Areas of Practice

Elaine has experience in treating:

• Anger management
• Anxiety and depression
• Bereavement and grief
• Personal development
• Sexual abuse and trauma

• Couples communication to assist them to increase their connections and appreciation of each other
• Utilizes philosophies and skills learned from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Ottawa, ON by Dr. Sue Johnson and Gottman Institute, Seattle, Washington directed by Dr. John Gottman

• Mediation and separation agreements
• Co-parenting plans to maintain children’s relationships with both parents
• Child support
• Property division

• Daily routines and parenting schedule
• Parenting time arrangements (e.g. holidays, school functions)
• Discipline issues
• Transportation and exchange
• Medical issues

• Daily routines and parenting schedules
• Transportation and exchange of children
• Extracurricular activities and special events
• Education

Effective Co-Parenting: Best Practices for Parents to Help Their Children

• How you manage your divorce has an impact on your children
• Observe your children’s behavior and listen to what they say
• The child’s age and personality are factors in how they respond
• There can be many loss and grief reactions for both adults and children
• Co-parents have a new relationship: the business of co-parenting and raising healthy, well functioning children
• As a parent, focus on your life with your children
• Transitioning between homes can be difficult for children
• Celebrations and holiday times can be stressful for both parents and children
• New adult relationships may be challenging for children
• Parenting plans provide a framework for both adults and children

Effective Co-Parenting: Best Help for Children of Any Age

• Tell your children often that you love them
• Tell the children often that the separation/divorce is not their fault
• Do not speak badly of your co-parent in front of the children, EVER
• Give your child permission to love the other parent, and to have a good time with them
• Do not make your child a messenger between you and your co-parent
• Spend special times with each of your children individually
• Keep boundaries between the parent roles and child roles clear
• Talk to their teachers, tell them about the separation and ask for their help
• Treat your "ex" as a business partner. Stick to the facts and talk only about your child
• Take care of yourself!