Co-Parenting Counselling in Airdrie & Canmore​​​​

What this program provides​

• An opportunity for healing and repair in relationships after family separation.

• Education on the effects of inter-parental conflict on children's well-being, on child development, and on what to expect for children of divorce.

• Assistance in developing a parenting plan to meet your child's long-term needs, and support in maintaining and monitoring it. An agreed parenting plan is one possible outcome of the process, though not a guaranteed one.

• Communication that allows children to be loved by both parents and extended family.

• Reduced chronic litigation, by helping parents communicate effectively and resolve issues in a manner consistent with their child's developmental needs and best interests.

For individual support for your child, see our child and adolescent therapy.

How the process works 

​

The process begins with individual parent intake sessions. Each parent meets separately with the clinician to review the process, explore the family history, screen for family violence, discuss the children, and establish hopes for the future. Once this screening and information gathering is complete, parents attend sessions together, held virtually by default, with in-person sessions available.

​

In this program, parents learn to maintain a child-centred focus, to concentrate on present parenting matters rather than past relationship issues, to improve communication and negotiation skills, and to treat each other as partners in parenting.

If contact between a parent and child has broken down, see our reunification therapy.

Time commitment
​

The co-parenting process typically consists of six to twelve 90-minute sessions held over a period of six to ten months. Joint follow-up sessions may be scheduled at six and twelve months, and parents are welcome to return to the process over time.

​

What you should know before consenting

​Co-parenting counselling proceeds either by court order or by agreement between both parents, and the process is not confidential: information may become part of the public record in the context of litigation. The co-parent counsellor is not employed for the benefit of either parent. This process is not mediation or arbitration, and it does not provide recommendations on custody arrangements, parenting time, or relocation.

​​​

Fees and how to begin​

Court-ordered work is billed at the forensic rate of $425 per hour, with a retainer required in advance. Non-court-ordered work is billed at $275 to $375 per hour, depending on the complexity of the matter. A portion of the fee may be covered by extended benefit plans; parents are encouraged to inquire directly with their insurance provider, as each policy differs.

​

These sessions cannot be booked online. Please call the office at 403-448-0048 to arrange an intake. Both parents must agree to the service before it begins.

​​​

​​​​

​

​

Why families and counsel choose Child Inspired

​

Led by Dr. Michelle Soucy Dahl, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, and a Parenting Expert for the Court.
 

Maintains professional registrations with the Psychological Association of Alberta and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).

​

A collaborative team of therapists, from our doctoral-level Registered Psychologist to our Certified Counsellors.

​

Direct billing available for straightforward matters, which is uncommon for this type of work and a meaningful practical support for families.

Two offices, one in Airdrie and one in Canmore.

​

Your children do not have to carry the conflict 

​

If you are ready to work towards raising your children free from the stress of being caught in the middle, we are glad to help.

Read more about our separation and divorce services.

​

​​Airdrie office: Suite 240, 52 Gateway Dr. NE, Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6 | Canmore office: Canmore Health and Wellness Centre, 705 9th Street, Canmore, AB T1W 3L8 | 403-448-0048