Separation and Co-Parenting Therapy

What is Separation and Co-Parenting Therapy?

Separation and Co-Parenting Therapy is a process designed to avoid litigation through the divorce process and collaborate on a mutually agreed upon resolution. According to the Collaborative Roster Society of BC, approximately 97% of divorces in BC settle before reaching the courts. Once the process reaches the courts, however, it is governed by the processes involved and becomes very complicated, often contentious, and costly.

The Separation and Co-Parenting Therapy process starts from the assumption that most cases will settle and the court-driven process is not needed. Instead all parties agree to participate in a collaborative process to seek a beneficial outcome for all. The Separation and Co-Parenting Therapists involved assist each party in areas of negotiation, legal advice, financial matters, full disclosure, communication skills, and a safe and respectful environment to participate in the process.

There are four collaborative professionals typically involved in the process. These professionals are:

• Lawyers trained in the collaborative process and mediation
• Separation and Co-Parenting Therapists
• Child Specialists
• Financial Specialists

All four specialists work as a team to assist the parties through the collaborative process.

What Is The Role Of A Child Specialist?

Child specialists, like Separation and Co-Parenting Therapists, are licensed mental health professionals who have been trained both in the collaborative process, mediation, and in working with children and families. The child specialist focuses entirely on the child and their concerns throughout the collaborative divorce process. Their role is to give the child a voice, and bring their concerns to the rest of the team and advocate for the child while acting as a consultant for the parents and the other professionals. They also assist in the development of the parenting plan to ensure that the concerns of the child are addressed.