Couples & Family

MARRIAGE COUNSELLING - COUPLES COUNSELLING - LGBT COUPLES

 

STOP COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN WITH YOUR PARTNER

In spite of loving each other, you and your partner can get caught up in unhealthy communication or behaviour patterns to the point of feeling that you are completely stuck. You might find that you are having the same arguments over and over again. Or perhaps you avoid difficult conversations because you're afraid of starting a fight.

This kind of communication breakdown can create unnecessary tension and conflict in your relationship. You or your partner may close down conversations, talk at length or raise your voices without resolving anything. If you are like many couples entering therapy, your problems may have been going on for years. Difficulties in relating to each other will eventually erode the closeness and intimacy, if it hasn't already. You may find that you've lost the joy or spark that initially attracted you to each other. Your relationship may feel empty. You may feel sad, lonely, and helpless to change it.

Regardless of the state of your relationship, Relationship Counselling for couples can help you and your partner break out of old, negative patterns for good.

Imagine being able to get beyond arguments you've had for years and feel good about yourself and your relationship again. Discover how to communicate with your partner in order to get their attention, feel understood, and elicit compassion and caring. Participating fully in couples counselling can help defuse the tension in your relationship as you begin to relax and respond tenderly to each other. You feel accepted. You feel embraced. The connection you have rebuilt sparks new passion and playfulness in your relationship.

WHAT’S TROUBLING MY CHILD?

Do any of these sound familiar?

• Your child seems down or excessively worried about things 
• You notice sudden changes in school performance, appetite, or participation in usual activities
• You are getting into more arguments with your child, not seeing eye to eye
• Your child has been withdrawing from family or friends
• Your child is having difficulty adjusting to a recent stressor (e.g., loss of a significant person or pet, separation, divorce, recent traumatic experience)

When you notice difficulties at home, school, or with friends, it can be challenging to figure out what is at the root of the problem.  Children and youth have difficulty expressing their distress.  Their problems may be compounded by how they are coping in a world which is largely out of their control.  It can be confusing to find the source of the problem.  Examining your child’s behaviour may give you clues to what is troubling him or her, but it may not give you the whole picture.

You may have tried different ideas for how to solve the problem and made little headway. Sometimes just trying to manage the problematic behaviours can create arguments and get you into power struggles with your child, only making things feel worse. 

Is it painful to see your Teen struggling?

It is upsetting to feel your connection with your teen eroding. You may be losing sleep over it.   You may be feeling inadequate as a parent.  You may be feeling overwhelmed and helpless about what to do.  Is your teen engaging in self harm behavours or struggling with their identity?  I can help them navigate their feelings and teach them alternative ways to handle these issues.

No matter how confused you feel, I can help your teen find positive ways to cope with life's stressors.  When you come to see me for counselling I will work together with you and your child  or teen to determine the underlying feelings, such as, anxiety or depression or acting out behaviours.  

Charlene often works with children who experience: