kids first.
Working with parents to move beyond gridlocks in communication and high levels of conflict to create a child-focused co-parenting relationship.
NEW APRIL 2024 - Offering Parent Coaching!
Mission
It’s simple: Kids first.
Kids are impacted by co-parent communication and problem solving. When they are exposed to frequent conflicts or hurt and angry feelings between parents the impact can be significant. Diane is focused on finding creative solutions to enhance coping with conflict, communication skills, co-parenting “know-how,” and positive self-care.
Why?
They watch. They listen. They learn. They do.
Goal: Create Child Focused Parenting Plans and Reduce Conflict.
If you are in a situation where the end of the relationship with your child’s mother or father is in constant conflict, and you cannot communicate due to the high level of emotion you may benefit from a trained professional who can assist you in sorting through the most important issues and assist you by finalizing decisions.
According to the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts when children are exposed to ongoing conflict between their parents, they are at significant risk for social, academic and mental health problems, and may experience more difficulty with their own intimate relationships in the long term.
Alternative Dispute Resolution, (ADR) can help to reduce parents’ conflict and may shield children from exposure to their parents’ disagreements, and can assist parents to resolve child-related issues in a timely manner without Court involvement. Most importantly, ADR can help parents focus on the best interests of their children, rather than unresolved conflict or negative feelings towards one another.
Your child looks up to you, and it can be difficult to stay focused upon their needs when you are in the middle of a relationship that is ending, or you are struggling to get your footing after your relationship ends. Child focused parenting plans are one of the greatest gift that you can provide to your children - and yourself.
It starts with YOU!
Make these promises to yourself…
1. I will give myself credit for my accomplishments.
2. I will seek out healthy people and focus on myself and the children.
3. I will admire and enjoy my children - now more than ever.
4. I will celebrate old - and create some new - rituals and traditions with my children.
5. I will take good care of myself and ask for help when I need it.
6. I will learn new skills even if they feel awkward or like I’m “giving in.”
7. I will remember that I can only control my own life.
8. I will make a goal to act in “good faith” when I have to solve a problem.
9. I will understand that conflict is inevitable part of life, and my responsibility is to cope in ways that will not make the situation worse.
10. Kids before conflict. Always.
diane reller, ms, lmft, ladc, Owner
Diane Reller has over 28 years of combined clinical experience in Minnesota as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). She has extensive experience working with high-conflict parents and complex family systems focused on solutions that are child-centered on their best interests. Diane views family dynamics from a systems perspective, understanding the strengths and complexities of each individual and their contribution to the family needs, rewards, expectations, and cultural attributes. These factors are interwoven influences that guide parenting, relationships and communication styles as well as conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Diane graduated in 1995 from St. Cloud State University with a BS in Applied Psychology with an emphasis on Human Relations along with a completing a certificate program for alcohol and drug counseling. In 2009, she graduated from St. Cloud State University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has been designated a Clinical Fellow with the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy, member of the National and State Chapters of the AFCC - Association of Family and Conciliation Court and a Professional Member of National and State NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Diane is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice for the District Courts, and has experience working within Family and Criminal Courts. Diane is native to Minnesota, and resides with her husband in the countryside as new empty nesters (5 kids later) - with the exception of two amazing British Labrador Retrievers.