
Child Specialist
Supporting Children through separation
Children may not have the words to describe what they’re feeling—but they feel everything. A child specialist helps ensure their voice is heard and their heart is protected.
Divorce and separation are not just adult experiences—children live through them too, often without the emotional tools or language to understand what’s happening. Even in the most amicable separations, children can feel confused, anxious, angry, or torn between their parents.
A Child Specialist is a licensed therapist with advanced training in child development, emotional regulation, and family systems. Their role is to serve as a neutral, child-centered support during and after a family separation—helping your child feel safe, seen, and supported while also guiding parents in making emotionally attuned decisions.
How a Child Specialist Supports Your Child During Separation
Creates a safe space for your child to express emotions through age-appropriate play and conversation
Helps your child process changes in the family structure without fear or blame
Offers tools to support emotional regulation, resilience, and self-worth
Identifies and addresses any signs of stress, anxiety, or behavioral changes early
Serves as a bridge between parents, offering insights into how your child is coping
Helps preserve and strengthen parent-child relationships in both households
How a Child Specialist Supports Parents
Provides guidance on how to talk with your child about separation in honest but developmentally appropriate ways
Helps you and your co-parent understand your child’s perspective without putting them in the middle
Supports the creation of child-centered parenting plans and routines
Offers ongoing emotional insight so your parenting decisions align with your child’s emotional needs
When Should You Consider Involving a Child Specialist?
You may benefit from involving a Child Specialist if:
Your child is showing signs of anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, or regression
Your separation is high-conflict or involves communication challenges
You want to create a co-parenting plan that reflects your child’s best interests
Your child seems “okay” on the surface, but you want to ensure deeper needs are being met
You’re unsure how to talk to your child about the changes in your family