Deborah Brakeley

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Contact Information:

BUSINESS NAME: Private Practice

ADDRESS: 1587 West 8th Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1T5

PHONE: 604-224-8937

EMAIL: brakeley@shaw.ca

WEBSITE: www.deborahbrakeley.com

Introduction:

I have a general counselling practice and I also specialize in separation and divorce. I have worked with individuals and families in various counselling capacities since 1983 and I have been involved with Collaborative Divorce for 13 years. Within this capacity, I support couples and families experiencing this transition in their lives in my role as Counsellor, Collaborative Divorce Coach, and Child Specialist.

My collaborative divorce work includes support for couples who are involved with Collaborative Divorce, mediation, or litigation. I provide emotional support, education, and guidance during one of the most profound and impactful transitions that families currently experience. Collaborative work includes communication skills, conflict resolution, stress management, co-parenting tools, parenting plans, and parenting schedules. I also provide information for individuals or couples who are contemplating separation and want to better understand what separation processes are available and how to safe-guard children’s well-being.

When I work with children, I provide them with emotional and psychological support and coping skills. I may act as a Child Specialist for the Collaborative Divorce team and provide parents, coaches, and/or lawyers with the voice of the child/ren. I also support parents in their efforts to best meet the children’s emotional and practical needs and offer strategies to help address the challenges that arise for children during the re-structuring of their family.

The role I have been able to play in offering support to families during this time of change, loss, and transformation has been richly rewarding as has been my involvement with our local Collaborative Divorce association since its inception and the international Collaborative Practice organization (IACP). I present locally and at the IACP annual forums on the deeper meaning and perspectives associated with Collaborative Practice.