Separation & Co-Parenting Counselling
Collaborative Divorce
Parenting Coordination
Child-Focused. Practical. Experienced.
Abby Petterson, MA Psych, RP, RCC provides counselling, psychotherapy, and professional services for individuals and families navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting.
In-person sessions in North Vancouver | Virtual sessions throughout British Columbia
Learn More
Separation & Co-Parenting Counselling
Parenting Coordination | Collaborative Divorce
Abby Petterson, MA Psych, RP, RCC
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #001834)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC #2344)
Abby has over 20 years of experience supporting 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 lawyers and other professionals 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 of 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 experiencing 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.
-
Separation & Co-Parenting Counselling and Psychotherapy supports individuals and couples going through separation, divorce, or relationship changes. This work focuses on managing emotions, navigating decisions, and adjusting to new family dynamics during this transition.
For families with children, it can help develop parenting arrangements, improve communication between parents, and support healthy co-parenting
-
Collaborative divorce is a client-centered process for resolving separation and divorce issues without going to court. Clients work together with a team of professionals, including specially trained family lawyers, financial professionals, and mental health professionals, to address the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of separation.
The process focuses on respectful communication and problem-solving. It is especially helpful for couples with children, as it can support the development of workable parenting arrangements and a more cooperative co-parenting relationship.
-
Parenting coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process that helps separated or divorced parents manage ongoing parenting disagreements. A parenting coordinator works with parents to improve communication, reduce co-parenting conflict, and help implement existing parenting agreements or court orders.
Parenting coordination is used when a parenting agreement or court order is already in place and parents need assistance resolving day-to-day parenting issues. When parents cannot reach agreement, the parenting coordinator may make determinations on certain issues within their authority to help move matters forward and support the well-being of the children.
Services Offered
Separation & Co-Parenting Counselling
Abby provides separation and co-parenting counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and parents navigating conflict and family change during and after separation. She supports clients in developing more effective ways to communicate, manage conflict, and make decisions related to parenting and family relationships. Abby also works with parents to resolve disputes and develop clear, practical parenting arrangements that reflect the needs of their family and support the best interests of their children.
Clients may seek support during a separation or years later when challenges arise in co-parenting or blended family relationships. Depending on the circumstances, separating partners may meet with one counsellor together or work with separate counsellors. Abby often begins with individual sessions to better understand each person’s concerns and determine the most appropriate approach.
Collaborative Divorce
Abby works as both a Collaborative Separation & Co-Parenting Therapist (formerly referred to as a “Divorce Coach”) and Child Specialist within the collaborative divorce process. As a Separation & Co-Parenting Therapist, 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 practical 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 assist parents in making 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 professional, Abby assists parents in implementing and managing their parenting agreements or court orders, improving communication, and resolving day-to-day parenting issues that arise in co-parenting relationships.
Parenting Coordination is typically used when a parenting agreement or court order is already in place and parents require assistance managing ongoing disagreements. The goal is to reduce conflict, support more effective co-parenting, and help parents make decisions that prioritize the best interests of their children.
Counselling & Psychotherapy
In addition to her work in co-parenting counselling, collaborative divorce, and parenting coordination, Abby provides counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and children aged 10 and older. These services address broader emotional, relational, and mental health concerns that may arise at different stages of life. Clients may seek therapy when experiencing challenges related to relationship conflict, pre-separation concerns, separation and divorce, depression, anxiety, or other significant life transitions.
Abby’s approach is thoughtful and responsive to each client’s unique needs. She works with individuals and families to strengthen resilience, develop greater clarity, and support overall well-being as they navigate personal and relational 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:
email hidden; JavaScript is required