application of Family Systems Theory

Counselling/Psychology

Facilitating emotional well-being and relationship effectiveness through the application of Family Systems Theory The FSI Counselling Team Our counsellors are experts in applying family systems approaches to working with individuals, couples and families. Our resident clinical team are: Jenny Brown, Charmian (Charlie) Ellis, Esther Long, Linda Mackay, Lily Mailler Michelle Southgate and Jo Wright. All our clinical staff are tertiary qualified mental health professionals with post graduate training and experience in couple and family therapy. Click here for profiles of our team Medicare and Private Insurance Rebates Available What kind of problems? Our counsellors assist with a range of difficulties with an emphasis on each person’s relationships. Couple disharmony Child/adolescent emotional or behavioural problems Grief and loss Overcoming depression or anxiety Anger management Adjusting to stressful life events: divorce, retrenchment, relocation, mid life. Resolving difficulties from childhood. Tensions with extended family. Our Approach A Family Systems Approach views emotional problems in the context of a person’s present and past relationships. As clients learn how they operate in their key relationships, they are able to explore new options for expressing themselves effectively and strengthening the connection with important others. All counsellors draw from a range of other approaches as is relevant to the client. 5 Core Principles of Family Systems Approach: Symptoms are treated in the space between people as opposed to within the individual. Clients are helped to develop self awareness of how they are reacting to others and how their reactions are being responded to. The past is explored to assist this awareness of circular patterns and the effect they have on people's coping capacities. Events from the past are not viewed as the cause of symptoms but as anxiety generators that have been responded to in the relationship system. Hence each family member is affected differently by challenging events. The question "Why?" is not considered useful as it will construct a partial answer and leave out other important contributions. The more useful questions the therapist/coach asks are: "When, what, who, then what?" The therapist works hard not to take sides with any member of the clients' relationship system. They encourage the client to keep their change efforts outside of the therapy room - in the natural systems of real relationships. How much time is involved? Naturally there is a great variety to each person’s needs, ranging from single session consultation to help with a difficult decision, to tackling a problem that has a long history. Family systems counselling is one of the less time intensive approaches. The focus is on trying new strategies between counselling sessions. Sessions last for 1 hour and may begin as weekly or fortnightly with greater spacing as things improve. Who should attend? In family therapy, children and teenagers are usually seen with parents and other involved family members. With couple problems it is ideal but not essential for both partners to be involved. If one partner is reluctant to come, a great deal can still be achieved with one motivated person. Getting the most out of your counselling To help you get maxiumum benefit and value for your money, we have provided some suggestions for getting the most out of your counselling. Costs Click here for a table of our standard fees. There are a range of rebates available and these can be discussed with our intake receptionists. Most of our counsellors are registered with Medicare for Better Access referrals from GPs. Private Health Insurance Rebates also available. Payment can be made by credit card, cheque, eftpos or cash. All of our counsellors are committed to the highest standards of: Professional ethics. Counselling that is informed by current professional research and scholarship. Counselling that is geared to the unique needs of each client. Strategy focussed counselling that aims to achieve a time efficient and economical service. Applying the principles of healthy relationships and functioning to their own lives. Cancellation Policy & Disclaimer: A refund is available more than one month in advance of the workshop less a $55.00 Administration Fee. Otherwise no refund will apply. Cancellation policy is final and not negotiable. The Family Systems Institute regrets the difficult personal circumstances that sometimes prevent people attending, however, the logistics of managing our training programs prevents us from assuming responsibility for these contingencies. Positions are transferable to anyone you nominate. Groups: 70% refund up to one (1) month prior to commencement. No refund within month of starting or during course duration. It is sometimes possible for you to arrange for another to take your place before the series starts but it is not possible to change once the series has started. Counselling & Supervision: Please note our policy on cancellations or missed appointments: The full fee will be charged for missed appointments. Half our fee will be charged if inadequate notice is given, under 48 hours, 2 working days. We do not give reminders of appointments. If you think there is a chance that you may not be able to make your appointment due to another committment or symptoms of poor health, we ask that you cancel within 48 hours. Emergencies are serious sickness or sudden crisis with an immediate family member