Parenting After Separation
A recognised, court-ordered program to help you navigate co-parenting after separation and protect children from ongoing conflict.
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Separation can be one of life’s most difficult transitions, especially when children are involved. Our Parenting After Separation program is designed to guide and support you through this time, helping you to co-parent more effectively.
This program will provide you with practical skills that you can use in everyday life. You’ll learn how to reduce conflict, improve communication, and keep the focus on your children. This program is recognised by the courts, and you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion once you’ve finished.
Who is this for?
This program is for separated or separating parents who want to:
- Learn how to co-parent effectively.
- Support children of all ages through the changes.
- Manage or reduce conflict with a co-parent.
- Build a more stable and respectful post-separation relationship.
What can I expect?
Before the program starts, you’ll have a one-on-one 50 minute phone call with one of our counselors. This is a chance for us to make sure the program is the right fit for you and to answer any questions you have. We’ll ask you some questions about your current situation, which helps us ensure the program meets your needs.
Where the program is held online you’ll need a laptop, computer, or tablet with a stable internet connection. It’s also important to have a private space where you won’t be interrupted by children or other adults.
We offer three flexible ways to complete the program, so you can choose the option that suits you best.
- Self-Guided Online Program. Learn at your own pace, from home. This option includes:
- You’ll need to complete six online modules within four weeks. In total, these usually take between 5 to 7 hours to complete.
- Once you’ve completed all of the modules you’ll then book in for a live, two-hour online group session.
- Content is interactive and includes videos, reflections, and downloadable resources.
- Online Group Program. Connect with a small group and an experienced facilitator. This option includes:
- Two three-hour online sessions, usually held one week apart.
- A small group setting (No more than 10 participants) for group discussions and shared experiences.
- Practical activities and learning materials.
- In-Person Intensive Program. Join a full-day, face-to-face workshop. This option includes:
- A six-hour group session facilitated by two experienced counsellors.
- A supportive group learning environment.
- Practical activities and learning materials.
How can we help?
Led by our highly experienced counsellors in a safe and respectful space, the sessions are practical and interactive, giving you tools that you can use at home right away.
You’ll explore:
- Support your child’s emotional well-being
- Improve communication with your co-parent
- Understand different parenting and co-parenting styles
- Manage difficult emotions and reduce stress
- Keep the conflict away from your children
- Prioritise your own well-being and self-care
How to book
To join, you can either book online or call our team. Once we have received your order, we will contact you to book your 50 minute intake appointment. If we assess that the group is not the best suited to your needs, we will discuss other alternative and suitable options with you.
Program fees
$150
A concession discount is not available for this program.
Frequently asked questions
The program is designed to support separated parents to co-parent effectively, as well as helping parents and children to successfully adjust to separation and navigate any associated conflict.
- Health and Community Service Standards
- Rainbow Tick Standards
- National Standards for Mental Health Services
We deliver this program in three different ways:
- A full day face-to face intensive program delivered at one of Relationship Matters’ offices (usually 10.00am – 4.30pm).
- Two x 3-hour online group learning sessions usually held a week apart), OR
- A self-guided program where you complete six on-line modules in your own time via our Online Learning Centre followed by a two-hour group session held online.
Groups are capped at 12 participants.
This program explores a variety of topics that helps you to support yourself and your children in coming to terms with the gains and losses of separation, understanding different parenting/co-parenting styles, strategies to resolve conflict and improve communication with your co-parent, the importance of keeping focus and shielding children from conflict and developing strategies to improve and maintain self-care for you and your family.
This course is open to separated parents (grandparents and other caregivers also considered).
Yes, all participants are required to complete a 50 minute intake appointment. If we assess that the group is not the best suited to your needs, we will discuss other alternative and suitable options with you.
Yes. All three learning options are recognised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Participants who attend all sessions receive a Certificate of Completion.
Yes. If enrolling in the self-guided or online program, you need to have access to a device such as a laptop/computer or tablet, stable internet connection, headphones, and be able to have privacy for the duration of the session (no children or other adults in the same room).
The sessions are interactive and will be a combination of group discussions, presentations, videos, and skills practice.
You are expected to participate in group discussions and skills practice, but they only share what you feel comfortable with. We set group agreements at the start of the program to ensure you feel safe to open up and are given a confidential, non-judgmental and respectful space.
If you complete all of the online modules (self-guided program only) and attend the required sessions, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion.
No, we do not offer make-up sessions for this program.
No. You may provide a copy of your Certificate, but we do not provide any other information on your participation.
Yes. We are proud to support parents and caregivers regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, culture or ability. Our organisation is accredited under:
- Health and Community Service Standards
- Rainbow Tick Standards
- National Standards for Mental Health Services
Yes. Protecting your privacy and wellbeing is central to how we work. The only exceptions are where there are concerns about safety or harm or where we are required to release your information as required by law.