What Is Co-Parenting Therapy?

Co-parenting is the act of sharing parental duties. Oftentimes, parents are divorced or separated. While some of them can adapt to the situation more quickly, others find it difficult to do so and struggle with conflict, miscommunication or absence of communication.

Co-parenting therapy therefore equips them with the requisite tools and skills to help improve their communication, reduce conflict and plan for a better future.

Benefits of Co-Parenting

A good co-parenting relationship has the following benefits:

·        Children live better lives.

·        They have higher self-esteem.

·        They learn good social skills.

·        They enjoy better relationships with their parents.

·        They learn organizational skills.

·        They do better in life because they are not bogged down by conflicts.

·        Co-parents have a smoother life and make more impact on their children’s lives.

·        The family remains safe and a place of comfort for everyone.

Advantages of Co-Parenting Therapy

Co-parenting therapy helps in three main ways, namely conflict resolution, healthy communication and parenting strategies.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is one of the main benefits of co-parenting therapy. More often than not, divorced or separated parents continue to grapple with the same issues they had while they were still married. This can take a toll on their mental health or that of their children and make it difficult if not nearly impossible to have anything to do in the future. A good co-parenting therapy therefore helps them understand each other better and equips them with the relevant conflict resolution skills to be able to resolve their differences amicably whenever the need arises.

Healthy Communication

Healthy communication is another benefit of a good co-parenting therapy. It teaches co-parents effective communication strategies and affords them the opportunity to communicate better and nip conflicts in the bud before they rear their ugly head. With healthy communication, co-parents can schedule time sharing and events focusing on their children, address issues without trading blames and exchange information without reliving the past.

Parenting Strategies

The other benefit of co-parenting counseling is parenting strategies. Co-parenting therapy helps co-parents know how to take better care of their children in the face of a messy divorce or separation. It helps them learn how to be consistent with both households, arrange workable time sharing, pick-ups or drop-offs, have supplies in both households and perform any other duties as may be required from time to time for the wellbeing of their kids.

Looking after a child is difficult but raising a child all alone is even more difficult and twice the workload. The Center for Connection, Healing and Change recognizes this fact, understands the issues that tear families apart and works with families to resolve these issues and find more satisfying ways to talk and connect while protecting parents and their children.

Divorced or separated with kids? Get co-parenting therapy today and raise better kids together. Schedule a free consultation today, or visit CCHC offices in Woodbridge or Fairfax if you are in Virginia. For more information or inquiries, email CCHC or call (703) 878-3290.

Fairfax Couples’ Therapist Recommends 5 Date Activities in the Fairfax area

 The Importance of Staying Connected with your Partner during the Holidays

During this time of year, our schedules are full. Plus, our minds are stressed and our bodies are exhausted. It’s easy to slip into the routine of bingeing on your favorite television series after a hard day’s work. It’s easy to want to check out during an overscheduled weekend. Our partner may be put on the back burner of life. Sadly, we don’t always tend to our relationship in the ways it may need.

Holidays bring out the “hectic” in all of us.

If the bond with your partner isn’t feeling strongest, this hectic time may feel even more challenging. Tough family dynamics and endless Holiday parties are filled with small talk. Often, we do this while juggling sugar-filled, over-stimulated kids. Loneliness and burnout are easy to feel.

However, with a sense of closeness and connection with your loved one, you may breeze through this holiday season with ease! You’ll feel the joy, love, and laughter! So, pull out the calendar. Next, pick your last few free dates and plan a night out and about in Fairfax,

Here are a few of our favorite date nights in Fairfax:

• Old Town Clifton Night Out

Main Street in Clifton is my favorite date night spot in Northern Virginia. It’s small, but a breath of fresh air in our over-crowded and traffic-heavy streets.

You can begin your evening of connection over an intimate wine tasting at The Wine Attic. The owners create a personalized, private experience. Then, enjoy a quick walk on Main Street viewing the historic buildings and railroads. For a quaint, Italian experience, visit Trattoria Villagio. If you are hoping for something more elegant and modern, Trummer’s on Main can’t be beat with its vast menu of entrees and cocktails.

• Jammin’ Java — Vienna

You might not be able to escape the hectic holidays to attend a concert at The Anthem or Capital One Arena in DC. But, if you and your partner enjoy live music, visit Vienna’s Jammin’ Java for an intimate venue with talented musicians. You’ll be able to enjoy great music in the concert space, and there is a Lobby Bar available for before or after show refreshments. Music has a unique, sensual way of tapping into parts of ourselves not accessible when immersed in the day to day grind. This date night is sure to strengthen your bond with your loved one.

• Muse PaintBar — Mosaic District

Whether you are hoping to tap into your artistic side, or try something new, Muse PaintBar in Mosaic is a great night of fun and creativity. The artists will guide you and your loved one in creating a piece of art, and drinks and small bites are available. This night out is sure to be filled with expression, connection and even some friendly competition as you compare your final art pieces.

• Olly Olly Art Gallery — Historic Fairfax City

If you aren’t in the mood to create your own art, you could always observe others! A visit to Olly Olly Art Gallery is sure to mix up the traditional date night activity as you view local and regional artist exhibits. Observing and discussing art is sure to open up each of your minds and hearts to one another as you share how you experience the different paintings, sculptures, mixed media art, installation or performance art.

• Jimmy Potters — Fairfax

Jimmy Potters has a two date night experience as you create two clay pottery pieces. The follow-up date night, allows you to return to the studio and paint your creations together. This date may ignite some romance as you compare your experience to the iconic scene from ‘Ghost’! But at the very least, you are bound to experience laughter as you create memories, learn a new skill, and create a new piece for your home.

Interested in Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling in Fairfax?

If you and your partner are ready to mix things up and improve your relationship, our couples’ therapists can help. We have counseling offices in both Woodbridge and Fairfax, VA. If you want to begin couples therapy or marriage counseling, just follow these simple steps:

1. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Woodbridge or Fairfax.
2. Meet with a skilled couples therapist.
3. Begin to explore connection and confidence as a couple.

Other Therapy Services at The Center for Connection, Healing and Change

Relationship problems are complicated and often individual members of your family need additional support. Our therapists want to help support your entire family. Therefore, we offer a wide range of mental health services in our Northern Virginia counseling offices. Our skilled, caring therapists provide counseling for individuals, family therapy, yoga for healing, meditation and mindfulness practice, couples therapy and marriage counseling. When you are ready, we would be honored to be a part of your relationship journey.