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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...