Family Day may have been yesterday, but the love, connection, and support we share with our chosen family lasts every day. After divorce, family might look different, but what truly matters is the people who show up, the bonds we nurture, and the new traditions we create. Whether you’re co-parenting, blending families, or surrounded by friends who feel like family, your family is valid, strong, and worth celebrating—always.

#FamilyDay #ChosenFamily #NewBeginnings #StrongerTogether #riseupcounselling #divorce #lifeafterdivorce ...

DARVO: A Gaslighting Tactic in High-Conflict Divorce

Have you ever tried to hold your ex accountable, only to end up feeling like you’re the bad guy? You may be experiencing DARVO—a manipulation tactic identified by psychologist Dr. Jennifer Freyd.

DARVO stands for:
🔴 Deny – “That never happened!” / “You’re making things up!”
🔴 Attack – “You’re the problem!” / “You’re just trying to control me!”
🔴 Reverse Victim & Offender – “You’re the one hurting me!” / “You’re abusive!”

Originally studied in cases of abuse, DARVO is often used in high-conflict divorces to make you question your reality, shift blame away from them and paint you as the aggressor.

In order to protect yourself, it might be helpful to follow these suggestions: 
✅ Keep communication factual & brief (BIFF: Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm)
✅ Document interactions—screenshots & emails can be key
✅ Set firm boundaries
✅ Seek support—therapy, mediation, or legal advice

Recognizing DARVO is the first step to breaking free from its grip.

#DivorceHealing #HighConflictDivorce #Gaslighting #CoParenting #FamilyMediator #BoundariesMatter #riseupcounselling #highconflict #divorcesupport #seperationsupport ...

Let’s remember to be kind to one another. A little compassion can go a long way. 💙 ...

Hope vs. Capability – Why It Matters in Co-Parenting

Hope is the expectation that something will happen.

Capability is the ability to actually make it happen.

We talk about Hope vs. Capability all the time because understanding this difference is key to managing expectations—especially in co-parenting!

Example 1: You have an early morning flight and hope your night-owl friend will drive you to the airport. But they struggle to wake up before 10 AM and have never been reliable for early commitments. No matter how much you hope, they are incapable of changing their natural habits overnight.

Example 2: Your ex made an error in the parenting schedule, and you’re upset they won’t apologize or take accountability. But… did they ever? If they never took responsibility during your marriage, then hoping for change now might only lead to disappointment.

Next time you’re frustrated with your ex, ask yourself:
❓ Am I hoping for something different?
❓ Or are they simply incapable of doing what I expect?

Recognizing the difference between hope and capability won’t excuse their behaviour, but it will help you manage your expectations.

#RiseUpCounselling #CoParenting #Therapy #HopeVsCapability #ManagingExpectations #DivorceHealing #SeparationSupport #TuesdayThoughts #highconflict ...

Boundaries are not agreements! They are personal limits or guidelines that you set to define what you’re comfortable with and how you’d like to be treated. Think of a boundary as a protective fence around your emotional, physical, or mental space—helping you maintain healthy relationships and ensuring mutual respect.

For example:
👍Physical boundaries involve your personal space and physical touch (e.g., “I’m not a hugger; I prefer handshakes”).
👍Emotional boundaries relate to how you share and protect your feelings (e.g., “I’m not ready to talk about that right now”).
👍Time boundaries ensure you’re not overcommitting (e.g., “I can help, but only for an hour”).

A boundary is not about controlling others—it’s about what you will do to protect your well-being. It doesn’t require anyone else to take action or agree to it, and it is entirely within your control.

By communicating your needs clearly and standing firm when your limits are challenged, boundaries allow you to prioritize self-respect and foster healthier, more respectful interactions with others.

#boundaries #selfrespect #fridaymood #highconflictdivorce #seperationsupport #divorce #DivorceJourney #socialworkersofinstagram #therapyhelps #physicalboundaries #emotionalboundaries #timeboundaries ...

Life’s too short to stay in the wrong room. Admit the mistake, walk out, and find the right door.

#GrowthMindset #LifeLessons #tuesdaymotivation #riseupcounselling #divorce #highconflict #coparenting #therapy #socialworker #divorcesupport ...

Life can feel overwhelming, but sometimes a few gentle truths can ground us. These reminders aren’t just words—they’re permission to embrace where you are and keep moving forward. 💛

Save this for the days you need a little extra love and encouragement. You’re never alone in this journey.

#riseupcounselling #therapy #divorce #selfcare #lifeafterdivorce #lifeduringdivorce #dailyreminders #wednesdaywisdom ...

Life is tough, but so are you.

Divorce can feel like an uphill climb, but every step makes you stronger. One day, you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come.

#KeepMovingForward #ToughTimesDontLast #DivorceJourney #separation #riseupcounselling #highconflictdivorce #socialwork #therapyhelps ...

No plans, no pressure—just you, the vibes, and a moment to breathe. 🎶

#PauseAndReflect #MusicIsTherapy #CeilingThoughts #SelfCareVibes #riseupcounselling #therapy #divorce #therapyhelps #separation ...

Clients always ask us, when does it get easier??

Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, but it does get easier with time. While everyone’s journey is different, there are key milestones when life begins to feel more manageable:
✨ After the Initial Shock: Once the emotional upheaval of separation settles, a sense of stability begins to take shape.
✨ When a Routine Develops: Establishing predictable routines—for yourself and your children—can bring comfort and a sense of control.
✨ As Emotional Healing Progresses: Therapy, self-reflection, or support groups can help you process grief and find acceptance.
✨ When Co-Parenting Becomes Easier: Over time, improved communication and boundaries can reduce stress and create smoother dynamics.
✨ Once Financial Stability Is Achieved: Adapting to a new financial situation often leads to greater peace of mind.
✨ As You Rediscover Yourself: Exploring your passions, setting new goals, and embracing your independence can make life feel fulfilling again.
✨ When You’re Ready to Move Forward: Whether it’s finding joy in single life, pursuing new opportunities, or even dating, the future starts to feel hopeful.

The key to navigating divorce is patience and self-compassion. Healing takes time, and progress isn’t always linear—but with the right support and mindset, life after divorce can bring growth, strength, and new beginnings.

#divorce #riseupcounselling #therapy #lifeafterdivorce #lifeduringdivorce #socialwork #therapyhelps ...

When co-parenting works, it’s like a well-choreographed dance. When it doesn’t, it’s like two people trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions!!

When your ex won’t consider counselling, it can feel like you’re stuck. But here’s the good news: you can still take steps to create a healthier dynamic for yourself and your kids.
✨ Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t change their behaviour, but you can manage your responses. Set boundaries, stay calm, and practice emotional regulation.
✨ Communicate Clearly
Keep it short, neutral, and professional. Use co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents to reduce misunderstandings.
✨ Learn & Grow
Take an online coparenting course, such as “parenting from two homes” which can give you practical tools to navigate tough situations.
✨ Get Support
Even if they won’t join counselling, therapy for you can help you manage stress, stay grounded, and put your kids first.
✨ Consider Parallel Parenting
When co-parenting isn’t working, parallel parenting can minimize conflict while keeping your kids’ routine consistent.

Your journey doesn’t have to look perfect, but taking steps to protect your peace and your kids’ well-being is always worth it.

#CoParenting #HighConflictParenting #ParentingSupport #FamilyFirst #riseupcounselling
#lifeafterdivorce #highconflictdivorce #childrenofdivorce ...