Post-Separation Family Therapy

1. High Conflict Families – Families who are not able to manage conflict post-separation, who are often unable to resolve issues directly. Includes families who are currently going through the family court or who have been through the family court.
   • RRT can do direct
   • Apply forms of indirect communication using our of our parent coaches/family therapists as a conduit via email or through therapeutic intervention
   • Support families where one parent is not seeing one of their children
2. Low Conflict Families – Families that have been through separation, but who are able to have conversation about the separation itself, co-parenting and other family related topics while in the room at the same time. Parents who have separated although are able to communicate directly with one another.

Estrangement vs Alienation

Parental alienation is when one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often during divorce, while parental estrangement is when a child independently chooses to limit contact due to personal reasons. Find out more here.

Divorce Coaching

• – Helping families successfully navigate separation without the court process
• – Helping parents manage parental communication through the process of separation and afterward
• – Helping parents talk with children about separation and hold family conversations

Using family mediation to have direct and specific plans for how to co-parent post-Divorce coaching is a form of support and guidance provided to individuals going through the process of divorce. Divorce coaches are trained professionals, who assist individuals in navigating the practical, emotional, and logistical challenges of divorce. They offer personalized guidance to help clients make informed decisions, manage their emotions, communicate effectively with their ex-spouse, and create strategies for moving forward. Divorce coaching can cover a wide range of topics, from legal considerations and financial planning to coping with emotional stress and co-parenting strategies, all aimed at helping individuals achieve a smoother and more empowered transition through the divorce process.

Divorce coaching provides individuals with personalized support and practical guidance throughout the divorce process. Coaches help clients understand their options, navigate complex legal and financial matters, and manage the emotional challenges that arise. Through one-on-one sessions, coaches offer a safe space for clients to express their concerns, fears, and goals, while also helping them develop effective communication and negotiation skills for interactions with their ex-spouse. Divorce coaches empower individuals to make informed decisions, create realistic plans, and work towards a healthier post-divorce future by addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of this life transition.

What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Family Dispute Resolution, or FDR as it is more commonly called, is a niche and specialised form of mediation specific to separated families which deals with children’s matters and/or financial matters. The independent Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) facilitates your mediation in an impartial and non-judgemental manner. Through FDR, families affected by separation are able to narrow their disputed issues, discuss and generate possible outcomes for their family, and ultimately reach agreements to move forward with. Based on the premise that all families are unique and are best suited to making decisions for family, the FDRP will guide your session/s, however will not give legal advice or impose outcomes on the family.

Child Inclusive Practice (CIP)
Where deemed appropriate by your FDRP, and with the consent of both parents, your FDR process may include Child Inclusive Practice (CIP). This is where an experienced Child Consultant will meet with your child/ren any concerns your child/ren might have regarding your separation. Our Child Consultants create a safe and comfortable environment, which most children find therapeutic. Pending your child/ren’s consent, the Consultant may then share feedback with the parents as well as making recommendations, within the FDR process.  Your FDRP will then assist you to use this acquired information to assist you in your decision-making.

Collaborative Practice
At Ray’s Room, we believe in, and advocate for, collaborative practice between all relevant professionals. Similar to the old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child”, in many cases it takes the support of various professionals to guide families effectively through a separation. It is for this reason that, where beneficial, our FDRPs work collaboratively with therapists, child consultants and solicitors to ensure families experience a supported FDR process and reach the best outcomes. All of our practitioners are open to initiating and receiving cross-referrals and have a network of trusted professionals if required.