Counselling That Helps

Make Positive Changes

Helping you Navigate
Separation and Divorce.

New Ways for families - rise up family counselling

Welcome

Rise Up Counselling is a compassionate therapeutic practice dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing challenges with parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and the complexities of separation and divorce. We approach each family with respect, empathy, and a deep understanding of the systems they may encounter. Our core mission is to help parents cultivate strong, healthy, and nurturing relationships with their children, ensuring their connections remain resilient and supportive through times of transition. 

We will walk side-by-side, one step at a time with families to reach their goals. Rise Up Counselling is a private practice offering in-person and virtual sessions. We welcome self and professional referrals.

Clinical Services

Support Therapy to individuals, families, parents and co-parents struggling with separation, divorce, parenting time and decision-making responsibilities as well as reunification.

Parenting & Co-parenting Coaching

An individualized approach to parenting & co-parenting support. Supporting children between homes.

Individual & Family Therapy

Therapy to individuals and families affected by trauma, divorce/separation, anger, grief and anxiety.

Providing consultations for separation/divorce

Providing needed support in family law proceedings.

Family Therapy & Reunification Therapy

Designed to heal relationships negatively affected by separation and or divorce.

Consultations

Involving Child Welfare, Voice of the Child Reports, Parenting Plans & Case Consultations

Child Welfare & Risk of Child Welfare

Providing support during family law proceedings to professionals & families involving Child Welfare.

Creating Parenting Plans

Assistance formulating parenting plans for non-court ordered parenting and co-parenting agreements.

Voice of the Child Reports

Sharing the wishes/voice of the child for family law proceedings.

Case Consultations

Assisting in high conflict situations to help move proceedings forward.

Side-By-Side
One Step at a time

Discover how Rise Up Counselling can help you or your family.

Media

The Benefits Of Working With A Therapist Through Your Divorce With Helen Yack & Gabbi Silverberg

In this week’s episode of Divorcing Well, I chat with Helen Yack and Gabbi Silverberg of Rise Up Counselling about the many benefits of working with a therapist while you go through separation and divorce. Helen and Gabbi discuss how therapy and counselling can help you and your children manage the stress and anxiety of divorce. We also chat about how it can save you money in legal fees to work with a therapist too. Divorce is one of life’s most stressful events so hiring the right professionals to help you be at your best when you make some very important, life altering decisions is invaluable. This episode provides so much helpful information. You won’t want to miss it.

Gabbi Silverberg & Helen Yack: Rise Up Counselling

In this episode, our dynamic social work duo delves into crucial themes surrounding divorce dynamics. Explore the intricacies of introducing new partners to children, navigating the complexities of blending families, and rebuilding trust with your ex-spouse. Dive into discussions about managing egos during this emotional process and gain insights into divorce’s profound impact on children. Discover how every action, word, and decision shapes the lessons kids absorb, offering a compelling exploration into the profound ripple effects of divorce on family dynamics. It’s a conversation filled with practical advice, empathy, and a deep understanding of the intricate dance involved in the art of conscious uncoupling.
Divorce Party Podcast

This week on the DL: Real Life Spotlight: Children of Divorce

Guess who’s back! This week Alex and Amanda chat with their colleagues, Helen Yack and Gabbi Silverberg from RiseUp Counselling! All four women speak candidly about their personal experiences with Divorce and the impacts on the next gen – spoiler, your kids will be fine! Helen and Gabbi take us inside the minds of children whose parents are going through divorce; how they make sense of their situations, and some dos and don’ts for parents during this time.

Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast

This week A&A discuss the do’s and don’t’s around telling the kids you’re getting a divorce with the brilliant Helen Yack and Gabbi Silverberg of  Rise Up Counselling.

With practical tips like where to tell them, when to tell them and how much to tell them, you don’t want to miss it.

Instagram

It’s a bittersweet reality of co-parenting—sometimes your kid will remind you exactly why you and your ex aren’t together, and other times, they’ll remind you why you tried in the first place!

One of the fascinating dynamics we see in co-parenting work is how parents can hold such strong, sometimes painful feelings about each other while simultaneously loving the little person they created together with their whole heart.
We often hear, ‘It’s amazing how I can dislike someone so much but love their mini-me completely.’ It’s a testament to the complexities of parenting after separation.

The truth is, our children reflect the best (and sometimes the more challenging) parts of both parents, which can bring up a mix of emotions. But what we love witnessing is the moment parents recognize that the goal isn’t about liking or disliking each other—it’s about showing up for their child with love, grace, and teamwork.

At the end of the day, the best gift you can give your child is the ability to feel loved and supported by both parents, even if the road to that place isn’t always smooth.

#CoParentingJourney #TherapistThoughts #ParentingAfterSeparation #childrenofdivorce #riseupcounselling #therapyhelps #highconflictdivorce #KidsMatter #separation #coparentingcounselling #coparentingcourses
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Actions speak louder than words. Promising to prioritize your kids, co-parent peacefully, or focus on healing is one thing—but showing up is what truly matters.
✨ For Your Kids: Promises like “I’ll always put you first” mean little without follow-through. Show up consistently and shield them from unnecessary conflict.
✨ For Co-Parenting: Saying you’ll collaborate peacefully is just the beginning. What matters is making the effort—respecting agreements, keeping communication respectful, and prioritizing what’s best for the kids over your own needs.
✨ For Legal Agreements: Separation agreements are commitments, not suggestions. Following through builds trust, reduces conflict, and sets a strong foundation for co-parenting.
✨ For Yourself: Saying “I’ll heal” is a good first step, but it takes action to grow—whether through therapy, self-care, or setting boundaries. Healing is about doing the work, not just intending to.
Because in divorce, your actions don’t just define you—they shape the lives of everyone around you.
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As a therapist, witnessing a parent navigate rejection from their child in the aftermath of divorce is profoundly sad. Divorce can create deep wounds and complicated loyalties for children, leaving parents feeling helpless and heartbroken as they watch their bond with their child slip away.

The grief is layered—the loss of daily connection, the pain of seeing their child caught in the crossfire, and the constant self-questioning about what they could have done differently. What makes it even harder is knowing that their love for their child hasn’t changed, but the divorce has built walls that feel impossible to break down.

Supporting clients through this heartbreak is a delicate balance of holding space for their sorrow while helping them find hope and rebuilding strategies. It’s a reminder of how devastating divorce can be, not just for parents but for the children caught in its wake.

The reunification process between a parent and child is one of the most delicate journeys a therapist can guide. It’s a path filled with raw emotions—grief, mistrust, anger—and requires patience, empathy, and resilience.

As therapists, we witness parents’ deep longing to reconnect while children may feel hurt, confused, or caught in conflicting loyalties. Rebuilding trust isn’t quick; it happens in small, steady steps.

It’s never easy—there are setbacks, breakthroughs, and moments of heartache. But when those walls start to come down and the connection is rebuilt, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength of family bonds and the healing power of love.

#Reunification #ParentChildBond #TherapistThoughts #HealingJourney #riseupcounselling #highconflictdivorce #familytherapy #childrenofdivorce #therapyhelps #highconflictdivorce
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For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, connection, and joy. But for some, they can also bring feelings of loneliness, especially if you’re navigating life changes or spending the season away from loved ones. if this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone and there are ways to find meaning and comfort during this time.

⭐️Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to feel lonely or sad. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions without judgment.
⭐️Create New Traditions
Start fresh! Try cooking a new dish, hosting a movie night, or crafting holiday decorations that bring you joy.
⭐️Stay Connected
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Even a virtual chat can bring warmth and connection.
⭐️Plan Your Time
Keep busy with activities you enjoy or find meaningful to avoid idle moments that might feel heavier.
⭐️Celebrate on Your Terms
The holidays don’t have to be traditional. Spend the day doing something you genuinely love.
⭐️Practice Gratitude
Focus on what you’re thankful for, even if it’s the little things – they often mean the most.
⭐️Give Back
Volunteering can bring a sense of purpose and joy by connecting with others in meaningful ways.
The holidays may look different this year, and that’s okay. They’re an opportunity to redefine what brings you peace and happiness.

#MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Holidays #Loneliness #SelfCare #Community #support #riseupcounselling #therapyhelps #socialworkersofinstagram #highconflictdivorce #divorcesupport #separation #seperationsupport #lonliness
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The holiday season is a time of joy—but let’s be real, it’s also a time of stress. Between family dynamics, packed schedules, financial pressures, and even the winter blues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why seeking therapy during the holidays is such a powerful gift to yourself. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

✨ Manage Holiday Stress: Get practical tools to navigate the hustle and bustle.
✨ Prepare for Family Gatherings: Learn how to set boundaries and handle tricky dynamics.
✨ Cope with Seasonal Blues: Address feelings of sadness or isolation as the days get shorter.
✨ Process Grief and Loss: Find support if the holidays remind you of loved ones no longer here or the ones that you are no longer celebrating with. 
✨ End the Year Strong: Reflect on your growth and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.

Therapy isn’t just for when life feels unmanageable—it’s a proactive step toward resilience, peace, and well-being, especially during challenging seasons.
This year, make mental health part of your holiday self-care. It might just be the best gift you give yourself.

#MentalHealthMatters #Therapy #HolidayWellness #SelfCare #Resilience #riseupcounselling #divorcesupport #highconflictdivorce #coparenting #separation #socialworkers #holidayanddivorce #holidayseason #therapyhelps #therapymatters
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December 1st is here, and here are some questions:
❄️December 1st is here, and here are some questions:
❄️How is it already December?
❄️Are we ready for this? (Spoiler: Nope.)
❄️Does wearing fuzzy socks count as a life plan? (It should.)

December vibes:
❄️Reflecting on all the things we said we would do this year but didn’t.
❄️Realizing there are only 31 days left to pretend we are organized.
❄️Googling “last-minute gift ideas” while drinking a questionable amount of coffee.
❄️Mentally preparing for “new year, new me” posts.

How are YOU kicking off the final month of 2024? Bonus points if it involves snacks. 🍪

#DecemberMadness #WhereDidTheYearGo #PoweredByHotDrinks #riseupcounselling #therapymatters #separation #divorcesupport #highconflictdivorce #socialworkersofinstagram #fuzzysocks
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A real apology goes beyond words—it requires accountability and sincerity. Avoid deflecting responsibility or using phrases like, “I’m sorry, but…” that justify your actions. Don’t minimize the other person’s feelings by saying things like, “It’s not a big deal,” or rush for forgiveness without giving them time to process. Over-apologizing or using passive language like, “Mistakes were made,” can feel insincere and shift focus away from the harm caused. Most importantly, back your words with action—apologies mean nothing if the behaviour doesn’t change. True apologies come with empathy, ownership, and a commitment to do better.

#apology #separation #divorcesupport #riseupcounselling #tipsforapology #coparentingcounselling #highconflictdivorce
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Only some people can co-parent effectively because co-parenting requires communication, trust, and collaboration, which is only sometimes possible after a separation or divorce. As a result, many parents turn to a parallel parenting approach. 

Here’s the difference!

Co-parenting works best when parents can communicate openly and respectfully. It involves frequent collaboration on decisions about the child’s life—like education, health, and activities—allowing flexibility and shared responsibilities. This approach thrives in low-conflict relationships where parents can maintain a united front for their child’s stability.

Parallel Parenting is designed for high-conflict situations. It minimizes direct interaction using structured communication (like email or apps) and clearly defined boundaries. Each parent independently manages decisions during their time with the child, ensuring minimal conflict exposure. A detailed parenting plan keeps things organized and predictable.

Both approaches prioritize the child’s well-being but are tailored to parental communication and cooperation levels. Choose what works best for your family.

#ParentingAfterDivorce #CoParenting #parallelparenting #riseupcounselling #lifeafterdivorce #puttingchildrenfirst #childrenofdivorce #highconflictdivorce #divorcesupport #separation
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In co-parenting relationships, disrespect can shut down communication and trust in ways that even heartfelt apologies may not fully repair. Respectful interactions are key to maintaining open, effective co-parenting for the benefit of the children.

If you’ve been disrespectful in a co-parenting relationship, take a moment to reflect and adjust your approach. Pause before reacting, and ask yourself if your words or actions will help or harm communication. Always prioritize your child’s well-being over personal frustrations, and try to see things from the other parent’s perspective. Focus on parenting matters, avoid bringing up old conflicts, and take breaks if emotions run high. When necessary, offer a genuine apology to show accountability. Remember, your child is learning from your behaviour, and respectful communication not only strengthens your co-parenting relationship but also sets a positive example for them.

#childrenofdivorce #riseupcounselling #DoBetter #coparenting #divorcesupport #separation #highconflict
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Happy Birthday Gabbi! Congrats on many years of brilliance, wisdom, and success! As your business partner, I can confidently say you’ve got at least another 75 years in you—so no retiring yet! Here’s to several more decades of friendship, success, and making work way more fun than it should be. ...

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Another reality TV example 🤪

This is a great example of how children, no matter their age, are impacted by their parents’ new partner. More importantly, this clip highlights the importance of children needing a relationship with both parents.

In this episode of Sister Wives, 20-year-old Ysabel expressed her struggles with her mother, Christine’s relationship with her new partner, David. Ysabel admitted feeling conflicted, fearing David might try to replace her father despite reassurances from her mom. She shared concerns about her already strained relationship with her father, worrying that it might deteriorate further as her mother built a life with David.

Ysabel’s emotional reaction highlights her complicated longing for a closer bond with her father and her adjustment to her mom’s new partner.

The problematic relationship with her father has left a void, making Ysabel feel uncertain about forming a relationship with someone else as an adult.

#riseupcounselling #divorce #coparenting #lifeafterdivorce #blendedfamilies #sisterwives #tlc #highconflictdivorce #separation #childrenofdivorce
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Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but when it’s frequent, intense, or unresolved, it can profoundly impact children. Understanding these effects is crucial for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with families.
Here’s how conflict can shape a child’s development:

💔 Emotional Impact
Exposure to conflict can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and challenges with emotional regulation, increasing the risk of mental health issues.
💔Cognitive Development
Children exposed to high conflict often struggle with focus, concentration, learning, and developing healthy problem-solving skills.
💔Social Development
These children may find it difficult to form and maintain relationships and are prone to imitating unhealthy conflict patterns.
💔Behavioural and Physical Consequences
High conflict can result in aggression, withdrawal, risky behaviours, and stress-related health issues such as headaches and sleep disturbances.
💔Long-Term Impacts
The effects may persist into adulthood, leading to repeated negative relationship dynamics and difficulty achieving long-term goals.

There are many great resources that further dive into the impact of conflict on children. Here are just a few:

📕The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - Explores how trauma, including exposure to parental conflict, impacts a child’s brain and body.
📕How Parental Conflict Hurts Kids by the American Psychological Association - Discusses the psychological and emotional impacts of parental conflict on children.
📕The Effects of High-Conflict Divorce on Children by Psychology Today -Explains the long-term emotional and cognitive effects of parental conflict.

Conflict doesn’t just affect the here and now—it can influence a child’s future. As professionals, parents, and advocates, let’s work together to create environments where children can thrive, even in the face of challenges.

#riseupcounselling #highconflictcoparenting #coparenting #childrenofdivorce #children #separation #divorce #divorcesupport #parentingfromtwohomes #impactonchildren
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Divorce can bring out unexpected conflicts, and sometimes those arguments aren’t about money or property—but something deeply personal, like Taylor Swift tickets.

At first glance, it may seem trivial. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find these fights are rarely just about the tickets. They can represent a longing for joy in the midst of upheaval, a need for control in a chaotic time, or a way to create a special connection with the kids. Imagine one parent hoping to take the children to the concert, seeing it as an opportunity to create cherished memories. For the other, this might feel like losing their chance to bond or, worse, being cast as the “less fun” parent. The emotions tied to such conflicts often run much deeper than the surface dispute.

Whether the solution is sharing the tickets, creating new memories elsewhere, or simply acknowledging the emotions behind the argument, it’s a chance to shift from conflict to connection—for the sake of everyone involved, especially the children.

#ConflictResolution #DivorceSupport #CoParenting #EmotionalWellbeing #taylorswift #childrenofdivorce #riseupcounselling #highconflict #divorcesupport
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