When parents separate, one of the most pressing concerns is determining what arrangement will best support their children’s development and well-being. Dr. Celeste Simmons, owner of Family & Forensic Solutions, has built her career around helping families navigate the complexities of divorce, custody, and co-parenting with an approach rooted in both compassion and scientific rigor. Simmons began her path in psychology early, working with children in schools and families in the juvenile justice system. Encouraged by a mentor to pursue forensic psychology, she went on to earn her Ph.D. and has since devoted her practice to children and families involved in family court. “People forget about the forensic side that doesn’t have to do with breaking the law. Family court is forensic psychology too.” Her training included years of rotations and postdoctoral work focused specifically on children, parents, and complex family systems. This background allows her to evaluate not only parental fitness but also the subtle ways conflict and separation ripple through a child’s identity formation.
Why Early Intervention Matters
For Simmons, timing is everything. She has seen parents seek her guidance even before divorce proceedings, a choice she considers invaluable. “I think that is so wonderful,” she says. “What happens when there’s a rupture between parents is that it can bleed out onto children, and children don’t know what to do with that information.” When children are exposed to adult conflicts they cannot process, they often internalize the blame, leading to anxiety or depression. Simmons emphasizes that parents must be mindful not to involve children in matters beyond their comprehension. “What we need to be thinking about is what kind of person do you want your children to become? Really moving in that direction instead of centering decisions only on the parent.”
Developmental Differences in Children’s Needs
A key part of Simmons’s expertise is understanding how children of different ages experience and adapt to divorce. Infants and toddlers notice absence but rely primarily on a consistent, supportive presence. Children aged six to twelve benefit from therapy that combines play with conversation, focusing on identifying emotions and practicing problem-solving. Adolescents face perhaps the steepest challenges, as identity development is already underway. “Teenagers need space to talk, to spend time with their friends, to develop who they are,” Simmons says. “If their identity is challenged at twelve when they’re just figuring it out, that can be very hard.” These developmental distinctions, she stresses, must shape both parental decisions and therapeutic interventions.
The Long Shadow of Divorce
The long-term effects of divorce surface later in adulthood. Many young adults seek treatment for depression or anxiety, only to reveal that unresolved family dynamics underlie their struggles. “They don’t always come in saying, ‘my parents’ divorce affected me,’” she shares. “But when you listen, you find those family issues have had a significant impact on identity.” This is why Simmons believes that focusing on children’s psychological needs during a divorce is not just about surviving the present moment. It is about building the foundation for healthier adults and healthier family systems in the future.
The Future of Support is (Still) Human
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated teletherapy. Simmons was already ahead of the curve. “I was already set up,” she recalls, sharing how, for many families, virtual sessions made therapy more accessible and less disruptive to daily life. Still, she is wary about the role of artificial intelligence in supporting children. While tools like chatbots may provide surface-level tips, Simmons sees real risks. “Teenagers might not know how to decipher what AI tells them. It can’t replace a professional who understands human behavior and can help you process your own thoughts.” Resilience comes not from quick fixes but from sustained, thoughtful support systems that prioritize children’s needs.
Building Resilient Families
This unwavering believe in human resilience guides her work. By helping parents to reduce conflict and keep children’s developmental needs front and center, she helps families create healthier patterns that break cycles of dysfunction. “Your children love both of you. You don’t want them to feel aligned with one parent or the other. That only adds anxiety to what they’re already experiencing.”
For more on Simmons’s work and insights, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website.
