Therapeutic Parenting Time
By Peaceful Waters provides Therapeutic Parenting Time for parents in Kitchener-Waterloo and throughout the region. This service was formerly known as therapeutic access. We help parents build connection with their children in a child-focused manner that shelters children from adult conflict in accordance with all court orders and parenting agreements.
What is Therapeutic Parenting Time?
Therapeutic Parenting Time is designed to help parents and kids to re-establish a positive connection that is safe and healthy. This service is best suited to parents and their children when they are feeling disconnected and are unsure how to rebuild their relationship.
A Therapeutic Parenting Coach meets with and supports parents individually and during sessions with their child. The Coach equips parents with age-appropriate strategies to foster connection with their child. They also prioritize the safety and interests of the child while honouring all court orders and agreements.
When appropriate, Therapeutic Parenting Time is used in combination with our unique Rebuilding Relationships program.
The Role of the Therapeutic Parenting Coach
The Parenting Coach meets with the parent before, during and after Therapeutic Parenting sessions. These meetings foster a mutual understanding of the child’s needs and provide time for the parent to discuss and practice attachment-based parenting skills with the coach.
The role of the Parenting Coach is to :
- Foster positive interactions and shared memories
- Promote healthy, attachment-based connection and communication
- Promote positive discipline strategies that foster mutual respect
- Support the best interests of the child
Principles of Therapeutic Parenting Time
Although there is a structure, rhythm and goals through the process of Therapeutic Parenting Time, it is not a linear process. This is simply due to the nature of working with children and relationships. Therefore, it is vital for parents to embrace the foundational principles of Therapeutic Parenting Time and mange their expectations to prevent discouragement.
These principles are:
- Re-establishing and strengthening relationships is not a linear process. This is why some visits may feel like progress while others may present new challenges.
- The Therapeutic Parenting Coach can equip and support parents with strategies for challenging visits.
- Children are relying on the steady lead of the adults in their lives.
- From time-to-time, the Parenting Coach may need to work individually with either the parent or the child to ensure positive interactions during the sessions. This means that parents should be prepared for periodic delays or postponed sessions while keeping the greater goal in mind.
Self-Care During Therapeutic Parenting Time
The process of re-establishing relationship between a parent and child can raise emotions and challenges that are compounded by separation and divorce.
We recommend that parents and children attend individual therapy during this process. By Peaceful Waters offers therapy for both adults and children that is uniquely designed to meet their needs.
We also recommend that during this time, participants draw on their circle of relationship for support and practice self-care by taking care of their physical and nutritional needs.
Child Centred Divorce Services
Parenting Plan Mediation
Mediate your parenting plan and avoid lengthy court proceedings. Our mediators work with you to develop a plan that is child centred while equipping you to minimize conflict in your co-parenting relationship.
Rebuilding Relationships
We work with parents who believe that it is in their child's best interest to have a meaningful relationship with both parents within the bounds of a healthy and secure parenting approach.
Voice of the Child
We create a safe atmosphere to talk with your child regarding family decisions relating to them. With their views and preferences clarified, parents can make informed decisions with their child's best interests in mind.
Section 30 Assessments
BPW professionals identify and provide an assessment of the needs of your child and make formal recommendations regarding parenting time and decision-making.
Email Moderator
Our family professionals moderate the content of email communications between parents to faciliate a healthy, business-like co-parenting relationship by ensuring that communication is appropriate and respectful.
Intimate Partner Violence Screening
We provide the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) screening which is required for anyone who participates in mediation with a lawyer, in a collabortive process or with a mediator/arbirtrator.
CCDS Parent Coaching
Receive practical tools to support your child through separation and divorce in terms they can understand. Gain tools to address behaviours and challenges children commonly face during this family transition.
Therapeutic Parenting Time
We help rebuild connection between parents and kids with hands-on parent coaching, while honuring all court orders and parenting agreements.
Vocational Evaluations
Vocational and labour market evaluations provide an expert opinion regarding a client's ability to work and their earning potential as it relates to their Financial Agreement.