Family counselling is designed for any group of people belonging to their version of what family means. This can include parents, children, siblings, grandparents, caregivers and even friends at times. The goal of this, is to help everyone understand and support on another. There are many reasons why people may come in for family counselling. Often times, the topics centre around addictions, mental health, moving, ageing, trauma and conflict.
At its core, family counselling provides a space for understanding. People learn to communicate more effectively, and even find a version of relationship that works for everyone involved.
Family counselling therapists will often help you:
- Talk about each person’s hopes
- Encourage everyone to talk about their experiences and listen to each other
- Clarify each person’s beliefs, values, needs, hopes and assumptions so that everyone understands each other
- Help families stop blaming each other and begin exploring how everyone can work together to make positive changes
- Help people understand the impact of their words and behaviours on other members of the family
- Help families talk about the challenges they’re facing
- Support families as they work through their own goals