Newly Divorced and Struggling to Co-Parent?
Co-parenting therapy can help build a healthier dynamic.
In the last two posts, I talked about how to vet a couples therapist and a relationship coach, two types of providers who can help couples communicate better, resolve conflict, and deepen connection. But what happens when the relationship ends but the responsibilities of raising children together remain?
That’s where co-parenting therapy comes in.
Co-parenting therapy is a bit like couples therapy and a bit like mediation: a structured, neutral space where conflict resolution meets collaboration. The goal isn’t to renew your relationship with your ex, but to build a healthier, more stable post-relationship environment for your kids.
If you’re co-parenting after a breakup and find yourself stuck in conflict, struggling to communicate, or wanting a healthier dynamic for your kids, this post walks you through how co-parenting therapy can help.
What is Co-Parenting Therapy?
Co-parenting therapy is a specialized form of family-focused therapy designed to help separated or divorced parents navigate the complexities of raising children together while living apart. It can also be integrated into traditional couples therapy when there is a high degree of conflict, or if parents are still together but contemplating separation.
The primary goal of co-parenting therapy is to help parents develop a functional, cooperative relationship that prioritizes their children's well-being. This is achieved through:
Improved Communication: Establishing clear, respectful dialogue that reduces misunderstandings and emotional escalation.
Conflict Resolution: Learning structured techniques to work through disagreements without damaging the co-parenting relationship.
Effective Co-Parenting Strategies: Developing shared routines, decision-making processes, and conflict-resolution methods that create a stable environment for children.
Therapists use a range of evidence-based tools (covered below) to guide parents with decision-making and logistical planning. Whether addressing high-conflict dynamics, navigating custody disputes, or simply refining communication, co-parenting therapy equips parents with practical strategies to raise well-adjusted kids from separate households.
What are the Benefits of Co-Parenting Therapy?
Co-parenting therapy provides structured guidance and facilitates communication. By prioritizing their children’s needs over personal grievances, parents create a more stable and supportive environment that fosters security and predictability for their kids.
The benefits extend beyond day-to-day logistics:
Reduced Conflict and Healthier Communication: Clear guidelines help prevent misunderstandings and emotional escalation.
Improved Decision-Making: Techniques like structured mediation and role clarification make logistical planning smoother.
Stronger Emotional Stability for Children: Consistent routines and cooperative communication provide children with a sense of security and well-being.
Better Conflict Resolution Skills: Learning to navigate disagreements respectfully creates a foundation for long-term cooperation.
By investing in co-parenting therapy, research has shown that parents not only improve their ability to collaborate but also create a healthier, more resilient environment for their children (1, 2).
What Happens in a Co-Parenting Therapy Session?
Co-parenting therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Parents arrive with a spectrum of challenges: some struggle with communication breakdowns, others with legal disputes or differences in parenting styles.
In session, the therapist provides a safe and neutral space for parents to express their concerns, explore underlying emotions, and develop effective strategies for co-parenting. Most sessions include both parents, but individual break-out sessions may also be used during the initial assessment, in moments of high conflict, or whenever dynamics require individual attention.
Co-parenting therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Parents arrive with a wide range of challenges and concerns. Some struggle with communication breakdowns, others have legal disputes or clash over parenting styles. To address these complexities, co-parenting therapists use tools like…
Boundary-setting practices: To help parents articulate clear limits around work obligations, family time, and parenting responsibilities.
Child-centered plans: Structured agreements that prioritize children’s emotional and physical well-being during transitions.
Communication mapping: To identify triggers, clarify misunderstandings, and establish healthier dialogue patterns.
Conflict mapping and structured resolution protocols: To outline key points of disagreement and work through them systematically.
Custody planning framework: A structured plan that maps out visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and logistical arrangements.
Future pacing: Mapping out educational and developmental milestones to prevent last-minute conflicts.
Health decision protocols: Clear procedures for handling medical appointments, emergencies, and consent.
Narrative work: Exercises designed to help parents articulate their perspectives clearly and manage emotions during legal proceedings.
Parental self-care agreements: Boundaries and commitments to maintain emotional well-being and prevent burnout.
Parenting agreements: Written plans that establish rules for discipline, routines, and behavioral expectations.
Prioritization matrix: A structured tool for categorizing activities and commitments based on time, cost, and developmental impact.
Role clarification exercises: To clearly define each parent's responsibilities and prevent overlap or miscommunication.
Scenario planning: Practicing responses to common conflicts, like missed curfews or disciplinary disagreements.
Screen-time agreements: Structured guidelines for digital device use to prevent daily disputes.
Shuttle mediation: Therapist-mediated communication where parents avoid direct contact to minimize conflict.
Structured dialogue sessions: Time-limited, therapist-guided conversations that prevent escalation and ensure productive exchange.
Structured mediation sessions: For legal disputes and custody planning when the therapist is also a qualified mediator.
Rituals for closure: Symbolic activities to mark the end of specific relationship roles and ease the emotional transition.
Meet the Co-Parents
The co-parenting therapy scenarios below introduce you to eight couples whose stories reflect real-world challenges commonly addressed in co-parenting therapy. While de-identified for privacy, these examples are based on real cases in my practice, capturing the complexities and growth paths these co-parents experienced in therapy (3).
Sarah and Ted: High-conflict co-parents navigating entrenched resentment, communication breakdowns, and legal considerations over custody and co-parenting rights. Through therapy, they progressed from shuttle mediation to structured dialogue sessions, eventually regaining the ability to communicate directly by phone, allowing for smoother logistical planning.
Jen and Brandon: Divorced parents struggling with visitation challenges, mistrust, and the coordination of work schedules. Therapy focused on boundary-setting, conflict resolution protocols, and structured decision-making exercises, leading to more effective scheduling and renewed trust.
Jaime and Sandra: Co-parents managing disciplinary disagreements and the challenges of raising a teenage son. Therapy introduced active listening, empathy exercises, and scenario planning, helping them create a unified approach that respected both parenting styles.
Rayshell and John: Divorced parents clashing over academic expectations, with Rayshell focused on rigorous coursework and John concerned about burnout. Through future pacing and structured planning, they mapped out educational paths that balanced academic rigor with well-being, reducing conflicts over school choices.
Jeffrey and Alejandro: Newly divorced co-parents redefining their roles, navigating emotional well-being, and coordinating logistical responsibilities. Role negotiation exercises and emotional coaching helped them establish clear divisions of labor, enabling them to support their children's stability while maintaining their own boundaries.
Heather and Dean: Co-parents struggling to adjust to their new roles while managing unresolved emotions and legal disputes over visitation schedules. Conflict resolution protocols, structured decision-making, and rituals for closure helped them separate personal hurt from logistical planning, leading to more effective co-parenting.
Richard and Sally: Divorced co-parents in conflict over extracurricular activities, screen time, and emotional stability for their children. Using prioritization matrices, screen-time agreements, and self-care plans, they created structured, child-centered solutions that respected both parents' values and reduced daily conflict.
Michael and Rebecca: High-conflict co-parents locked in legal disputes, custody battles, and cycles of unproductive escalation. Therapy introduced structured dialogue sessions, conflict mapping, and a custody planning framework, which allowed them to articulate responsibilities and decision-making roles before finalizing their agreement with a mediator.
Rebuilding Communication After Divorce
Communication breakdowns are common among co-parents, often stemming from unresolved conflicts or lingering resentment. In co-parenting therapy, the goal is to establish a clear, respectful dialogue that prioritizes the children's well-being. Therapists often use communication mapping, a process that helps parents identify patterns of miscommunication, recognize triggers, and develop healthier ways to engage. By mapping out typical conflict points and practicing alternative responses, co-parents can rebuild trust and improve their ability to collaborate effectively.
Hair-Trigger Conflicts
Sarah and Ted often struggled to communicate about their children's needs without becoming embroiled in conflict. I introduced conflict mapping exercises, helping them identify the specific triggers that escalated their arguments, like last-minute schedule changes or conflicting parenting expectations.
They also practiced self-regulation techniques during sessions, learning how to pause, breathe, and reframe before responding. Over time, these tools enabled them to hear and understand each other's perspectives without overreacting, allowing for more productive conversations that prioritized their children's well-being.
Unresolved Feelings
Heather and Dean frequently clashed over their differing parenting styles. In therapy, they discovered that their conflicts stemmed from unresolved feelings of guilt and resentment related to their divorce. I guided them through emotional differentiation exercises, helping them separate personal hurt from co-parenting responsibilities. This allowed them to recognize when emotional baggage from their relationship was spilling over into parenting decisions.
Through individual and joint sessions, they learned to express their needs and concerns without conflating past grievances with current issues. As a result, their communication improved, and they became better equipped to collaborate on parenting decisions.
Assertive Communication
Jen and Brandon struggled to coordinate their children's schedules due to conflicting work commitments. Both were hesitant to prioritize their own work obligations for fear of seeming “unavailable,” leading to anxiety, resentment, and guilt. In therapy, we practiced boundary-setting, helping them define clear limits around work hours and family time.
They practiced articulating their availability without defensiveness, learning to respect each other's schedules while still prioritizing their children’s needs. As they grew more confident in setting boundaries, their ability to collaborate on scheduling improved significantly.
Resolving Conflict Between Parents
Without effective conflict resolution skills, disagreements over parenting decisions, schedules, and other issues can quickly escalate. Co-parenting therapy helps parents develop structured strategies to navigate these conflicts collaboratively. Therapists introduce tools like conflict mapping, structured decision-making exercises, and empathy training to help parents understand each other's concerns and find workable solutions. The goal is not just to defuse conflict but to build lasting skills for negotiation and mutual respect.
Disciplinary Measures
Jaime and Sandra had regular conflicts about disciplinary measures, with each feeling their approach was more effective. In therapy, I guided them through active listening and empathy exercises to understand each other's concerns and parenting philosophies.
To solidify their progress, we created a co-parenting plan—a written agreement outlining shared rules and consequences for their children. This not only aligned with their children's needs but also reduced misunderstandings and repeated conflicts. With clearer expectations in place, Jaime and Sandra found it easier to present a united front in their parenting.
Visitation Schedules
Jen and Brandon frequently argued about visitation schedules, with minor logistical issues often sparking larger conflicts. In co-parenting therapy, their therapist helped them connect these disagreements to underlying feelings of resentment and mistrust.
To break the cycle, we engaged in structured decision-making exercises, where they outlined clear, step-by-step processes for handling scheduling conflicts. This not only reduced reactive arguments but also built trust over time, as both parents saw their concerns addressed fairly and consistently.
Extracurricular Activities
Richard wanted the kids to explore as many sports as they were interested in, while Sally prioritized academic support and music lessons. In therapy, I introduced a prioritization matrix, a tool that allowed them to categorize activities based on time commitment, cost, and developmental impact.
By mapping out their priorities visually, they were able to identify overlapping goals and negotiate compromises more effectively. I also encouraged them to give the kids a voice in the decision-making process, ensuring that their interests were part of the equation. As a result, Richard and Sally moved from conflict to collaboration, with a clear plan that respected both their values.
Bridging Parenting Style Differences
Co-parents may have different parenting styles, values, and approaches to discipline, which can lead to recurring misunderstandings and friction. In co-parenting therapy, parents can engage in exercises like conflict mapping to identify specific triggers or scenario planning to practice responding to common challenges. Through these structured activities, parents learn to create clear, consistent guidelines for raising their children, reducing conflict before it starts.
Adolescent Behavior Problems
Jaime and Sandra frequently clashed over their teenage son's rude, disrespectful behavior. In co-parenting therapy, we explored their own upbringing, values, and beliefs about adolescence and civility, uncovering the roots of their differing expectations.
I introduced scenario planning exercises, where they practiced responding to common flashpoints—like backtalk, missed curfews, and school defiance—with agreed-upon strategies. By preparing for these situations in advance, Jaime and Sandra developed a unified approach that respected both of their parenting philosophies and reduced conflict during real-life moments.
Educational Decisions
Rayshell and John had contrasting views on education. Rayshell, a self-described "tiger mom," saw every grade level as an opportunity to push for advanced coursework, while John worried about the risks of burnout. In therapy, I introduced future pacing, a structured exercise where they mapped out their children’s educational paths over the next five to ten years.
By visualizing potential challenges and milestones, they were able to identify shared values, such as the importance of academic success and personal well-being. This forward-looking approach allowed them to craft an education plan that balanced rigor with realistic expectations, reducing conflict and improving cooperation.
Screen Time
Richard and Sally struggled to agree on screen time limits for their children. Richard wanted to use screen time as a reward for good behavior, while Sally saw it as necessary downtime after a long day at school. I helped them shape screen-time agreement, a written plan that clearly outlined when and how screens would be used.
Together, they established specific guidelines for school nights, weekends, and special occasions, with built-in flexibility for unexpected changes. By putting their preferences into a structured agreement, Richard and Sally reduced daily conflicts and provided clearer expectations for their children.
Adjusting to New Roles
Separation or divorce requires parents to adjust to new roles and responsibilities as co-parents, which can be both challenging and emotionally taxing. In co-parenting therapy, parents can engage in role clarification exercises, structured discussions that outline specific responsibilities, boundaries, and expectations for each parent. These exercises help co-parents identify overlapping duties, establish clearer communication around decision-making, and prevent conflicts born from misunderstandings.
As Co-Parents
Jeffrey and Alejandro, who recently divorced, struggled to define their new roles as co-parents. In session, I introduced role negotiation exercises, where they mapped out specific parenting responsibilities like managing school drop-offs, coordinating medical appointments, and handling discipline.
These sessions helped them clarify expectations and identify potential areas of overlap or conflict. By creating a clear division of tasks and setting mutual expectations, Jeffrey and Alejandro were able to build a shared vision for their co-parenting relationship that supported both their children’s well-being and their own sense of stability.
As Divorcees
Heather and Dean, who recently separated, used individual therapy sessions to process their emotions and work through their grief over the loss of their nuclear family. In joint sessions, I introduced rituals for closure, structured activities designed to mark the end of certain shared aspects of their lives, like dividing family photos or closing joint bank accounts.
These symbolic gestures helped them acknowledge their transition from partners to co-parents with clarity and acceptance. Through this process, they were able to set emotional boundaries and support each other with more empathy during a difficult adjustment.
As Single Parents
Sarah and Ted, who recently divorced, used therapy sessions to negotiate a co-parenting schedule that worked for both them and their children. Given their history of high-conflict interactions, I introduced parallel parenting strategies, a structured approach where they minimized direct contact and communicated primarily through written updates and scheduled check-ins.
This allowed them to set firm boundaries, reduce emotional friction, and focus on their individual parenting time without constant negotiation. By prioritizing clarity and limited interaction, Sarah and Ted were able to prevent burnout and maintain their emotional well-being while still meeting their children's needs.
Prioritizing Children's Well-Being
The primary concern of co-parenting is the well-being of the children. In co-parenting therapy, parents work with the therapist to create child-centered plans, structured agreements that prioritize emotional stability, academic support, and healthy routines. When parents prioritize their children's needs, they are better equipped to create a stable, nurturing environment, even amid the complexities of divorce or separation.”
Emotional Well-Being
Jeffrey and Alejandro were concerned about the emotional impact of their separation on their children. I introduced emotional coaching techniques, practical strategies for helping their children identify and process difficult emotions.
Through role-playing and guided exercises, they learned how to validate their children’s feelings, offer reassurance during moments of stress, and model healthy emotional regulation. By maintaining a united front and using these coaching skills consistently, Jeffrey and Alejandro were able to minimize stress and build resilience in their children.
Health and Medical Needs
Michael and Rebecca struggled with communicating about their children's health and medical needs. In co-parenting therapy, I introduced a health decision protocol, a structured plan outlining how medical decisions would be discussed and finalized. This included clear guidelines for sharing information from doctor visits, emergency contacts, and consent for medical procedures.
By establishing a consistent process, they reduced misunderstandings and were able to approach their discussions with more clarity and mutual respect. With this structure in place, Michael and Rebecca made better-informed decisions together, prioritizing their children's well-being over personal disagreements.
Self-Care
Richard and Sally learned about the importance of maintaining consistency and stability in their children's routines while providing a safe and supportive environment for expressing feelings. In therapy, I introduced parental self-care agreements, structured plans that outlined boundaries for rest, work-life balance, and personal well-being.
By committing to these agreements, Richard and Sally were better able to manage their own stress levels, which in turn helped them show up more consistently for their children. Prioritizing their own well-being allowed them to be more present, patient, and resilient during co-parenting challenges.
Addressing Legal Considerations
In some cases, co-parenting therapy may be court-mandated as part of a custody agreement or divorce settlement, and thus can parents fulfill legal requirements while also addressing the underlying issues that fuel conflict.
When the therapist is also a qualified mediator, a common overlap in the field, they can conduct structured mediation sessions where parents work through legal sticking points like custody schedules, visitation rights, and decision-making authority in a neutral setting. When the co-parenting therapist is not a licensed mediator, however, it is often best practice to refer the parents to a qualified mediator for legal negotiations to ensure that all agreements are legally sound and properly structured.
Custody Agreements
Michael and Rebecca, who had been struggling to agree on a custody arrangement, came to me for co-parenting therapy to address their differences. In our sessions, I worked with them to map out the key custody concerns like school schedules, holidays, and travel arrangements. We created a provisional custody planning framework that outlined each parent’s responsibilities and decision-making authority, prioritizing their children's well-being and minimizing sources of conflict.
Because I am not a qualified mediator, I then referred them back to their mediator to collaborate with them on finalizing an agreement that was legally sound and enforceable. This approach allowed us to address their concerns methodically in therapy, while the mediator handled the legal structuring to codify the agreement.
Co-Parenting Rights and Responsibilities
Sarah and Ted, who were in the process of negotiating a custody agreement, came to me for co-parenting therapy to gain clarity on their options and better define their individual rights and responsibilities. During our sessions, I introduced boundary-setting exercises to help them establish clear guidelines around decision-making authority, financial obligations, and day-to-day parenting tasks. We worked through these areas systematically, identifying potential conflicts and articulating expectations to reduce overlap and miscommunication.
Because this was a voluntary agreement and not court-ordered, we were able to finalize an informal co-parenting plan in our sessions. This plan clearly outlined each parent’s role, daily responsibilities, and communication expectations, prioritizing their children's stability and well-being. If they decide to make it legally binding in the future, I recommended they consult with a mediator or legal professional to formalize the agreement.
Deadlocked Issues
Heather and Dean, who had been unable to agree on a visitation schedule, used therapy sessions to work through their differences. I introduced conflict resolution protocols, structured steps that guided them through deadlocked issues like scheduling, holidays, and shared responsibilities.
These protocols included setting time limits for discussions, using neutral language, and documenting agreed-upon terms for accountability. Through this structured approach, Heather and Dean were able to explore creative planning solutions and negotiate schedule compromises that met the needs of both parents and their children. As in the case of Michael and Rebecca, because this agreement required formalization, I referred them back to their mediator for finalization.
Coping Strategies
Jen and Brandon, who were preparing for a custody hearing, used individual co-parenting therapy sessions to develop a plan for presenting their case effectively in court. I introduced them to narrative work, a structured exercise where they practiced articulating their perspectives clearly and calmly, both in written statements and spoken testimony.
Through role-playing exercises, they learned how to handle cross-examination questions, maintain composure, and prioritize on the well-being of their children. This preparation helped them feel more confident and emotionally grounded, making it easier to navigate the logistical and emotional challenges of court appearances, mediation sessions, and communication with legal professionals.
High Conflict Couples
When co-parents are locked in high conflict, even the simplest conversations can spiral into shouting matches or icy silence. Co-parenting therapy steps in as both a buffer and a facilitator, using targeted strategies to prevent communication from going sideways or shutting down entirely. In some cases, therapists employ structured dialogue sessions, carefully moderated conversations, or shuttle mediation, acting as an intermediary between parents in different physical or virtual spaces.
Escalation and Unproductive Communication
Michael and Rebecca couldn’t have a single conversation without it erupting into a shouting match. In co-parenting therapy, I introduced structured dialogue sessions, moderating the conversation with strict time limits, clear protocols for turn-taking, and civility rules. To prevent escalation, each parent was encouraged to use I-statements instead of accusations, and a short pause was built in after each speaking turn to allow emotions to settle. I also helped them identify common triggers and practice de-escalation techniques like slowing their speech, lowering their volume, and reframing hostile language.
Over time, these structured sessions enabled Michael and Rebecca to express their concerns without triggering defensiveness, and they gradually regained the ability to discuss logistics without emotional blowouts.
Bitterness and Gridlock
For Sarah and Ted, the bitterness was so entrenched that they couldn’t even sit in the same room or talk on the phone. Simple logistical planning was handled entirely through terse, one-line emails that often escalated into passive-aggressive exchanges. In our sessions, I used shuttle mediation, moving between two virtual breakout rooms to relay direct messages and provide neutral interpretations of each parent’s intentions.
This approach created a buffer that allowed each parent’s voice to be heard without hostility while preventing miscommunication and escalation. Over time, we transitioned to structured dialogue sessions that encouraged more functional collaboration. Eventually, Sarah and Ted regained the ability to communicate by phone, a far more practical option than asynchronous, email-only exchanges.
What is a Co-Parenting Plan?
A co-parenting plan, also known as a co-parenting agreement, is a document created by divorced or separated parents to outline the terms of co-parenting their children. It serves as a roadmap for how parents will share custody, make decisions, and communicate effectively to support their children's well-being.
In co-parenting therapy, the development of this plan often involves structured planning sessions where parents, guided by the therapist, to work through common key topics:
Custody Arrangements: Establishes the physical custody and visitation schedule for the children, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. This ensures predictability and minimizes conflict over scheduling.
Decision-Making Authority: Defines how major decisions about the children's education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities will be made. It may specify joint decision-making or allocate specific areas to one parent.
Communication Guidelines: Sets clear expectations for how parents will communicate—whether through phone, email, or messaging apps. It also includes frequency, response times, and expectations for respectful interaction.
Financial Responsibilities: Details how child support, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses will be divided and documented, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
Relocation Procedures: Outlines the necessary steps if one parent plans to move, including notification requirements and adjustments to the custody arrangement if needed.
Travel Planning and Notification Requirements: Establishes guidelines for travel with the children, including advance notification to the other parent, agreed-upon destinations, and emergency contact information and any consent requirements for international travel.
Dispute Resolution Process: Establishes protocols for resolving disagreements, such as mediation or arbitration, before escalating to legal intervention. This keeps conflict resolution out of the courtroom whenever possible.
Parenting Guidelines: Provides consistency across both households by setting shared expectations for routines, discipline, screen time, and daily activities.
Creating a co-parenting agreement involves collaboration between parents and may require the assistance of legal professionals or mediators. If the co-parenting plan is intended to be informal, it can be finalized within the therapy process itself, providing structure and clarity without legal intervention. However, if the parents wish to legally formalize the plan, I refer them to a mediator or legal professional to ensure the agreement is legally binding and enforceable.
How to Find the Right Co-Parenting Therapist
Finding a co-parenting therapist involves many of the same principles as finding a couples therapist or relationship coach. If you want a step-by-step guide to evaluating credentials, interviewing therapists, and understanding key red flags, you can check out my recent posts: How to Choose the Right Couples Therapist [link] and How to Find a Good Relationship Coach [link].
For co-parenting therapy specifically, look for a therapist with:
Experience in High-Conflict Situations: Therapists who have worked with contentious custody battles, escalated disputes, or severe communication breakdowns are often better equipped to handle complex dynamics.
Knowledge of Family Systems Theory: Understanding the interconnectedness of family roles helps therapists navigate parental conflict without losing sight of the children's needs.
Mediation Experience (if legal agreements are involved): If custody planning or legal disputes are part of the equation, a therapist who is also a qualified mediator can facilitate structured negotiation and ensure agreements are legally sound. If your therapist is not a mediator, consider pairing therapy with a qualified mediator for legal matters.
Familiarity with Co-Parenting Frameworks: Approaches like the Gottman Method, Conflict Resolution Techniques, and Parenting Coordination can indicate that the therapist understands the nuances of parenting across two households.
The right co-parenting therapist not only facilitates communication but also provides structured tools for decision-making, conflict resolution, and long-term planning.
Final Thoughts
Co-parenting therapy is about building a sustainable, respectful partnership that prioritizes your children’s well-being. Whether you’re struggling with communication breakdowns, clashing over parenting styles, or managing high-conflict dynamics, the right support can transform how you navigate life after separation. If you’re ready to take the first step toward effective co-parenting, consider scheduling a consultation to explore how structured guidance can create lasting change for your family.
1 Eira Nunes, C., de Roten, Y., El Ghaziri, N., Favez, N., & Darwiche, J. (2021). Co-parenting programs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Family Relations, 70(3), 759–776.
2 McHale, J. P., Kuersten-Hogan, R., & Rao, N. (2004). Growing points for coparenting theory and research. Journal of Adult Development, 11(3), 221–234.
3 These vignettes are drawn from real cases in my therapy practice. Names, demographics, and other identifying information have been changed to protect confidentiality.