In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching—to talk about one of the most challenging dynamics we face as CCPTs: supporting children of divorce while also navigating the emotional needs of their parents. While our clinical work is with the child, we can't ignore the impact of the system around them—and parents are often in crisis themselves.

Dr. Lisa shares powerful insight into what parents are really going through during separation and divorce, why most therapists (and parents) are not equipped to handle these transitions well, and what we as CCPTs can do to support families more effectively. We explore how to respond when parents are emotionally dysregulated, how to set boundaries while staying supportive, and why having clear, direct conversations is an act of advocacy for the child. This episode is full of practical, compassionate guidance to help you confidently navigate high-conflict family situations while staying rooted in the CCPT model. 

Topic Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Special Guest Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
01:20 – Lisa’s Background & Specialization in Divorce and Co-Parenting
02:45 – What We Miss: Understanding Parents in Crisis
05:35 – Helping Parents Feel Seen and Supported During Divorce
09:40 – Practical Strategies for Supporting Parents from a Distance
14:30 – Why Most Therapists Aren’t Trained for Divorce Recovery
19:10 – The Importance of Referring to the Right Kind of Therapist
22:55 – How the Parent’s Functioning Affects the Child’s Outcomes
27:45 – Having Hard Conversations with Parents—With Clarity and Grace
32:20 – Applying CCPT Principles to Work with Parents
36:55 – Ideal vs. Actual Self in Parenting: Giving Parents a Path Forward
40:15 – Final Takeaways: The Child’s Well-Being Depends on the Parent’s

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