❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Helping you feel informed, prepared, and confident.
Whether you're here by court referral or personal choice, it's normal to have questions. Here are the most common ones we hear—from both parents and professionals.
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For Parents
What if my co-parent won’t participate?
Parent coordination requires both parties to show up with a willingness to engage. If one parent refuses to participate in a Fit Call or won’t cooperate, we cannot move forward. You’re still welcome to meet with us to explore alternatives.
We’ve already tried therapy or mediation. How is this different?
Therapy looks to the past. Mediation focuses on short-term agreement.
Parent coordination is about the ongoing parenting relationship—especially when communication is broken or trust is low. Our focus is structured, child-centered, and future-oriented.
Do you take sides?
We don’t take sides between parents. The only side we take is the well-being of the child or children involved. Every recommendation we make is guided by tested and validated child development principles—not personal opinion, emotional loyalty, or whoever presents their case more forcefully.
How do you define the well-being of the child?
We use evidence-based standards rooted in developmental psychology and family systems research—not personal preference or trending advice.
Children well-being is maintained when children:
- Experience emotional and physical safety
- Have clear, consistent boundaries and routines
- Are shielded from ongoing adult conflict
- Are not pressured to align with one parent over the other
- Maintain strong relationships with both parents
- Receive emotional modeling, not emotional burden
In short: consistency, predictability, emotional safety, and mutual support—regardless of the parenting structure.
How long does the process take?
There’s no set timeline. Some families resolve key issues in a few sessions. Others engage over time as new developmental stages arise. Our goal is to make ourselves less necessary over time, not to stay involved indefinitely.
Do we meet individually or together?
We work together from the start-exceptions being in cases where there has been trauma in the relationship and one parent cannot tolerate being with the other
Our process encourages transparency and shared accountability. Whenever possible, we do not hold private sessions or side conversations with one parent—because trust and progress rely on everyone being on the same page.
What if one parent dominates the conversation?
We create a space where both voices are respected. If communication is out of balance, we’ll work together to slow things down, name the pattern, and build new habits that support equal participation.
What if there’s been domestic violence or coercive control?
We take these issues very seriously. If there’s a history of abuse, active protective orders, or ongoing safety concerns, please disclose that in your Fit Call. Not all cases are appropriate for coordination, and we’ll never put safety at risk.
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For Professionals
What makes your approach different?
We offer more than compliance and conflict management.
Our model integrates structured coordination with a coaching-informed lens—designed to build awareness, reduce emotional reactivity, and support long-term collaboration between parents. Our goal is to help parents graduate from the process, not rely on it forever.
Do you provide court reports?
No, unless explicitly ordered to do so. We are facilitative, not evaluative. If a case requires reporting, documentation, or court appearances, we ask that this be discussed prior to engagement to determine whether we are the right fit.
Do both parents have to agree to work with you?
Yes. We do not work with families unless both parents attend the Fit Call, understand our process, and agree it’s a good fit. We find that true progress is only possible when there’s mutual buy-in.
Do You Communicate With Other Professionals on the Case?
Yes, when neeeded we will communicate with any and all professionals who have relevant information.
Do You Meet with the Children?
Yes, when needed or helpful we will meet with the children. These meetings are best held in person when and where possible.
Do You Meet in Person or Virtually?
We primarily work virtually and will also meet in person using offices in NYC and New Rochelle, NY
Do You Record Sessions?
No we do not record sessions and for reasons related to confidentiality and building trust, we require that our clients do not record sessions.
Will You Testify In Court?
Our contracts clearly state that we are not to be called to testify in court.
How Do You Handle Threats to Others or Self?
We take threats of self harm or harm to others very seriously and in keeping with the regulation of mental health professionals will report plans to harm self or others immediately.
Can I refer a client directly?
Absolutely. Use the link below to begin a conversation about referrals or email us directly: info@bridgebuiderspc.com.
📞 About the Fit Call
It’s a 30-minute conversation with both parents present. We’ll share how our process works, hear a brief overview of your current challenges, and ensure the environment feels safe and constructive for everyone. It’s not a commitment—it’s a conversation.
If we determine during the Fit Call that we're not the best match to provide parent coordination services for your family, we're happy to provide referrals to other qualified professionals.
No. The Fit Call is complimentary.
No. After the Fit Call, you’ll each have space to reflect. If both parents agree to move forward, we’ll begin the onboarding process.