As a Registered Psychologist in Calgary, I help parents develop the skills needed for more effective, child-focused co-parenting. I also bring a deeply personal understanding to this work, having navigated life after a high-conflict divorce while parenting neurodiverse teens myself. This combination of professional expertise and lived experiences allows me to meet families with genuine empathy, practical insight, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others move through this journey with confidence.
Collaboration Before Divorce:
When a couple is together, parenting coordination happens almost invisibly. Small pieces of information flow naturally throughout the day. A teenager outgrows their shoes, and one partner causally mentions it to the other, then someone takes the teen to the mall, or gives them money and the problem is solved. Or a toddler wakes up sick. Both parents know it. Without much discussion, the little one may stay home from activities that day or go to the doctor, and the shared goal of helping the child is achieved. Care for the child guides the decision.
In healthy relationships, these tiny exchanges are woven into everyday life.
Collaboration After Divorce:
After divorce, the above situations require more intentional effort. The casual information-sharing system is gone. Communication may be limited, scheduled, or tense. Everyday parenting decisions can become tangled with lingering hurt, resentment, and exhaustion. A sick child might trigger concerns about responsibility or blame. A pair of shoes might raise questions about fairness and financial responsibility. This is where co-parenting becomes a skill.
Skill-based Collaboration:
If a child needs shoes, the priority becomes the shoes. If a toddler is sick, the priority becomes the caring. I offer collaborative co-parenting support to help you to practice the skills of communication.
Together, we may focus on:
- Communication to reduce conflict and keep your child out of the middle.
- Managing emotional reactivity so decisions are made with intention.
- Creating predictability and consistency for your child.
- Navigating differences in parenting styles without escalation.
- Shifting from score-keeping to a child-focused decision-making process.
- Strengthening boundaries while maintaining respect in co-parenting interactions.
No matter where things currently stand between you and the other parent, even a small shift on one side can create a meaningful ripple effect across the entire co-parenting relationship.
Please reach out for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to explore how I might support you and your family.
Heather Alexander
Registered Psychologist
