The Counselling Space

SEPARATED PARENTS POLICY

  Child sad parents arguing in the house

At The Counselling Space, the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the child is always the primary focus.

Much of my work is relational and attachment-based, including dyadic and filial approaches that involve strengthening the parent–child relationship. For this work to be effective, therapy must occur within a context of safety, clarity and good-faith participation from caregivers.

This policy outlines how therapy proceeds when parents are separated.

1. Therapy Is Child-Focused, Not Court-Focused

This practice does not accept referrals where the purpose of therapy or assessment is to:

  • Generate evidence for Family Court proceedings

  • Influence parenting determinations

  • Prepare court reports

  • Engage in counselling with the intention of subpoenaing files

If at any time I form a reasonable belief that therapy is being used for legal positioning or court-related purposes, services may be paused or discontinued until legal matters are resolved.

Therapy must remain a child-centred, therapeutic space — not a forensic one.

Where families require court-related counselling or reports, I recommend contacting Relationships Australia or Interrelate.

2. Informed Consent & Parental Responsibility

Where parents share parental responsibility, informed consent from both parents is required before therapy can commence.

It is the responsibility of the referring parent to:

  • Inform the other parent of the proposed therapy

  • Ensure they are willing to provide consent

  • Provide copies of relevant court orders, parenting agreements or AVOs

I am not able to pursue consent on behalf of a parent. However, I can provide an electronic intake form to each parent for completion once contact details are supplied.

Therapy cannot proceed where legal consent requirements are unclear or disputed.

3. Relational Safety Is Essential

Dyadic and filial approaches rely on:

  • Emotional safety

  • Co-regulation

  • Good-faith participation

  • Freedom from coercion

An environment characterised by coercion, intimidation, controlling behaviour or fear is not one in which relational therapy can safely proceed.

Where there are active allegations of violence, coercive control, or significant unresolved conflict, I may determine that dyadic or family-based therapy is not clinically appropriate.

In such cases, referral to alternative services may be recommended.

4. Communication & Boundaries

The parent who arranges the referral (“the nominated parent”) is the primary administrative contact.

It is the nominated parent’s responsibility to:

  • Share relevant information with the other parent

  • Forward correspondence as appropriate

  • Invite the other parent to participate where suitable

Where separation is amicable and safe, both parents are welcome to attend sessions (subject to legal considerations).

I do not provide separate written updates to each parent.

Time spent in phone calls, meetings or written communication exceeding 10 minutes is charged in accordance with the current fees schedule.

5. High-Conflict Situations

Where parental conflict begins to interfere with the therapeutic process, impact the child’s wellbeing, or place the clinic in the middle of dispute, I reserve the right to:

  • Limit services

  • Modify communication arrangements

  • Pause or discontinue therapy

Therapy cannot become a forum for parental conflict.

6. Payment

Payment is due on the day of the child’s appointment by the nominated parent.

Where legal agreements require cost-sharing, reimbursement between parents remains a private arrangement and does not alter the clinic’s billing structure.

A Final Note

Relational therapy is powerful because it builds safety and connection between children and their caregivers. For this work to be effective, it must occur within a framework of clarity, consent and emotional safety.

Please provide full and accurate information regarding your family circumstances before your first appointment.

If you have questions about how this policy applies to your situation, you are welcome to discuss this directly with Angie.

 

Policy updated FEBRUARY 2026