Parent Coordination vs. Co-Parent Coaching

Parents often contact NDCC saying, “We need help co-parenting.”

But what kind of help?

Parent Coordination and Co-Parent Coaching can both address parenting conflict, yet they are distinct services.

Parent Coordination

Parent Coordination is typically associated with high-conflict parenting cases and may be connected to a court order or formal appointment.

The Parenting Coordinator works within the scope established by applicable law, professional requirements, agreements, and the court's order.

Issues may involve interpretation or implementation of parenting arrangements, recurring disagreements, communication protocols, schedules, transitions, and other parenting disputes.

Co-Parent Coaching

Co-Parent Coaching is generally more educational and skills focused.

Parents may work on:

• Appropriate communication

• Emotional regulation

• Boundaries

• Conflict-management skills

• Child-focused decision-making

• Parallel parenting concepts

• Keeping children outside adult disputes

  
  

Coaching can be useful even when parents are not involved in litigation.

Which One Do You Need?

Start with the legal documents.

If a court specifically appointed a Parenting Coordinator, coaching should not automatically be substituted for that service.

If your attorney or court has simply recommended improving co-parenting skills, coaching may be worth discussing.

The appropriate service depends on the family's needs and legal circumstances.

What About Couples Counseling?

Neither service should automatically be treated as couples counseling.

Former partners do not need to repair their romantic relationship to become more functional co-parents.

The focus is parenting.

For many high-conflict families, success may mean reducing unnecessary communication and developing clear, predictable, child-focused protocols rather than creating a close relationship between the adults.

FAQ

Can Co-Parent Coaching be court ordered?Depending on the jurisdiction and case, courts may order or recommend parenting-related education or intervention. The specific order determines what is required.

Is Co-Parent Coaching therapy?Coaching and psychotherapy are distinct services. Providers should clearly define the role at intake.

Can I attend coaching without my co-parent?Depending on the service model and goals, individual parent coaching may be possible.

Which is better for high conflict?That depends upon the nature of the conflict, legal circumstances, parenting plan, and professional role needed.

Not sure which service your case requires?

Parents and attorneys may contact NDCC with information about the requested or court-ordered service to determine whether it falls within the practice's available services. Contact me via email: Danielle@NewDirectionCounselingandConsulting.com