About Family Counselling
Keeping close relationships on track is not always easy.
Families can be complex, and a number of challenges can arise which can affect relationships between family members. A common challenge faced by many families comes from responding to changing family structures, which can be hard on all family members, especially children. These changing structures can come about during events such as separation, divorce and re-marriage. During these times, a range of issues can develop such as relationship problems between partners, new living arrangements, financial adjustments and issues relating to the care of children.
Family counsellors are specialised in working with families to increase effective communication and maintain relationships, even after separation. A professional outsider can help to be an impartial party in which some members of the family may be more comfortable confiding in without fear of judgment.
What types of issues can family counselling help with?
Family counselling aims at supporting families, couples, individuals, adolescents and children through a range of issues including:
- Family break-ups resulting from separation or divorce, including custody issues
- Blended family issues arising from re-marriage
- Issues arising from adoption
- Behavioural problems
- Conflict between siblings
- Carer relationships with a disabled family member
- Living with someone experiencing other mental health issues such depression, anger or substance abuse
- Conflict arising from different values
- Risk of homelessness among adolescents
When should I see a family counsellor?
The earlier you see a family counsellor, the more likely that they will be able to help. It can be during marriage or a relationship, after separation or divorce, or before or after you re-marry.
Separation can be a significant time of distress for all members of the family. Family counsellors can help facilitate effective communication between you and your partner, and can help you reach an agreement about parental responsibilities.
You can also see a family counsellor regardless of whether or not court action has begun. Counselling with a family counsellor is confidential, with the exception of cases where there a risk of child abuse or a threat to someone’s life.
Click here to find out more about relationships counselling.
How Life Resolutions® can help
Life Resolutions® has a network of qualified psychologists who are experienced in helping families reach resolutions through counselling. We offer sessions for the whole family, or we can see couples, adults, adolescents or children individually.
Visit the contact us page to make an appointment.