Separation & Co-Parenting Counselling
Collaborative Divorce
Parenting Coordination
Child-Focused. Practical. Experienced.
Abby Petterson, MA, RCC, RP provides counselling, psychotherapy, and professional services related to separation, divorce, and co-parenting for individuals and families.
In-person sessions in North Vancouver | Virtual sessions throughout British Columbia
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Separation and Co-Parenting Counselling & Psychotherapy
Parenting Coordinator | Collaborative Divorce Professional
Abby Petterson, MA Psych, RP, RCC
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #001834)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC #2344)
Abby has over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting. Her practice focuses on co-parenting counselling, parenting coordination, collaborative divorce, high-conflict separation and divorce, and blended family dynamics. She regularly works alongside family law professionals and other specialists to support families through the separation and divorce process.
Abby is a member of the BC Roster of Collaborative Professionals, the BC Parenting Coordinators Roster, Collaborative Professionals of Canada, Collaborative Divorce Vancouver, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
Practice Areas
Navigating Separation, Divorce and Co-Parenting
Abby works with individuals, parents, and families navigating the emotional and practical challenges that arise during separation and divorce. Her training and experience include collaborative divorce, parenting coordination, family mediation, parenting plan development, parent–child contact problems, high-conflict family dynamics, post-divorce adjustment, child development, and family systems therapy.
She has particular experience supporting families facing complex co-parenting relationships and high-conflict dynamics.
Her approach focuses on helping clients manage conflict, make thoughtful decisions, and move forward in ways that support their well-being while keeping the best interests of children at the centre of the process.
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Counselling and psychotherapy offer a safe space to explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and gain insight into personal challenges. These services improve mental health, enhance relationships, and foster personal growth, contributing to overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Abby Petterson provides professional, confidential, and non-judgmental support for individuals, couples, and families.
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Collaborative Divorce is a client-centered process for resolving separation and divorce issues without court involvement. Clients collaborate with a team of professionals, including specially trained family lawyers, financial advisors, and mental health experts (divorce coaches and child specialists). Each professional contributes specialized knowledge to address various aspects of the divorce.
Respectful communication and cooperation are encouraged, helping to maintain a civil relationship between the parties. This process is especially beneficial for couples with children, as it promotes a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Abby Petterson is an experienced Collaborative Divorce Coach and Child Specialist who also provides Interdisciplinary Collaborative Divorce training.
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Divorce Coaches and Co-Parenting Counsellors are licensed mental health practitioners with specialized training and expertise in high-conflict dynamics, family systems, intimate partner violence, family mediation, and child development. Their roles are crucial in helping families navigate the challenges of separation, divorce, and post-divorce life.
Abby assists in managing stress, improving communication, and developing parenting plans. Depending on the needs and dynamics of the situation, she can provide support to families as either a single divorce coach/co-parenting counsellor or by working with one party when two divorce coaches/co-parenting counsellors are involved.
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A Child Specialist involved in the divorce process focuses on the well-being and emotional health of the children.
Abby Petterson is an experienced Child Specialist who prioritizes the needs and perspectives of children during separation and divorce. She provides strategies for effective co-parenting and minimizing disputes that could negatively impact the children. She has worked with children of all ages to create a safe environment for them to express their needs and navigate the changes in their family.
Services Offered
Separation and Co-Parenting Counselling & PsychotherapyCollaborative Divorce
In her work with separating partners and co-parents, Abby helps clients manage conflict and develop more effective ways of communicating and making decisions during and after separation. She supports parents in resolving disputes and creating clear, practical parenting plans that reflect the needs of their family and the best interests of their children.
Collaborative Divorce
Abby works as both a Collaborative Divorce Coach and Child Specialist within the Collaborative Divorce process.
As a Divorce Coach, she helps clients improve communication, manage conflict, and navigate the emotional aspects of separation while working collaboratively with lawyers and other members of the collaborative team. She also supports parents in developing parenting goals and parenting plans.
As a Child Specialist, Abby meets with children to understand their experiences and perspectives and brings this information into the collaborative process to help parents make decisions that support their children’s needs.
Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process designed to help separated or divorced parents manage ongoing parenting conflicts. As a neutral, child-focused professional, Abby works with parents to implement and manage their parenting agreements or court orders, improve communication, and resolve day-to-day parenting issues and disputes.
The goal of parenting coordination is to reduce conflict, support effective co-parenting, and assist parents in making decisions that prioritize the best interests of their children.
Individual, Couple and Family Counselling & Psychotherapy
Abby offers counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and children aged 10 and older who may be experiencing challenges related to relationship conflict, pre-separation concerns, separation and divorce, depression, anxiety, or other significant life transitions. Therapy provides a supportive and confidential space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and work through difficult experiences.
Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs, helping individuals and families develop greater resilience, clarity, and well-being as they navigate change.
Contact Us
To book an appointment or inquire about services please fill out the form below to send a confidential email to AJ Petterson & Associates Inc.
Office Phone:
604-780-6164Email:
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