Family concerns

We are all part of a family whether we like it or not, whether we live in “the family home” or not!!
Family matters can affect us no matter what we do, where we are or who we are.

It is likely that at some stage in the next few years family matters will affect you:

• Leaving home
• Returning home
• Parental expectations
• Conflict
• Separations
• Sibling rivalry
• Celebrations
• Illness
• Births
• Death
• Marriage
• Abuse
• Financial pressures
• Religion or traditions

To name a few!

   Quick tips

• Try talking to the person/s involved in the matter. It can be hard to do, but great relief often comes when issues are aired and people have the chance to have their say and put their point of view. Open communication is one of the keys to happy families.
• When family matters begin to affect you it is smart to talk about it. Many families hold the belief that family matters should be private or kept “in the family”. This is OK but sometimes it can be too difficult to hold the family matter to yourself. Counsellors observe strict confidentiality so will keep your family matters private.

It can be a great relief to talk through your concerns with someone outside the family. Our counsellors are skilled and experienced professionals who can help you understand what is happening and help you make decisions as to how you want to handle the family matter. The counsellors can also help you with the university systems, helping keep the matter private and getting the necessary support and special consideration that may be necessary.

   Taking it furtherSometimes the matter is very complex and serious. It is important to take it further. Counsellors can advise on steps to assist you.

• Family court of Australia
  http://www.familycourt.gov.au/presence/connect/www/home/

• CASA house (Centre Against Sexual Assault)
  http://www.rwh.org.au/casa/index.cfm?doc_id=2256

• Relationships Australia
  http://www.relationships.com.au/