Co-parent coaching involves working with parents who are separated or divorced but are still raising children together. The aim is to help parents develop a cooperative, respectful, and child-focused co-parenting relationship, which benefits both the parents and, most importantly, the children involved.
Co-parent coaching uses a blended, eclectic integration of research-informed interventions and draws upon a wide array of human behavior, communication, conflict resolution, child development and family systems information. The goals focus on building skills to manage co-parenting dynamics to reduce the negative impacts of parental conflict on children. It also focuses on perspective taking, regulation, and management of parental stress so parents can be the best they can be for their children.
Co-parent coaching is skills-based, child-centered, solution focused, and goal oriented. It can be effectively utilized by one or both parents and has a customizable approach to meet individualized needs of each person or family. Co-parent coaching can be conducted through individual sessions with each parent or through joint sessions with both parents together. It is not therapy and cannot be billed to insurance as it does not focus on a medical diagnosis and/or treatment of a mental health condition. Coaching is considered confidential and integrates principles of self-determination, voluntary participation, with neutral facilitation similar to mediation.
Co-parent coaching typically covers a range of topics, including:
1. Communication: Teaching parents effective communication skills to minimize conflict and misunderstandings, whether it's in person, over the phone, or via electronic means.
2. Conflict resolution: Providing strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively, keeping the children's best interests in mind.
3. Parenting consistency: Helping parents establish consistent rules and expectations across both households to provide stability for the children.
4. Child development: Educating parents about child development and age-appropriate expectations, so they can better understand and meet their children's needs.
5. Navigating co-parenting decisions: Assisting parents in navigating co-parenting decisions such as visitation schedules, holidays, extra-curricular activities, medical/dental needs, and other important decisions.
6. Boundaries: Helping parents establish and maintain healthy boundaries with each other and with their children, fostering respect and cooperation.
7. Self-care: Encouraging parents to prioritize self-care and well-being, as they are better equipped to parent effectively when they themselves are emotionally and physically healthy.
Kirstina has extensive experience, knowledge, and training in child development, complex family systems, mental health, substance use, violence, and trauma. She has been trained in various models of coaching including Co-Parent Coaching as Dispute Resolution through the 15thAnnual AFCC Symposium on Child Custody Institute, Conflict Coaching/Conflict Resolution Consulting by the Conflict Resolution Center of Minneapolis and is a licensed New Ways For Families™ Coach through the High Conflict Institute.
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