High-conflict divorce happens when ex-partners remain emotionally enmeshed, continuing conflict even after moving on with new families. Their ongoing emotional entanglement often results in repeated legal disputes, custody conflicts, court order violations, and dynamics that pressure children to choose sides.
High-conflict exes aren’t always aware of the damage they cause — but that doesn’t make it easier. Their behaviour can be relentless, confusing, and emotionally harmful, and over time, it can leave you feeling traumatised and constantly on edge.
High-conflict people often struggle to manage their emotions, see things from someone else’s perspective, or find middle ground. They tend to see things as black and white, which makes calm, cooperative problem-solving feel almost impossible. Some may also be dealing with mental illness, addiction, or traits of personality disorders — all of which can make problem solving almost impossible to achieve. And here’s the thing:
It only takes one high-conflict personality to create divorce nightmares.
High-conflict exes aren’t always aware of the damage they cause — but that doesn’t make it easier. Their behaviour can be relentless, confusing, and emotionally harmful, and over time, it can leave you feeling traumatised and constantly on edge.
High-conflict people often struggle to manage their emotions, see things from someone else’s perspective, or find middle ground. They tend to see things as black and white, which makes calm, cooperative problem-solving feel almost impossible. Some may also be dealing with mental illness, addiction, or traits of personality disorders — all of which can make problem solving almost impossible to achieve. And here’s the thing:
It only takes one high-conflict personality to create divorce nightmares.
Lalah Delia
"She remembered who she was and the game changed."
High-Conflict Divorce
Book an Intake Appointment to Get Started
If you and your ex have been ordered to attend co-parenting counselling, I can help you develop practical tools to calm your nervous system and communicate more effectively. This will make it easier to manage co-parenting challenges with less conflict and keep your child’s wellbeing front and centre.
What’s Included in Co-Parenting Counselling:
Effective co-parenting is possible. It starts with learning to step back from your ex’s behaviour and building new skills. In our sessions, I’ll help you with:
What’s Included in Co-Parenting Counselling:
Effective co-parenting is possible. It starts with learning to step back from your ex’s behaviour and building new skills. In our sessions, I’ll help you with:
- Techniques to help you minimise triggers and be less reactive, so you can respond more calmly in challenging situations
- Individual sessions when needed to reduce conflict
- The BINF protocol for clear, effective communication
- Preparation of court reports when required
While I’m here to support you emotionally and help you build practical skills, there are some things I can’t provide:
- Legal advice or recommendations
- Custody or parenting evaluations
- Court testimonies or advocacy on your behalf
For any legal matters, it’s best to seek advice from a qualified family lawyer or legal professional. My focus is on helping you navigate the emotional and practical side of co-parenting.
You can’t control what your ex does, but you can choose how you respond. With some support and the right tools, you can make things feel lighter and reclaim a sense of calm in your life. I’m here to help you find your footing and move forward, no matter how tough things feel right now.
For Court-Mandated Clients
Trying to get through to someone who just isn’t willing to meet you halfway is like shouting into the wind-no matter how hard you try, your words just don’t land. It can be frustrating and exhausting to realize your ex may never be able to co-parent peacefully, no matter what anyone else says.
My job as your therapist is to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and to support you as you find new ways to cope. We’ll work together on things like:
My job as your therapist is to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and to support you as you find new ways to cope. We’ll work together on things like:
- Keeping contact to a minimum
- Finding communication strategies that protect your peace
- Setting boundaries that actually stick
- Parallel parenting when co-parenting just isn’t possible
- Managing your own stress and reactions
- Helping your kids feel safe and loved
You Need Practical Strategies and Tools to Manage a High-Conflict Divorce
Dealing with a high-conflict ex can feel like you’re always bracing for the next storm. Maybe they threaten legal action, twist parenting schedules, or spread rumors to anyone who’ll listen. Even simple things like drop-offs can turn into dramatic showdowns, and your inbox might be filled with hostile messages meant to push your buttons.
It’s exhausting-and you’re not alone. Many people find that this constant tension starts to wear them down, impacting their health, mood, and sense of peace. Many people in your position experience:
It’s common to feel embarrassed or alone in this situation, and you might find yourself bottling up your feelings. But keeping it all inside can make the stress and sadness even harder to manage. Divorce is tough, especially when conflict won’t let up-but you don’t have to go through it on your own.
Talking to a therapist who specialises in high-conflict divorce can give you the support and tools you need to feel more grounded, regain your confidence, and start finding joy in life again.
It’s exhausting-and you’re not alone. Many people find that this constant tension starts to wear them down, impacting their health, mood, and sense of peace. Many people in your position experience:
- Trouble sleeping
- Low mood or feeling emotionally flat
- Anxiety or panic that seems to come out of nowhere
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Feeling on edge or snapping at the people around you
- Difficulty concentrating, whether at work or at home
- Pulling away from friends, family, or anything social
It’s common to feel embarrassed or alone in this situation, and you might find yourself bottling up your feelings. But keeping it all inside can make the stress and sadness even harder to manage. Divorce is tough, especially when conflict won’t let up-but you don’t have to go through it on your own.
Talking to a therapist who specialises in high-conflict divorce can give you the support and tools you need to feel more grounded, regain your confidence, and start finding joy in life again.