McCullough Family Therapy
Parenting Coordinator / Decision Maker
Helping families navigate difficult co-parenting and decisionmaking
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MCCULLOUGH FAMILY THERAPY
What Is A PCDM
A Parent Coordinator and Decision Maker (PCDM) is a professional dedicated to assisting parents in managing the complexities of co-parenting, decision-making, and family dynamics. Whether you’re navigating custody arrangements, coordinating schedules, or making critical parenting decisions, a PCDM offers valuable support tailored to your family’s unique needs. A PCDM will also offer support in conflict resolution in order to de-escalate and resolve disputes between you and your co-parent.
PCDM
How does a PCDM work?
Oftentimes a Parent Coordinator (PC) is court ordered. In these cases, a time commitment will be pre-determined. Depending on the case, the family and the PC together will generate a collaborative plan regarding how often to meet and what discussions or communication to involve the PC on. The aim of a Parent Coordinator is to support you and your co parent in navigating communication and decision making in order to limit conflict.
The co-parents have the option to appoint the PC in a decision making role, making them a PCDM. When you and your co-parent are not effectively able to come to mutual agreement, the PCDM will take on the DM role and make a decision for you. This can be more effective to the process as it aids to move through disagreement and standstills between co-parents more quickly. When making decisions, the PC will collect information from both parties as well as external sources in order to make the best decision for your child. Adding the DM role for your PC is not essential to the process.
In the state of Colorado, the Parent Coordinator role and the Decision Maker role is governed by statute C.R.S. 14 10 128.1 and statute C.R.S. 14 10 128.3 respectively.
Timeline
Results
When you receive a court order for a PC, it is a two year process. For each case and family, these 2 years will look different. Depending on the level of conflict throughout the two years, we may meet weekly or only on an as needed basis. You and your co-parent have the ability to also contract with me as a Decision Maker (DM). This is not essential to proceed with the process.
If you are coming for PC services outside of a court order, we ask that you commit to 6 months with an option to renew the commitment on a 6 month basis. During this time, you will be meeting with your PC a minimum of 1 time per month.
PCDM services play a vital role in supporting families through the challenges of co-parenting and decision-making. By promoting effective communication, reducing conflict, and fostering cooperation, these services help parents create a stable and nurturing environment for their children. The ultimate goal of PCDM services is to ensure that the best interests of the children are always at the forefront, leading to healthier and more harmonious family dynamics.
PCDM IN COLORADO
Why Choose a PCDM?
- Expertise and Objectivity: Benefit from the experience and unbiased perspective of a professional.
- Enhanced Communication: Improve interactions between parents and foster a collaborative approach.
- Stress Reduction: Reduce the emotional burden of parenting challenges through structured support.
- Positive Outcomes for Children: Focus on creating a stable, nurturing environment that supports your child’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we do this without a court order or appointment?
Yes, we can work together without a court order! I ask that my clients commit to a 6 month contract with at least 1 session per month at minimum.
Do I have to engage in sessions with my co parent in order to do this?
No! I approach each case individually depending on the needs of each parent. If you and your co-parent are unable to be in the same space, we will hold individual sessions in which I will mediate, support communication, and aid in the decision making process.
Do we have to give you the power to make decisions in order to enter into this process?
Nope! I can act as simply a PC for your case which would mean that I would support communication and the decision making process between you and your co parent but I would not ever take over in making decisions. Giving me the power to make decisions does often make the process more effective as we would not end up in stand stills due to an inability to agree on certain decisions.
When do you make decisions for us?
I will work with you and your co-parent to agree on decisions before ever stepping into my role as a decision maker. Before making a decision on behalf of you and your partner I will request written consent from each of you. It will be 100% clear when we are entering into this process.
Athena McCullough
OWNER | CLINICAL DIRECTOR
MA, LPC, LMFT
about us
THERAPY IN COLORADO
Why work with
McCullough Family Therapy?
This is your space to be you.
When you feel safe, supported, and heard – you’re going to feel comfortable sharing the experiences, history, and situations that brought you to our door.
Connection with your therapist leads to an openness that allows us to get clear on why your relationships follow a pattern of behavior that doesn’t give you what you need.
In creating a safe space for you to explore your thoughts without fear of judgment, we can open the door to real change.
We provide therapy that is:
Collaborative
Safe
Experienced
MCCULLOUGH FAMILY THERAPY
PCDM Therapists
How To Get Started
Start with McCullough Family Therapy by booking a free consultation. You can use the button below to book directly online. If you prefer, you can call us or submit an inquiry via our contact form.