Family Life Counselling

What does 'family life' include?

Family life refers to your private life that involves your immediate family, such as partner, children, parents, etc… While you may have extended family, counselling services often provide Family Life Counselling for immediate family members. Families can experience difficult and confronting situations and require a service that is available for everyone. There are specific counselling services for families and this varies depending on the needs of the family. For instance, there may be tension between family members that needs to be resolved, this is where family dispute resolution would be beneficial. Other possible approaches are, but not limited to, family mental health support services, family relationship counselling, and family and domestic violence support services.

Why do these family problems exist, and effect people we love?

The relationships we form with our family are some of the closest attachments we have during our life time. When negative factors begin to affect these bonds, it can be detrimental to the entire family. Family environments can be impacted by an almost infinite number of negative situations. Examples of these include death of a loved one, divorce, strain on family relationships (e.g. child and parent), feeling isolated, domestic violence, foster care, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and many more. Because there is an extensive variety of factors that impacts family life, it can often be difficult to understand another family member’s experiences and opinions.

The importance of taking action

Negative family environments can be detrimental to physical and mental health if left unattended for an extended period of time. There is also the possibility that a family relationship will deteriorate to the point where it is impossible to reconcile. The loss of this relationship can add additional stress and strain to an individual’s or family’s well-being. Working with families through difficult situations can begin to rebuild rapport and positive family relationships. It is extremely beneficial for a family’s well-being to be able to have support services available that the entire family can utilize when needed.

How we can help

Okay counselling is dedicated to providing a unique and tailored service to all clients by using a variety of social work theories to enforce practical methods.

For optimal customisation, only theories that can be adapted for the needs of each individual client are utilized. For families seeking counselling sessions there are options available as to the setting of that session before considering a suitable evidence-based practice method. Okay Counselling offers a variety of options for Family Life Counselling sessions, including individual sessions, sessions with another family member, such as partner or child, and group counselling sessions.

When assessing a family’s major concerns, there may be a conflict of interests between family members, which can lead to negative emotional impacts. To resolve this conflict, group sessions, or sessions with two individuals, may be required to ensure that there is communication between the conflicting family member.

With each family having their own unique experiences and personalities, the counselling for their concerns is tailored to their specific needs and concerns. An example of this can be noticed with the different counselling services, as some focus on an individual in a family setting, others view the family in a social setting. Individual focused family counselling refers to services that address an individual’s issues such as physical and mental health concerns.

While other members of the family may be concerned for your well-being, ultimately, you are the individual experiencing the lack of physical and mental health capabilities. Group focused family counselling refers to services that assist the entire family through a negative situation, such as the loss of a loved one and divorce. These circumstances greatly impact on an individual’s ability to function as they normally would.

Okay counselling is equipped to deal with individual and group-based work to ensure that your family life is supported and taken care of.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our Family Life Counselling service.

Common Questions

Does family therapy mean the entire family will have to be present at each counselling session?

Not all family members need to present during family counselling sessions, attending family therapy is a voluntary action. If you would like, there are individual sessions without your family members available to all Okay Counselling clients.

How long does family therapy sessions take? Will I need to commit for an extended period of time?

Not at all, family therapy sessions are held over a brief period of time due for the purpose of resolving conflicts in everyday family life. If you feel that you and your family require further sessions, then our administration team can help arrange this for you.

If my child is in therapy, does that mean I am doing something wrong?

Absolutely not! Children and parent relationships can be a difficult and stressful thing to manage without additional supports in place. It is perfectly natural to have support systems to assist you in place to ensure the best for your child.