At Wholesome Psychology, our Edmonton and St. Albert parenting coordination services provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach for separated and divorced parents in high-conflict situations. We understand how stressful and emotionally draining co-parenting after separation or divorce can be, especially when legal concerns and the wellbeing of your child intersect. Our trained, neutral parenting coordinators work with families to ease tension, reduce gridlock, and prioritize the health and happiness of children—no matter how challenging the circumstances.

What Is Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is a specialized, child-focused process designed for parents who experience ongoing conflict or who struggle to implement their parenting plans, separation agreements, or custody orders. As neutral third-party professionals, parenting coordinators often have backgrounds in psychology, social work, or law, and they help families implement and follow legally binding agreements in a manner that shields children from parental conflict.

Unlike traditional family counseling, parenting coordination combines elements of dispute resolution, mediation, education, and—when necessary—arbitration. This means your coordinator not only helps facilitate effective communication and cooperation, but they may also have the authority to make certain binding decisions if mutual agreement cannot be reached. For related support, you may want to learn about our parenting support options.

Who Can Benefit from Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is ideal for:

• Separated or divorced parents locked in recurring disputes about child-related matters
• Families with high-conflict or court-involved co-parenting dynamics
• Situations where previous attempts at mediation have failed
• Parents who struggle with implementing or interpreting custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, or decision-making authority
• Children who are exposed to the stress of parental arguments or disagreements

At Wholesome Psychology, our role is always to support the best interests of your children—and to help you, as parents, focus on rebuilding a workable partnership for their benefit.

How Parenting Coordination Works

Our service begins with a comprehensive assessment of your family’s unique situation, including reviewing relevant court orders or parenting plans. As parenting coordinators, we will:

• Facilitate structured discussions between parents, always centering the needs of the child
• Clarify ambiguous aspects of parenting plans and answer questions about implementation
• Help parents manage day-to-day logistics (drop-offs, medical appointments, school events, etc.)
• Promote more effective communication through education and emotional coaching
• Encourage conflict resolution and, when required, offer binding decisions on specific disagreements
• Document progress and provide thorough reports to parents and, if appropriate, to the court

To see how parenting coordination fits within our broader approach to family therapy, visit our services page.

Why Choose Wholesome Psychology for Parenting Coordination?

Located in both Edmonton and St. Albert, Wholesome Psychology offers child-centred parenting coordination that reflects the latest research in family dynamics, conflict resolution, and child psychology. Our coordinators are registered mental health professionals who maintain neutrality, uphold confidentiality, and are committed to respectful, non-judgmental support in every interaction.

Distinct advantages of working with our team include:

• Extensive experience with court-involved families and complex custody arrangements
• Trauma-informed, culturally competent care that honours each family’s unique background
• On-site and virtual options for accessibility and comfort
• Strong, ongoing relationships with lawyers, mediators, and judges in the Edmonton and St. Albert areas
• A values-driven, collaborative philosophy grounded in empathy, trust, and meaningful change (Learn more about our approach)

Common Issues Addressed in Parenting Coordination

Our parenting coordination services address a wide range of challenges, including:

• Disputes over parenting schedules, holidays, and “make-up” time
• Decision-making about extracurricular activities, travel, and healthcare
• Transitions between households and communication protocols
• Concerns about emotional or psychological safety of children
• Introducing new partners or changes in household structure
• Managing electronic communications and limiting children’s exposure to conflict

Discover more about our family conflict counselling services and related supports.

The Parenting Coordination Process at Wholesome Psychology

1. Initial Consultation: We meet with both parents to clarify the process and gather background. Your priorities, court orders, and any urgent concerns are reviewed.
2. Ongoing Coordination: Through regular joint or individual sessions (virtual or in-person), we help resolve day-to-day disputes, maintain progress, and support positive parent-child relationships.
3. Decision-Making: If parents can’t agree, the coordinator—within their mandate—may make binding recommendations guided by the best interests of your child and existing legal agreements.
4. Reporting: Transparent records are kept throughout, and, as agreed, outcomes may be communicated to relevant parties or the courts.

Explore our FAQ page for answers to more common questions about the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parenting Coordination

Is parenting coordination the same as family counseling?

No. While both services are valuable, counseling focuses primarily on emotional healing for individuals or families, while parenting coordination is a structured dispute resolution process related to parenting arrangements and court orders. If you are interested in counseling to address emotional issues, please see our parenting support services.

Is parenting coordination mandated by the court?

Parenting coordination can be court-ordered or voluntarily chosen by parents. If you are unsure about your legal obligations, our team can collaborate with your lawyer or help you understand the process in Alberta. Learn more about coping with divorce or separation.

What if my case involves family violence or safety issues?

Safety is our top priority. Not all cases are suitable for parenting coordination—especially those with significant risk to children or parents. We provide appropriate guidance, resources, and referrals in these cases. Please visit our family violence resources page for more information.

Are sessions confidential?

While confidentiality is maintained to the extent possible, certain aspects may be subject to court reporting or disclosure, especially when child safety is at risk. Your coordinator will provide details about confidentiality at your intake session.

Related Services and Next Steps

• If you’re looking for more traditional family or parenting support, explore our parenting support or marriage and relationship services.
• For parents facing challenges around the transition into parenthood, our parenthood transition program can offer additional support.
• If you want to learn about the professionals providing these services, see our therapists.
• Find out more about parenting coordination in depth.

You may also be interested in support for child and youth mental health and our family caregiver stress resources.

Book a Parenting Coordination Consultation

If you are in the Edmonton or St. Albert area and need professional support in your co-parenting journey, our skilled parenting coordinators are here to help you and your family move forward with greater peace and stability. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward healthier co-parenting and a brighter future for your child. You can reach us here to book your appointment.