How does family counselling work?

Family counselling is an excellent opportunity for a family to begin the process of communicating better. Do you ever find it difficult to talk to family members about important issues? Does it seem like it's difficult to communicate without feeling angry, resentful, or dramatic?

Family counselling provides a safe environment for members to develop skills on how to work together as a team. Our professional counsellors can act as mediators, so everyone has a chance to voice their concerns and issues. Family counselling is a great option for families who need the additional support and strengthening of their communication skills.

The advantage of working with a counsellor, is that non-judgmental, and supportive feedback is provided on issues such as parenting, managing the household, divorce, family connections, and positive interactions.

What is a family?

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."
- Jane Howard

In 2011, the definition of family can vary greatly from one household to another. Gone are the days where you could describe a family simply as Mom, Dad, and kids living under one roof. Today, family encompasses a variety of different structures where blended and non-traditional families exist as normal and part of a healthy family system. Family has evolved to be in part, our own construct, our own making. Families are not black and white, but varying shades of colour and culture. 

The "traditional" family, with the breadwinner husband, the stay-at-home mother, and 2.5 kids is not as easily attainable--nor is it as feasible in the modern world. Economic conditions and technological advancements have made this type of family more difficult to maintain. Mother's have jobs where they make more than their husbands; fathers are picking and dropping the kids off from school, making dinner, and putting away the laundry. And Mom and Dad are not necessarily married; maybe they met after a previous marriage or relationship and have their own kids--they've become a step-family.

Maybe you are a single parent? Or perhaps you are contemplating separation or divorce?

Regardless of whether your family is traditional or not, raising a family and making it work so that everyone is happy can be challenging. Family counselling strips away the social time clock, and helps families to establish a strong and healthy bond between members.

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"The most important things in life are your friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards life. If you have these, then you have everything!"
- Author Unknown

© 2011 Niagara Counselling.  All rights reserved.