations.