Co-Parenting Consultation

I have developed a subspecialty interest in the area of alternative dispute resolution. This includes issues related to post-decree parenting disputes experienced by divorced parents.

There is often a concern for children in the aftermath of divorce. One of the key research findings regarding the impact of divorce upon children is that their post-divorce adjustment is often shaped by the amount of post-decree conflict between the parents. One of the most effective interventions to help children of divorced parents is to facilitate reduced conflict between parents.

My interest in helping kids and families after divorce has led me to develop two services for divorced parents and their children, which differ based upon the needs and circumstances of the family.

• Co-parenting consultation — this is mediation tailored to the needs of post-decree parents.
• Parenting coordination — this is a court-ordered intervention where the provider utilizes mediation skills, but also may intervene with parents in a more directive and assertive manner than typically occurs in mediation, to reduce parent conflict and facilitate consistency in parenting styles.

Co-parenting consultation services are a form of mediation which is defined as, "...a process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute..." (Illinois Uniform Mediation Act, 710 ILCS 35/2(1)).

Co-parenting consultation is not psychotherapy and does not include psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment of a mental health condition. Participation in co-parenting consultation is always voluntary and includes the services listed below:

• The consultant provides mediation services, seeking to improve communication and dispute resolution between parents regarding parenting decisions.
• The consultant provides education and coaching regarding child development, impact of divorce upon children and effective post-decree parenting strategies, seeking to improve consistency in parenting and reduce conflicts between parents.
• The consultant provides a forum for discussion of parenting decisions and assists parents in reaching conjoint understandings and durable decisions with respect to parenting.
• The consultant seeks to reduce the child’s exposure to conflict or disputes between the parents.
• The consultant may recommend or assist parties in developing guidelines, shared understandings or ground rules for communication between parents.
• The consultant maintains a position of impartiality and neutrality throughout the consultation process, is guided by the best interests of the children. The parties affirm that the consultant has no prior interest, financial or personal, or prior relationship with themselves or, to the best of their knowledge, the other party which might compromise the consultant’s impartiality.

For more information about the parenting consultation services available through Hawthorn Counseling Group please contact Dr. Jochem at (847) 680-0755 or jdjochem@proton.me.