Co-Parenting · Portage, MI
Co-Parenting Counseling in Portage & Kalamazoo, MI
Divorce or separation ends the marriage, but when there are kids, you still have to make decisions together, split holidays and handle drop-offs, often with someone you'd rather not talk to.
I work with parents and stepparents in Portage, Kalamazoo and online across Michigan who want less conflict and more consistency for their kids.
Common co-parenting struggles
When the two homes aren't on the same page
- Every exchange turns into an argument
- Rules, bedtimes and screen time are completely different in each home
- One parent handles all the hard stuff while the other gets the fun
- The kids are carrying messages or caught in the middle
- A new partner or stepparent has changed everything
- You want to keep the peace but feel like you're always the one giving in
The Disneyland parent
When one home is all fun and the other is all rules
Many of us know the “Disneyland parent”: the one who shows up for the fun weekends, skips the homework battles and leaves the hard parenting to someone else. Sometimes it comes from guilt, sometimes from limited time, and sometimes from wanting to be the favorite.
It feels good in the moment, but it can leave kids confused, the other parent resentful, and stepparents stuck enforcing rules nobody else backs up. Co-parenting counseling helps parents talk about these patterns and agree on what matters most.
Topics
What we work on
Sessions can include one parent, both co-parents, or a parent and stepparent, depending on what's safe and useful.
- Keeping conversations with the other parent short, civil and about the kids
- Consistent expectations across both homes
- Schedules, holidays and drop-offs
- Keeping kids out of adult conflict
- Defining the stepparent's role with the biological parent (see blended family therapy)
- Staying calm when the other parent pushes your buttons
My background
I've been there
My own blended family keeps me on my toes, so I know co-parenting from more than one side. Co-parenting counseling is not a custody evaluation, and I don't take sides in legal disputes. The goal is a co-parenting relationship that works for the kids.
“It’s okay to be the “boring” parent. You may not be the favorite in the short term, but long-term trust and respect are built on consistency, not chaos.”
Getting started
How sessions work
Reach out
Call, email or send an appointment request. Samantha will get back to you to find a time.
Meet one-on-one first
For couples and family work, Samantha meets with each person individually for one session before everyone meets together, so each person can share their side.
In person or online
Meet at the Portage office on W. Centre Ave. or by Zoom or phone from anywhere in Michigan, Florida or South Carolina. Self-pay sessions run 45 minutes.
Insurance accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), Priority Health, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), TRICARE. Self-pay rates and policies are on the Rates & Insurance page.
Questions
Co-parenting questions
What is a Disneyland parent?
A parent, usually the one with less parenting time, who focuses on fun and treats while avoiding rules, discipline and everyday responsibilities. It often leaves the other household doing all the hard parenting.
Do both parents have to attend?
No. It can help even if only one parent comes. You'll work on the parts you control: how you communicate, your boundaries and how you respond.
Can co-parenting counseling be done online?
Yes. Zoom is often easier for co-parents who don't want to share a room or who live in different towns.
Will you testify or make custody recommendations?
No. Co-parenting counseling is therapy, not a custody evaluation. If you need a legal recommendation, ask your attorney about a court-appointed evaluator.
From the blog
Related reading from Samantha
Office & online
Co-parenting help for Portage & Kalamazoo families
The office sits on W. Centre Avenue between Oakland Drive and S. Westnedge, about two minutes from Portage City Hall and six from Crossroads Mall. It’s roughly 15 minutes from downtown Kalamazoo and WMU, under 20 from Texas Township, Vicksburg, Oshtemo and Mattawan, and within half an hour of Paw Paw, Plainwell, Richland and Battle Creek. Not close by? Sessions are also available by Zoom or phone anywhere in Michigan, South Carolina or Florida.
Therapize Counseling & Wellness
1611 W. Centre Ave., Suite 201
Portage, MI 49024
More services
Other ways I can help
Couples & Marriage Counseling
For couples who keep having the same argument, feel like roommates, or want to feel close again.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Talk about money, family, conflict and expectations before the wedding.
Blended Families
Stepparents, stepkids, exes and new siblings. Help from a therapist who lives in a blended family too.
Ethical Non-Monogamy
Therapy for polyamorous, open and ethically non-monogamous relationships, without judgment.
Affair & Infidelity Recovery
For couples dealing with a physical or emotional affair, whether you stay together or not.
Intimacy & Desire
Mismatched desire, a dry spell, or feeling like roommates. Help for couples who want to feel close again.
Let's connect.
Schedule a co-parenting session
Reach out to talk about what you are looking for and whether we are a good fit. In person in Portage, or online anywhere in Michigan, South Carolina or Florida.