The Co-parenting Support Group is not meeting at the present time but will be started again if there is sufficient interest.

The Co-parenting Support Group is for separated and divorced parents who are having difficulty co-parenting with the other parent. Emphasis is on learning from the experiences of other group members and doing what will be in the best interests of the children. Clients are required to commit to a minimum of four group sessions ($100 total for four sessions) that are paid for in advance, and new members are accepted into the group every four sessions.  This is a self-pay group (no insurance).  This group is for the “more motivated parent,” not both parents.

Cost is $25 per person per session ($100 in advance for four sessions)

Reasons for and benefits from being in the Co-parenting Support Group (this information is adapted from the writings of Irvin Yalom):

  1. Instilling hope.
    Since the group includes parents at different stages in their therapy, some of the newer group members can find encouragement from seeing the positive impacts on parents further along in the group.
  2. Universality.
    Just being part of a group of parents who understand what you are going through and have experienced similar problems with co-parenting helps parents see that they are not alone.
  3. Imparting information.
    Other parents can be a great resource for information about co-parenting.
  4. Altruism.
    The group gives parents a chance to help other parents in the group.
  5. The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group.
    This wordy principle refers to the process of parents in the group learning and exploring their childhood experiences, personalities, behaviors and feelings, and learning how to identify and avoid destructive or non-helpful behaviors in their co-parenting.
  6. Development of socialization techniques.
    The simple experience of working in a group provides excellent opportunities to socialize, practice new behaviors, and experiment in a safe environment.
  7. Imitative behavior.
    Parents can observe and imitate or model positive and helpful behaviors toward others in the group.
  8. Interpersonal learning.
    Interacting with the therapist and other group members and receiving feedback can help parents learn more about themselves.
  9. Group cohesiveness.
    Group therapy sessions can facilitate a shared sense of belonging and acceptance of one another.
  10. Catharsis.
    This principle is based on the healing powers of sharing with others; when parents talk about their feelings and experiences in a group, it can help relieve pain, guilt, and stress.
  11. Existential factors.
    Although group therapy offers parents guidance and support through the group, it also helps them realize that they are responsible for their own actions and the consequences that follow.