Cocktails & Courageous Conversations with Rikke Kjelgaard

From Breakup to Breakthrough - The Co-Parenting Revolution

I had the fabulous opportunity to engage in not one but two deep and delightful conversations with Psychologist Rikke Kjelgaard, a legend in the field of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our discussions formed part of her engaging series, Cocktails & Courageous Conversations.

Exploring Challenges and Strategies in Co-Parenting

In our first conversation, we touched on:

  • Common Missteps: We discussed the blindspots therapists may hold if they are not experienced in working with the dynamics of separated families and how best to navigate these complexities.
  • Engagement of Parents: Options and strategies for situations where only one parent is committed to working on creating a healthy co-parenting relationship.
  • Scientific Foundations: We discuss the science that underpins our Co-Parenting Intensive Reset program, explaining how we can be confident in its outcomes and benefits.
  • Tools and Metaphors: I shared my favourite exercise and metaphor for working with separated parents, which practitioners can incorporate into their repertoire.
  • The Role of Mental Health and Child Development Experts: We discussed the pivotal role therapists and coaches hold in Collaborative Law as they support families transitioning to two homes.

This interview was planned as a live stream within Rikke’s IMPACT series to engage with audience questions in real time. However, due to technical difficulties, we opted for a recording instead. Admittedly, the session started off a bit flustered due to these last-minute changes. However, we quickly settled into a comfortable rhythm, capturing the essence of having a chat in a bar with friends.

Watch Part 1 of the Conversation

I’m excited to share this conversation with you. For professionals, I hope it inspires you to explore more about Collaborative Law and provides you with straightforward strategies when working with clients from two-home families.


For two-home parents, this discussion offers a "behind the scenes" glimpse and fresh perspectives for your own unique situation.

From Breakup to Breakthrough - The Co-Parenting Revolution (Part 2)

In our second conversation, we had the opportunity to answer questions from the audience. Tune in to hear us talk about:

  • From No Contact to Two-Home Holidays: Rikke shared the pathway she took with her co-parent that started from him resisting all attempts at contact through to an amazing embodiment of a true "one family in two homes" experience for their children.
  • The most common struggles for parents in the early stages of separation including why it can be difficult to be amicable even when both parents are trying to work in the children's best interests.
  • What is possible when only one parent is "doing the work": One of the most common frustrations for a co-parent is figuring out what is possible if they are the only one making any effort. We discuss this around the 7-minute mark, and again at 27 minutes.
  • Why you don't need to have hope and what is more powerful instead.
  • When a parent is fearful of a child's safety: We briefly discussed the very complex and fraught area of contact with the other parent when the parent worries it will be unsafe for their child.
  • COVID and separations: We discussed the impact of the Covid lockdowns on the rate of parental separations.
  • "My friend/client really needs this": Finally, we touched on what to do when you can see that someone you care for could really benefit from help but doesn't seem to be taking your gentle guidance to do so!

Watch Part 2 of the Conversation

I hope you enjoy watching this second conversation as much as I enjoyed being able to have it! Rikke is a delightful host, and I could talk to her for hours and hours!!


I'd love to hear what resonates the most for you.

If you're ready to take charge of your co-parenting dynamic and start living life on your terms, you can dip your toes in with our free course, Six Steps to Co-Parenting Success, or jump right in and join us for the next intake of our life-changing Co-Parenting Intensive Reset. After all, you were never meant to do this alone.

A head and shoulders profile picture of head coach Tiffany Rochester

Tiffany Rochester

Co-Parenting Coach

Tiffany is a pioneering force in transforming family life after separation, taking the stress and turmoil out of co-parenting with an ex. Equipped with advanced degrees in Psychology and twenty years of dedicated service, she passionately supports separated parents to bring ease and simplicity into raising children in one family across two homes.

Co-Parenting Companion respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this land. They never gave up sovereignty and remain strong in their connection to place and culture.


Co-Parenting Companion provides a safe and affirming space for people of all cultures, genders, sexualities and neurotypes.

24 Augusta Street

WILLETTON WA 6155

+61 8 9374 2260

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