What Happens in Co-Parenting Counseling?

Co-parenting counseling is short for cooperative parenting counseling. Co-parenting counseling works with both parents to find better ways to communicate.  This kind of counseling helps parents work together for their children. If you’re in the process of breaking up with your partner or have broken up, it’s important to realize this is a major change in your life that will ultimately affect your child. That’s why it’s important to seek co-parenting counseling so that you can develop a healthy relationship with your child’s other parent. A safe and positive environment is important for your child’s future so that he or she can have a good upbringing. But this is not an easy process. But it is worthwhile and necessary. Seeking counseling is the best way to make sure you’re taking care of your child’s wellbeing.

Co-parenting counseling helps parents learn how to talk with each other.  Parents also learn to work together to make good decisions for the child.

What’s co-parenting?

Co-parenting is the term used when two parents share the responsibilities of raising a child. In some cases, the parents are still together and the child stays between the two homes. But more commonly, parents are divorced, separated, or in a volatile situation. They have to work together to create a successful environment for the child. This blog will give you some insight into what happens in co-parenting counseling and how it can help the child.

Improving Communication Skills

Using different types of activities to improve communication skills, parents will learn about different types of communication styles and practice using these styles while discussing a current parenting issue. This creates an opportunity for learning and practicing a new skill in real-time and applying it to a specific situation with the guidance of the therapist to facilitate the process and deepen the understanding to reach an agreeable solution. 

When should you seek co-parenting counseling?

If you’re thinking about seeing a therapist for help with co-parenting, there’s a good chance you’re overwhelmed with deciding if it is the best decision to help your child. Here are some of the most common signs that co-parents should seek therapy. 

• You or your child’s other parent are struggling to take care of things.
• You’re stressed because you or your ex don’t have a stable environment for your child to live in.
• You are arguing with your co-parent about the child in front of them.
  • Who gets to keep them this weekend?
  • Who gets to take them on vacation?
  •  Who is going to be the one to take them to the doctor? 

Sound familiar? You should look into getting some professional help.  Family Matters Counseling has helped many people find ways to work together with these exact situations.

Communication is key when parenting together

When you’re in a co-parenting situation it can sometimes be difficult to find common ground which can add to the overwhelm and arguments. You don’t feel like your ex is doing their part and they don’t think that you are doing yours.  Communication has broken down and your child has to play referee and that is not good at all.

During counseling, parents will learn about different types of communication styles.  Parents will practice using these styles while discussing a current parenting issue. Family Matters Counseling therapists help parents learn and practice a new skill during counseling sessions.

How to have more effective co-parenting together

Co-parenting can be challenging so it’s important to seek counseling if you’re struggling with how to co-parent with your ex. It can be a struggle even if you’ve gotten along in the past. Boundaries may have to be set. It’s important to put your child’s best interest forward as you co-parent. This can be a sensitive and uncomfortable issue.  Having a professional to help with the process can make things easier and alleviate the pain that the child may experience. Unfortunately, some parents don’t communicate at all. That’s not healthy for their child.

Parents need to understand what it’s like for their child. It’s important that parents get information to help the child adjust to the changes in the home. Co-parenting counseling helps parents understand their child’s feelings. Parents are better able to support their child when they understand.

Why developing a co-parenting connection can be beneficial

After the relationship between parents ends, feelings remain. Often, anger, hostility, and resentment are still present. Co-parenting counseling will help parents end an emotional relationship. This is necessary to grow into a healthy co-parenting relationship where the parents focus on parenting their child. Good co-parenting involves respect, direct communication, and a focus on the child. Learning to be a cooperative parent takes practice. 

If you are facing the challenges that come with co-parenting, we encourage you to talk to a counselor about how you can improve your situation. Therapists at Family Matters Counseling work with both parents to help you create a healthy co-parenting relationship that your children will benefit from. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us for more information about Co-Parenting Counseling. We look forward to hearing from you!