Family counselling

Family can be a great source of joy, comfort and support. However, prolonged and intense disagreement, communication and conflict issues can negatively impact family wellbeing. In addition to these issues, changes in family dynamics due to significant life events or developmental transition challenges can strain a family's capacity to thrive. This can sometimes result in a repeated cycle of destructive behaviour or withdrawal and shutting down. My goal is to provide a safe, secure and neutral space to explore these issues with you and your family. Family counselling is suitable for all types of families, such as blended families, adoptive families, foster families, separated-parents families, single-parent families, families with same-sex parents, families of origin (biological family) and many other types. I use an integrated counselling and psychotherapy approach using various modalities including but not limited to: The Gottman method interventions, Internal family systems theory, Bowen's family systems theory, and many others.
Below is the list of common concerns that can be explored in Family Counselling:
  • Family disputes and conflict resolution
  • Communication issues
  • Trust issues
  • Parenting concerns
  • Family violence
  • Separation and divorce
  • Death of a family member
  • Lack of connection, growing apart
  • Intergenerational trauma and abuse
  • Alcohol and substance misuse
  • Navigating family values, cultural and life goal differences
  • Navigating neurodiversity challenges within family dynamics
  • Navigating Mental health challenges within family dynamics
  • Navigating developmental life transition changes within family dynamics
  • And many others.
Often, family members can struggle with a combination of concerns rather than just a specific one. Counselling can be a helpful way to organise these concerns and work through them at the family's own pace. Together, we can explore ways to make sense of all family member's experiences and bring positive change to you and your family's lives.

FAQs

How do I know if my family needs counselling?
There is a misconception that family counselling is only for families who are experiencing extreme circumstances, family breakdowns and mental health challenges. In reality, family counselling can address a range of issues, and no concern is too big or too small. Many families experience internalised and externalising problems, resulting in a lack of family cohesion, collective mental health issues and interpersonal relationship problems. The goal of family counselling is to support you and your family in finding shared meaning, healing past hurts, managing conflict, developing healthier personal relationships and understanding the family's individual and collective needs. If you are still unsure if family counselling is the right decision, contact me via the "contact" webpage. I will endeavour to answer any of your questions or concerns.
What happens in family counselling?
Family counselling takes place face-to-face. Family counselling typically uses a combination of individual counselling and family group counselling. There is no prerequisite that the entire family needs to be present. In the family counselling sessions, I offer a variety of services to help grow family relationships. I aim to provide a safe, respectful and collaborative space with your family to build upon relational strength, develop interpersonal growth opportunities, and work through the issues and challenges your family faces.
How long will family counselling take and how much does it cost?
Family counselling sessions usually go for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every family is different, so it can be hard to predict how many counselling sessions each family require. Some families only need a few sessions to deal with a specific issue, whereas other families would like to address a systemic problem within the relationship dynamics. On average, 10 to 30 fortnightly sessions are required for most people to see some improvement. However, this number will vary depending on the family and the complexity of the issue. For cost information, please look at the contact page to view pricing
What if one of the family members refuses to attend family counselling?
One or two family members commonly initiate the counselling process, with other family members joining in if and when they are ready. Family counselling can still be effective even if not all family members are able or willing to participate. However, if your family members are reluctant to attend family counselling, know that this may reflect their own fear rather than on you specifically. The best thing to do is to avoid taking their reluctance and ambivalence personally. Instead, listen and understand your family member's hesitancy in attending family counselling. Finally, other alternatives to family therapy can include each family member attending individual counselling or only you attending individual counselling to help you navigate your family's challenges.

Contact or book an appointment

If you would like more information or to book a family counselling appointment, click the button below and complete the contact form.
Contact or book an appointment 
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15 Crest Ave North Nowra NSW Australia 2541