Programs and Services for Families

Family Support, Education and Counselling for Loved Ones and Concerned Others.

Ask yourself:

1. Can I live like this for the rest of my life and accept the fact that, perhaps, nothing is ever going to change?  How difficult would acceptance be?  Would it be sustainable?
2. If the situation never changes, how might it impact my daily physical, emotional and mental reality?  How might the children be affected?
3. What conditions and feelings are influencing my decisions in this situation?”  Would it be helpful to discuss and sort out the problems as I see them with a counsellor?

Counselling Will Help You…

• Make sense of your feelings and needs.
• Understand that it is not your fault.
• Explore the complex nature of addictive disorders and its impact on everyone involved.
• Help you recognize how an individual’s behaviour impacts you and the family.
• Consider the role of family dynamics in relation to specific family issues and problems.
• Help you understand how family interactions and communication styles can aid in the continuation of the unwanted behaviour.
• Develop an acceptance of the need for change within the family as a whole as well as in its various members.
• Learn new skills, communication patterns and behaviours that are flexible and respectful of each other’s needs and feelings.
• Explore your strengths and discover how they can be utilized in family reconciliation.
• Consider the wide range of options available to you.
• Help you decide on a course of action that makes sense given the complexities of your particular situation.
• Consider any other referrals that might be beneficial.
• Help you rebuild self-esteem and a sense of personal power.
• Develop confidence, peace of mind and hope for the future.

What should you consider at this point that you might not have realized before?

     Do you view the problem as residing in the person with the troubling behaviour?  Stop the drinking, gambling or spending and everything will return to normal again.  What you might not be aware of is the fact that there really is no normal to return to.  Everyone has developed a range of behaviours that helps them cope with the situation as it is today.  The whole system is askew and needs to be realigned.

     The issue is not who’s at fault although it’s tempting to stay in that place of contemplation.  It’s important to understand that it may not be possible to form a common goal that fits everyone’s needs. The question that needs to be asked is what is the best way for you to meet your own needs and the needs of the children?  You must honour your own truth.

      You must determine a realistic goal for yourself and decide on the best course of action to follow in order to reach it.

     The individual or loved one with the behavioural issues need not be addressing these difficulties before you seek help for yourself.  Get Help Just For Yourself!