HIGH-CONFLICT DIVORCE
HOW TO MANAGE THROUGH A BITTER DIVORCE:
Co-parenting is regarded as the best approach to help you and your child mitigate the harmful effects of divorce. Unfortunately, working with your ex-spouse can come with further conflict when it comes to agreeing on how to raise your child. High-conflict exes are on a mission to overthrow or undermine the other parent. No therapist, mediator, lawyer, parenting class, or well-intentioned family member can make an anger-addicted ex take off the gloves and agree to co-parent.
Parallel parenting can be a more productive alternative. While focusing on written communication creates a paper trail, and can break down barriers, there is no substitute for ground rules and processes that both parties can agree upon.
THE WAY FORWARD:
Understand that what we are doing is in the child’s best interest, and by obtaining buy-in from both parents, we can start the therapeutic process in a constructive way. While you may have legal consent, it is in the best interest of the child to obtain both parents' consent. This ensures that both parents have a trusting relationship with the therapist, and know that there are no sides; just the care of your child. If contacting or gaining approval from the other parent doesn’t happen, know that a court order may be a last-resort option. In the meantime, let's start the healing process.