CO-PARENTING THERAPY IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE

Co-Parenting Therapy in Westlake Village with Julie Klamon, LMFT

Divorce changes a family, but it does not have to damage it. When two parents commit to working together for their children, the whole family benefits. That said, co-parenting after a separation is rarely simple. Old frustrations linger, communication breaks down, and children sometimes get caught in the crossfire. My work as a co-parenting therapist focuses on helping parents find a way forward that keeps their kids at the center.

With more than two decades of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have helped many separated and divorced parents rebuild their ability to work as a team. Whether you and your co-parent are recently separated or have been struggling with an existing arrangement for years, therapy can give you tools to communicate clearly, handle disagreements, and make decisions that protect your children's wellbeing.

If you are looking for co-parenting therapy in Westlake Village, my office is located in neighboring Agoura Hills, about a 10-minute drive via the 101. I also offer virtual sessions for parents anywhere in California.

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Co-Parenting in Westlake Village: What Makes It Different Here

Westlake Village is a close community, and that closeness can make co-parenting after a divorce feel more exposed. You might run into your ex at the lake, at school pickup, or at a neighborhood event. Your children's friends and their parents often know both of you. That kind of visibility can add pressure, but it can also be a motivator. Parents here tend to care deeply about how their children experience this transition, and many want to get it right.

Families in Westlake Village also face specific logistical questions. Some children attend schools in the Conejo Valley Unified School District while others are in Las Virgenes, and coordinating drop-offs, homework, and parent-teacher conferences across two households takes real planning. The community's blend of young families and established households means co-parenting situations here are varied, and the approach that works for one family may look very different from another.

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How I Work with Co-Parents

My approach to co-parenting therapy is practical and focused on what will actually change day-to-day life for your family. Sessions typically involve both parents, though I also work with individuals when joint sessions are not possible. We address real issues: how to handle schedule changes, what to do when you disagree about discipline, how to talk to your children about the divorce without putting them in an uncomfortable position. You can learn more about my co-parenting therapy approach on my main service page.

This is not about fixing the marriage or assigning blame. The goal is to help two adults find a working relationship that puts their children first. Some parents come in barely able to sit in the same room, and over time they develop patterns that reduce tension for everyone. The results show up in their children's behavior, their grades, and their overall sense of security.

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What to Expect in Your First Session

The first session is a chance for us to understand what is happening in your co-parenting relationship and what you are hoping to change. I will ask about your family's history, your current custody arrangement, and the specific situations that cause the most friction. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you walk in. Most parents arrive feeling uncertain, and that is completely normal. By the end of the first meeting, you will have a clearer sense of how therapy can help and whether this feels like the right fit.

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Who I Work With

Co-parenting therapy near Westlake Village is primarily for adults who are separated, divorced, or in the process of ending a relationship and share children. I work with parents whose kids range from elementary school age through the teen years. Every family's situation is different. Some parents come in during the early stages of separation when everything feels raw. Others reach out years after a divorce because a new issue has surfaced, like a remarriage, a move, or a teenager who is struggling.

I also work with parents who were never married but share custody. The structure of your relationship matters less than your willingness to show up for your children.

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Co-Parenting Therapy FAQ

What is co-parenting therapy and how can it help after a divorce?

Co-parenting therapy is designed to help separated or divorced parents communicate more effectively and reduce conflict for the benefit of their children. It focuses on building practical skills like scheduling coordination, consistent discipline across households, and handling disagreements without putting children in the middle.

Do both parents need to attend co-parenting therapy sessions?

Both parents attending together is ideal because it allows for real-time practice with communication and problem-solving. However, if that is not possible, one parent can still benefit from individual sessions focused on co-parenting strategies. I work with whatever arrangement makes the most sense for your family.

How does co-parenting therapy in Westlake Village address school coordination between households?

Many Westlake Village families deal with school logistics across two homes, whether their children attend schools in the Conejo Valley Unified or Las Virgenes school districts. Co-parenting therapy helps parents create clear systems for sharing school information, attending events, and making academic decisions together so children feel supported by both parents.

Can co-parenting therapy help if my ex and I can barely talk without arguing?

Yes, and that is actually one of the most common reasons parents seek co-parenting therapy. My role is to help both of you find ways to communicate that lower the temperature and keep the focus on your children. We work on specific tools for handling difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and reducing reactive patterns.

What if we live in different parts of the Westlake Village and Conejo Valley area with different custody schedules?

Dual-household logistics are a core part of what co-parenting therapy addresses. Whether you and your co-parent live on opposite ends of the Conejo Valley or one of you has relocated further away, I help families work through scheduling, transitions, and how to keep routines consistent for children moving between two homes.

How long does co-parenting therapy typically last?

The length of co-parenting therapy depends on each family's situation. Some parents find they can establish solid communication patterns in 8 to 12 sessions, while others benefit from ongoing check-ins as their children grow and circumstances change. There is no set timeline, and I work at whatever pace feels right for your family.

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In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options Available

My Agoura Hills office is conveniently located off the 101 freeway. I provide in-person co-parenting therapy to families in Westlake Village and the surrounding areas, including Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and Simi Valley. Virtual therapy sessions are also available to anyone located within the state of California.