Divorce & co-parenting counselling in Kelowna.
Separation changes everything: your home, your routines, your family. Our counsellors help you find your footing, care for your children through the transition, and build a co-parenting relationship that keeps kids at the centre.
Support for every stage of separation
Whether you're just starting to think about separating, in the middle of it, or years into life as a two-home family, counselling can help you move forward with more calm and clarity. We support individuals, parents, children and whole families.
Divorce and co-parenting counselling may help if you're:
- Coping with grief, anger or anxiety after a separation
- Worried about how the separation is affecting your children
- Struggling to communicate with your co-parent without conflict
- Working out a parenting plan or schedule
- Adjusting to a new partner, step-children or a blended family
- Wanting your children's voices heard in decisions about them
Our divorce & co-parenting services
Separation & divorce counselling
One-on-one support to work through the grief, stress and big decisions that come with the end of a relationship, and to rebuild your sense of self.
Co-parenting counselling
Sessions that help parents communicate more calmly, reduce conflict, and make decisions together in the best interests of their children.
Mediation & parenting plans
Support for separating parents to work through disagreements and create a clear, child-focused parenting plan that works for everyone.
Hear the Child reports
A Hear the Child report gives children a safe way to share their views about decisions that affect them during a separation. Learn more
Child & teen counselling
A safe space for children and teens to make sense of their feelings about the separation and adjust to life in two homes.
Blended family counselling
Help for families navigating new partners, step-parenting, step-siblings and shifting roles.
Common challenges we help with
Meet Cheryl & Jessica
Our divorce and co-parenting counselling is led by two experienced family therapists who understand how separation affects every member of the family.
Cheryl Koressel
Cheryl is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. She supports individuals, children and families with family conflict, parenting, co-parenting, ADHD, anxiety and relationships, helping families find steadier ground during and after separation.
Jessica Alderliesten
Jessica is a Registered Social Worker who helps families, children and parents navigate separation, co-parenting and conflict with calm, empathy and practical support. She has post-graduate training in family mediation and separation through the Justice Institute of BC, and writes Hear the Child reports, giving children a voice in decisions that affect them.
Getting started is simple
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Book a free consultation
Book online with Cheryl or Jessica, or fill out our Best Fit Form and our office manager will call to help you choose the right service and counsellor.
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Share what's happening
Your counsellor will learn about your family, where you are in the separation process, and what you most need right now, whether that's support for yourself, your children or your co-parenting relationship.
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Make a plan
Together, you'll decide who should attend sessions (you alone, both parents, your children, or a mix) and what you'd like to work toward.
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Move forward
With the right support, families can reduce conflict, help children feel secure, and build a new normal that works.
Cozy spaces in Kelowna & West Kelowna
Our offices in downtown Kelowna and West Kelowna are small, welcoming spaces designed to feel more like a living room than a clinic. Online and phone sessions are also available anywhere in BC, which can make co-parenting sessions easier when parents live apart.
Downtown Kelowna
1462 Saint Paul Street, Unit 204Kelowna, BC Get directions →
West Kelowna
1385 Stevens Road, Unit 1AWest Kelowna, BC Get directions →
Clear, simple fees
Many extended health plans cover counselling with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs). Check your plan for coverage details. We can direct bill most providers, or give you a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
One-on-one counselling for a parent or child.
Joint sessions with both parents or with the family.
Sessions with a master's-level counselling intern through our low-cost program. Call 250-258-2696 to ask about availability.
For mediation and Hear the Child report fees, please call our office at 250-258-2696.
Frequently asked questions
Do both parents need to attend co-parenting counselling?
Co-parenting counselling works best when both parents take part, either together or in separate sessions. If your co-parent isn't ready, individual counselling can still help you respond to conflict and support your children.
Can we attend co-parenting sessions online?
Yes. Online and phone sessions are available, which can be helpful when parents live in different homes or find it easier not to be in the same room.
What is a Hear the Child report?
A Hear the Child report shares a child's views about decisions that affect them, such as parenting time and living arrangements, so their voice can be considered during a separation. Visit our Hear the Child page to learn more.
How can I help my children through our separation?
Children cope best when they feel safe, loved by both parents, and protected from conflict. Our counsellors can help you talk to your kids about the separation and support them through the changes, and children can also have their own sessions.
Do your counsellors give legal advice?
No. Our counsellors provide emotional and practical support, mediation and parenting plan help, but not legal advice. We're happy to work alongside your lawyer or other professionals involved.
How much does co-parenting counselling cost?
Individual sessions are $155 and joint co-parenting or family sessions are $175. Low-cost sessions with a master's-level intern are $45. Call 250-258-2696 to ask, or for mediation and Hear the Child report fees.
What if there has been abuse or I don't feel safe with my co-parent?
Your safety and your children's safety come first. Joint sessions may not be appropriate where there is family violence, and we can talk with you privately about safer options. You can also contact VictimLinkBC any time at 1-800-563-0808. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.
A calmer path forward, for the whole family.
Book a free consultation with Cheryl or Jessica, or fill out our Best Fit Form and we'll help you find the right support.
If you're in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), or call 911.