- 250-763-7414
- info@steppingstonesokanagan.ca
Menu
Parenting coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process for separated families. Parenting coordinators are experienced family law lawyers, counsellors, social workers and psychologists who have special training in mediating and arbitrating parenting disputes, and in helping separated parents recognize the needs of their children.
Parenting coordination is a process that gives parents like these access to a neutral decision-maker who can resolve day-to-day parenting conflicts as they arise, with the goal of minimizing further conflict and additional appearances in court. Parents in conflict can retain a parenting coordinator on their own initiative or be referred to a parenting coordinator by the court.
Source: BC Parenting Coordinators Roster Society, www.bcparentingcoordinators.com
The purpose of a non-evaluative child interview is to listen to the child so that the child can express his or her views in relation to family breakdown or transition, and have them considered in decisions made about their best interests. The Interviewer does not assess the child, his or her best interests, or the parents. The interviewer’s job is to relay the child’s views to adult decision-makers. The Interviewer prepares a report of the child’s views, and shares it with those involved in making the decision affecting the child’s best interests so they can consider the child’s views.
Members of the BC Hear The Child Interviewers Roster are qualified, neutral professionals trained to listen to children and provide written reports of the child’s views to decision-makers and others involved in family law cases where the child’s best interests are being determined. The interviewer does not assess the child or the parents, but rather reports the child’s views, so that the views can be heard and considered by those making the decisions about the child’s best interests. The Interviewer generally follows an interview structure: (introduction; establish rapport; separation specific information; explore; review (periodically and/or at the end of the interview); debrief and closure). The Interviewer explains to the child the reasons for the Interview (to provide input NOT to make the decision), gives the child an opportunity to ask questions, and asks the child if he or she wishes to be interviewed; If the child wishes to be interviewed, the Interviewer meets with the child, typically for no more than one hour at a time, (generally at the Interviewer’s office) to interview the child, with an emphasis on listening to and writing down the child’s views. The Interviewer captures the child’s views verbatim as much as possible in writing during the initial interview and then reviews them with the child so they are accurate from the child’s perspective.
Source: BC Hear the Child Society, https://hearthechild.ca
Ana Gauthier, B.Sc., MACP. RCC
Ana is a highly skilled therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families. Specializing in areas such as divorce, autism, and ADHD. Ana has helped many individuals and their loved ones navigate through these challenging situations. A key aspect of Ana’s work with children is incorporating play therapy, which allows children to express their emotions and experiences in a safe and non-threatening way. Ana is also a firm believer in the power of cognitive behavior therapy, as it helps individuals develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. With a deep understanding of neuroscience, she strives to integrate the latest findings into her practice, ensuring the most effective interventions for those she works with. Ana’s expertise extends to collaborative law, where she assists families in navigating the complexities of legal matters while prioritizing the best interests of the children involved. Her dedication to ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their needs are met led her to excel in preparing the highly regarded ‘Hear the Child’ reports.
Throughout her career, Ana has developed a strong understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism and ADHD. Her compassionate and client-centered approach empowers families to navigate the unique challenges associated with these conditions, providing practical strategies and support. In addition to her work with children and teenagers, Ana also provides invaluable parenting support. She offers evidence-based interventions that help parents develop effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors, establish routines, and create nurturing and supportive environments. Her comprehensive approach emphasizes building healthy parent-child relationships based on understanding and effective communication. Ana’s expertise also extends to addressing common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Through personalized therapy sessions, she helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and regain control over their mental well-being.
Ana is known for her warm and empathetic approach, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore their emotions and work towards positive change. Her dedication to continuous professional development ensures she stays updated with the latest evidence-based therapies, guaranteeing the highest level of care for her clients.
Tasha Ryder, BA, M.Ed, RCC
Tasha received her Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2002. Tasha has over 20 years of clinical experience providing mental health assessment and treatment, including crisis intervention, in community, hospital and residential treatment settings. Tasha utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment theory as well as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions in her work. Tasha also obtained facilitator training In Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (RRSR) by the American Association of Suicidology and Tasha has trained Child and Youth Mental Health clinicians as well as other health care providers throughout the province in RRSR. Tasha has a genuine, warm, collaborative, supportive and encouraging style that, when combined with her experience and expertise, assists clients to obtain the knowledge, insight and skills to achieve their goals.
Areas of Practice:
Individual, group, and family interventions with adults, children, high-risk youth and families
Suicidality
Self-harm
Impulsivity
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Substance use
Psychosis
Neurodiversity
Borderline Personality Disorder
RATES PER SESSION | |
Child Sessions | 50 Minute Session: $175 (plus GST) |
Phone calls, emails, reports | $250 (plus GST) per hour billed at 15 minute increments |
Parent Sessions | 50 Minute Session: $250 (plus GST) |
Court Prep | $250 (plus GST) per hour billed at 15 minute increments |
Court Attendance | $250 (plus GST) per hour, minimum of 4 hours ($1000 plus GST) |
Hear the Child reports | $1000.00 (plus GST) with 50% retainer and 50% due upon dissemination of report |
Please note that a deposit is required to retain the services of our child specialists.
