Navigating Divorce & Co-Parenting

Parenting through divorce is one of the most emotionally complex experiences a family can face. Two homes, two routines, and two very different parenting styles can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure of how to support their child during such a big transition. Many mothers and fathers describe feeling overstimulated, anxious, or afraid the conflict will affect their child’s well-being.

You are not alone in these feelings—and you don’t have to navigate them without support.

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, Clinical Counsellor, Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, RCC, CCC, provides a warm, non-judgmental space for parents moving through divorce, co-parenting challenges, or blended-family stress. The focus is always on helping you stay grounded, confident, and aligned with the parent you want to be—even when things around you feel chaotic or unpredictable.

 Divorce can bring forward:

• emotional overwhelm 
• increased anxiety or guilt 
• overstimulation and feeling “touched out” 
• frustration around inconsistent rules 
• difficulty communicating with a co-parent 
• fear of damaging the child’s emotional health 
• stress around transitions between homes
   

Parents frequently share with our clinical counsellor that one of the most challenging parts of co-parenting is navigating the conflicting parenting styles, inconsistent rules, and differing boundaries in the other home—and especially managing the dysregulation their child experiences when transitioning back. These moments often leave parents feeling helpless, frustrated, or unsure how to support their child while maintaining their own values and structure.

These experiences are common—and they are workable with the right support.

Through trauma-informed, practical, and collaborative approaches, our clinical counsellor helps parents build emotional stability, clarity, and confidence—regardless of what is happening in the other home. Each step is grounded in evidence-based modalities that support both the mind and the nervous system. Therapy helps parents:

• Stay regulated during co-parenting stress
  Somatic therapy, grounding tools, and mindfulness help you pause, breathe, and respond instead of react. 
• Understand why certain interactions feel triggering
  IFS / Parts Work explores the parts of you activated by conflict, fear, or old inner child wounds. 
• Communicate more clearly and effectively
  CBT and narrative therapy support calmer thinking and language that reduces tension. 
• Reduce guilt, shame, and “I’m failing” beliefs
  Self-compassion practices and reframing tools soften harsh internal narratives. 
• Support your child across two homes
  Attachment-based strategies and parenting coaching offer tools for transitions, emotional expression, and co-regulation. 
• Navigate overstimulation and sensory overload
  Somatic and mindfulness practices help you stay grounded when noise, touch, or big feelings feel like “too much.” 
• Create predictability and safety in your home
  Psychoeducation and routine-building strategies help stabilize your child—especially after dysregulated returns from the other household. 
• Strengthen co-regulation and connection
  Attachment-based work helps you show up as a steady, calming presence during difficult moments.
   

Parents often share that, over time, they feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally steady—even when the larger situation hasn’t changed. Therapy becomes a place to breathe, reset, and reconnect with the parent you want to be.

1. Focus on the home you can influence.
You cannot control the other household, but you can create safety and consistency in yours.

2. Keep routines predictable.
Structure helps children feel grounded during transitions.

3. Respond intentionally—not reactively.
Before replying to a co-parent, pause and ask: “Does this support my child?”

4. Validate your child—without taking sides.
Children need emotional safety, not conflict-based loyalty.

5. Repair when things feel tense.
A simple, “I was overwhelmed—let’s try again,” strengthens trust.

Divorce can activate old wounds, emotional triggers, and moments of profound overwhelm. With compassionate support, you can stay grounded, parent with clarity, and build a home where your child feels safe and connected—even in the midst of change.