The Swiss Association for Shared Parenting (GeCoBi) offers a training program that is unique in Switzerland: training to become a certified separation counselor. A separation counselor helps people affected by separation and divorce to cope constructively with this life-altering event.
When a relationship ends, the consequences for many involved extend beyond the emotional. Numerous legal, financial, and practical questions also need to be answered: Who should move out? Who will care for the children? What should be considered when drawing up a divorce agreement? What are my rights, and how can I enforce them?
What does a separation counselor do?
Many people feel alone during a separation or divorce. A separation counselor provides support and guidance to those affected during this difficult phase of life. They help them gain an overview of their entire situation, support them in addressing the issues at hand, and assist them in taking the right steps. The counselor's role is similar to that of a general practitioner: they can handle common, less severe cases themselves and will refer complex situations to a specialist.
After completing their training, separation counselors should be able to provide competent, comprehensive, and holistic advice to those seeking help regarding their separation or divorce. This requires them to be well-versed in a range of subject areas, without necessarily being specialists in any one area.
What does the training consist of?
The training program imparts essential knowledge from the fields surrounding separation and divorce. This includes divorce and family law, as well as how children cope with their parents' separation. Particular emphasis is placed on amicable conflict resolution – from managing strained relationships to drafting a divorce agreement. Other topics include the specific characteristics of intercultural relationships and domestic violence. Finally, future separation counselors are also trained in conducting effective counseling sessions.
Dates and costs
The training program begins after the 2012 summer holidays and concludes at the end of the year. It is divided into seven thematic modules, each consisting of two days of instruction, taught by qualified professionals. The total cost of the training program is CHF 3,550. This fee covers attendance at all seven training modules, the final examination, and the awarding of the diploma "Certified Separation Counselor GeCoBi".
Further information
Detailed information about the GeCoBi separation counselor training can be found on the website: weiterbildung.gecobi.ch.
About the author