Separation and Divorce Counseling in Oakland, CA

Divorce and Separation is a destabilizing event for both parents and children. Many families need support to make the best decisions for the children during this stressful time. Co-parenting Counseling and Mediation can help to reduce conflict and provide a space to work out difficult issues. All parents want what is best for their children, having a healthy co-parenting relationship is a step toward providing children with a safe and conflict free environment.

My approach to co-parenting therapy and custody mediation.

I have provided services to families experiencing separation and divorce for over fifteen years, both as a Family Law Mediator in Alameda County Superior Court and in private practice. My approach to coparenting and mediation is practical and non-judgmental with the best interest of your child/ren as a guide for developing a parenting plan.

Contact me to learn more about divorce therapy in Oakland.

Divorce and Therapy Services in Oakland

Custody Mediation

Custody mediation is a process where parents work together to develop a parenting plan that best meets their children’s needs. Parenting plans are individual and tailored to the needs of each family.

Co-Parent Counseling

Co-Parenting Counseling is an opportunity to rebuild trust by working together to provide for your children’s needs. Often this includes making agreements outside of the court order to provide for your children’s needs.

Family Reconnection

Sometimes divorce and separation can cause a disconnection in the parent-child relationship. A therapeutic intervention in the context of family therapy helps children voice their hurt and sadness and gives parents an opportunity to hear and understand their child’s experience.

Meditation Preparation and Co-Parent Coaching

Assists parents entering mediation and managing relationships with both co-parents and children.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Typical parenting plans will include: a basic timeshare schedule, vacation and a school break schedule, a holiday schedule, transportation, extracurriculars, etc.

    • Timeshare formulation is based on age, current relationships with each parent and the child’s needs.

    • For very young children the best plan allows the child frequent and consistent patterns of time with each parent

    • School Age children are better able to manage longer times away from each parent and often longer blocks of time with each parent.

    • Adolescents often have their own ideas and wishes about how they spend time with each parent. The best timeshare takes the child’s wishes into account.

  • Some conflict is normal and to be expected in the co-parent relationship. However, ongoing chronic conflict will negatively impact your child/ren. Helpful ways to manage conflict: give your co-parent the benefit of the doubt, be open and flexible, before jumping to conclusions and assumptions check in with your co-parent in a non-accusatory way.

  • Don’t

    • Use your child as a messenger

    • Talk with your child about your disappointment with the other parent

    • Involve the child in financial or other conflicts

    • Speak poorly of the other parent

    • Discuss co parenting issues or fight during exchanges

    Do’s

    • Encourage your child to discuss their needs and wants with the other parent

    • Be professional and appropriate at exchanges

    • Let your child know that you appreciate their time with the other parent

    • Support your co parent when they are having parenting challenges

    • Give you co parent the benefit of the doubt

  • Sliding Scale — $200-$275

    • Sherna Perez is the lead clinician. Shannon and Adriana consult. We work as a team.

    • We offer 50-minute sessions

    • 24-hour cancelation policy

    • We offer both in-person and virtual options