In co-parenting counseling, both parents will learn to put aside their personal differences so they can work together in the best interests of their children. You will learn to practice rules of compromising, and come up with a parenting plan that will make your job easier.
The co-parenting counselor will initially meet with each parent separately to complete an assessment, gather important history, learn about the current dynamics, and understand your sources of conflict. If it is necessary to meet the children, a meeting will be arranged.
She will then place your focus on communicating about the children, rather than unresolved issues of the couple. This helps to redirect the energy of both parents where it belongs: On the needs of the children which then breaks the cycle of the court’s motions and your frustrations with each other.
The counselor helps parents create and implement a parenting plan that could include visitation schedules, holiday schedules, trading rules, phone calls, and the time and location of exchanges. She facilitates communication between parents, reduces/resolves conflict, and will provide helpful resources.