Life throws curveballs, doesn’t it? Family life can be full of surprises—some joyous, others challenging. Sometimes, a little outside help can make a world of difference. This is where group therapy steps in. But what exactly is it? Group therapy involves multiple family members joining together with a trained counsellor to address collective issues. The aim? To boost communication, understanding, and mutual support, reinforcing family bonds.

The Benefits of Group Therapy for Families

Ever felt like you’re talking in circles at home? Group therapy can be the compass that guides you through those challenging conversations. When everyone sits down together, it becomes easier to identify the root of issues. Here are some perks:

• Improved Communication: Struggling with getting your point across? Group therapy provides tools to express thoughts and emotions effectively, fostering better connections.
• Unified Goals: It aligns the family on a single path. Working collectively towards shared objectives builds a sense of unity.
• Emotional Support: Knowing you’re not alone can be a massive relief. Sharing experiences and emotions can bring about healing and understanding.
• Conflict Resolution: Tired of the same arguments? Our counsellors guide families through resolving disputes, teaching skills to manage future conflicts.

These benefits don’t just sprout overnight. They grow with practice, patience, and a bit of expert guidance.

How Group Therapy Sessions Work

Curious about what happens during a session? Imagine sitting with your family, each member getting a turn to speak. The counsellor acts as a mediator, ensuring everyone has an equal chance to voice their thoughts. Specific techniques are used to break down barriers and foster a safe environment. And no, it’s not all sombre. Laughter and light-hearted moments are very much a part of the process.

Sessions might include activities, role-playing, and even creative exercises. The point is to keep things engaging while addressing the core issues.

Success Stories: Real Families, Real Changes

Let me share a story. A couple came to us feeling disconnected from their teenage son. Communication had broken down, and they felt helpless. Through group therapy, we uncovered underlying issues and taught them new ways to communicate. Fast forward a few months, they’ve reported a significant improvement. They now have regular family dinners, discussing everything from school events to personal feelings. It’s these transformations that highlight the effectiveness of group therapy.

And this isn’t a one-off. Numerous families have walked through our doors and left with stronger bonds and better communication skills.

Is Group Therapy Right for Your Family?

So, you’re probably wondering, “Is this really for us?” Well, if your family is experiencing constant disagreements, emotional distance, or if you’re just seeking to enhance your relationships, group therapy can be a game-changer. It’s like having a roadmap to navigate the sometimes rocky path of family life.

However, it’s crucial to remember that therapy requires commitment and willingness from all members. If everyone is on board, the journey towards a happier, healthier family becomes much smoother.

Getting Started with Vision Counselling

Starting therapy can feel like jumping into the deep end, but it’s often the first step towards positive change. At Vision Counselling, our team in Perth is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or just need a bit of guidance, we’ve got you covered.

Our services aren’t limited to individual therapy. We offer relationship counselling and support through the NDIS and EAP programs. Plus, with telehealth options, accessing support is easier than ever, no matter where you are in Australia.

What sets us apart? Experience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help you build stronger family connections. Why wait? Book a session online today and take that crucial step towards strengthening your family bonds.

Final Thoughts

Group therapy is like the glue that helps hold families together, especially through tough times. It’s about creating a safe space for open, honest communication and fostering a deeper understanding of one another. So why not give it a go? After all, every family deserves to thrive, don’t they?

If you’re in Perth or anywhere across Australia and feel like your family could benefit from group therapy, reach out to Vision Counselling. Your journey towards a more connected, harmonious family life could start today.

Remember, every step taken towards understanding and support is a step closer to a stronger family bond. Isn’t that worth exploring?

Many older loved ones may not recognize their need for assistance with daily living, or may deny that they can no longer cope without it; some others still may not be capable of making the decision at all. This may be the case for those who have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or who have suffered a stroke. For the family this can be a challenging time and fraught with guilt.

There are however some ways to make this challenging process easier for everyone.

Tips for a smooth transition

• Involve the person in the process of choosing their new home if at all possible – this will help the person to feel that they still have some control.
• Make sure they have some of their belongings around them – this will make the accommodation feel more familiar and help the person settle more quickly.
• Accept that your loved one may feel very emotional about this move and try to understand that their emotions at times may be difficult for them and you to experience.
• Look after yourself – Make sure that you, as the person supporting the older loved one through this transition, also get enough support.
• Try to make sure that your loved one gets enough visits from family members and friends often. Being forgotten is a fear for older people entering assisted living facilities.
• Keep your older loved one up to date with family, community and world news. This will help prevent them feeling isolated.
• Encourage your older loved one to engage with their new community by participating in some activities provided by their facility and getting to know other residents. However try not to push them into these activities.
• Try to stay positive, even if your older loved one is feeling very negative about the move.
• Seek counselling. Don’t be afraid to seek counselling as you may need support during or after this process too.

Remember the transition experience will be different for every person and the settling in period may not run to any particular timetable. However given patience and understanding, the support you both need and armed with a positive attitude you will all get there.

If this time is causing more stress or distress than you or your older loved one feels they can manage, talking to a therapist, counsellor or other professional may bring some relief.
If you would like further information on family counselling or individual counselling services, please contact us.

A young adult may leave the home for a number of reasons. They may:

• Feel it’s the right time to leave home
• Want to live together with a girlfriend/boyfriend or friends
• Want to gain independence
• Need to move closer to work or study
• Feel they would be happier living away from home
• Be asked to leave by the parents

What does this mean for you as a parent?

Depending on the circumstances as to why your child is leaving home, you may react in a number of ways.

You may:

• Have feelings of loss and sadness and you may miss their company
• Be concerned for their safety
• Be confused as to why they want to leave
• Worry about their financial situation
• Be concerned about who your young adult will be living with (if not living alone)
• Disagree with their choices
• Worry about the emotional challenge this life-transition may have on your young adult
• Worry about the health of your young adult

It’s a difficult time transition as the family home becomes one member less. It may feel empty for a while and adjusting to this change can take time.

What you can do as a parent?

It may be difficult to let go of your young adult, but it’s important that you let them experience their independence and respect their wishes.

To help create a smooth transition:

• Don’t try to stop your child from leaving
• Try to understand each other before your young adult leaves, so that you can have a good relationship with him/her in the future
• Try to let them have their independence, but also let them know that you are there if they need support.
• Show your young adult that you have concerns but that you support them in their decisions
• Keep their room the way it is for a while – they may become upset if their space is taken too soon
• Remember to look after your physical and emotional health during this transition
• Let him/her know that he still has a place in your home and that they are welcome to visit freely
• Keep communication with your young adult honest and open
• Try to arrange frequent visits with your young adult that are friendly and caring

Try to reassure yourself that this is their decision and they will gain valuable life experiences. Remember that this is an exciting and challenging time for them and it’s important that you play a positive part in this transition, for both your sakes. Have faith in your young adult.

If you would like to speak with a counsellor about your child leaving home or would like further information on family counselling or individual counselling services, please contact us.

• Communication breakdowns
• Constant arguing
• Over involvement OR complete avoidance, and even
• Physical altercations

These are all signs of family relationship breakdowns.

Several different things may cause or exacerbate family tensions, these may be –

• Differences in beliefs, personalities or opinions
• Mental health issues
• Stress
• Lack of respect

These are among many other possible triggers!

Family relationship issues can have many detrimental effects on the family itself and the individuals that make up the family, including –

• Feelings of isolation
• Anxiety & stress
• Sleeping & eating problems
• Alcohol & drug abuse
• Feelings of unresolved anger

Ways to gain and maintain family harmony –

• Accept that there will always be differences
• Accept that you cannot change others, only yourself
• Enjoy each other’s company, even the differences
• Communicate – talking can help resolve issues, but only when done calmly!

Sometimes feelings about family difficulties can become too much and talking with someone outside your family can help.

If you would like further information on family counselling or individual counselling services, please contact us.

Things often do not go to plan with children, and sometimes the parents themselves resisting the changes needed to become a new, functioning and happy family.

Adjusting to the new family structure will take some family members more time than others as each will have their own pace and way of being with their new family members.

A few things to keep in mind when blending your families together

• Some of the changes may be difficult, and it is likely that not everyone in the new blended family will be happy about the changes that have been made to their family structure.
• Understand that not everyone will automatically like everyone else in the new family structure.
• Try not to expect more than others may feel able to give, especially early on in the piece.
• Remember to always treat others in the new family structure with respect, and expect the same in return from other family members.

Helping a smooth transition

Accept that there will be some differences between some of the new blended family members initially. There are some things you can do to help make the process of bringing a step family together smoother and less stressful for everyone, for example-

• Create new family traditions but also try to observe/respect the old ones that some family members may be very attached to.
• Discuss disciplinary roles with your partner before blending your families together and make sure you support each other in these roles.
• Establish clear boundaries with family members while also understanding that boundaries may differ in other households that some family members (especially children) may need to spend time in.
• Keep the lines of communication open; family members will feel safer in the new blended family if they know that that they can express any issues they may be having and will not be judged for how they feel.
• Remember to have fun together; spending time together is a great way to bond your new step family together.

These are by no means the only things to think about when you are blending families together and each family and family member may differ in their needs.

If you are experiencing real difficulties bringing your blended family together it may be useful to speak to a professional counsellor or psychologist who has useful avenues of experience working with families.

If you would like further information on family counselling or individual counselling services, please contact us.