Group Counselling for Parents | Perth Family Therapy

Family Therapy: Group Counselling for Parents

Our free Group Counselling: Parent group gives mums, dads and carers who are dealing with the impact of a child’s alcohol or drug use a safe space to share their stories, learn about dependency, and develop coping skills and strategies.

About the Program

Our family therapy in Perth group counselling programs run every week. Sessions are held during the day and some evenings and are tailored to suit the needs of the group and individuals.

For parents and carers focusing on improving their relationships beyond substance use concerns, our group counselling program offers an opportunity to build stronger family connections.

Across 12 sessions, all provided in an open group format, participants of our parents’ group counselling program explore a range of concepts, with a focus on the effects of problem substance use and other dependent behaviours on parent-child relationships.

This includes:

Understanding dependency. Providing a deeper understanding of the process of dependency and their child’s behaviour and challenges.
Change and relapse prevention. Learning strategies to support their child through change and relapse prevention, managing expectations and preparing for potential setbacks.
Self-responsibility and family dynamics. Understanding self-responsibility and the impact of substance use on family dynamics can empower carers to take proactive steps to improve their family environment.
Coping skills and strategies. Nurturing practical coping skills and providing strategies that help participants manage stress and navigate difficult situations more effectively.

In addition to these educational elements, the program provides space for group discussions. It helps parents develop new skills and practical coping strategies designed to enable individuals to move forward and make positive, sustainable changes.

Education plays a crucial role in strengthening family relationships and preventing breakdowns. This program provides a place where parents and carers can share their stories, gain inspiration and build strong bonds with people with similar experiences.

How the Program and Sessions Work

Our Perth family counselling and therapeutic peer-group sessions are led by highly trained and experienced facilitators who create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment using a structured yet flexible approach that fosters open dialogue and encourages personal growth.

A safe environment is essential for facilitating open communication among family members, allowing them to explore difficult emotions, understand each other’s perspectives, and work through unresolved issues.

Here’s how the program works:

Parents and carers interested in joining the program can enrol by contacting reception at (08) 9416 4444 or clientservices@holyoake.org.au. Our team will contact prospective participants to conduct an initial assessment.
Weekly sessions. The program runs for 12 weeks in an open group format, allowing new members to join at any point while providing ongoing support for participants.
Community-building. The program not only provides immediate support but also helps parents build a network of connections with others facing similar challenges, offering long-term emotional support and shared resources.
Further ongoing support. In addition to the weekly sessions, participants can access additional resources and support. Facilitators may provide referrals to other services if a participant requires a more intensive intervention.
Feedback and continuous improvement. We encourage participants to provide feedback on their experiences, which helps facilitators improve the program. This ensures that the content remains relevant and effective and that the group’s needs are always met.
We strictly maintain confidentiality. All participants and facilitators agree to keep what is shared within the group private.
After completing the 12-week program, participants often report significant improvements in their coping skills and family dynamics. They may choose to continue attending sessions for ongoing support or transition to other support services.

Similar support services: Relationships in Focus, Tools for Change and the Very Young People’s Program are also running and offer excellent support for those impacted by alcohol and other drugs.

“The knowledge and skills I’ve gained from this program are practical and applicable to our daily lives. It has helped me understand my daughter’s struggles better and communicate more effectively with her. The emotional support from the group has been a lifeline.”

“I was feeling so lost and alone before I joined this group. Hearing other parents’ stories and learning practical strategies has made me feel more in control and less isolated. The facilitators are compassionate and experienced, making each session meaningful.”

“The combination of educational elements and emotional support is what makes this program so effective. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the impact of substance use on our family and developed better ways to cope and support my child. It’s been a transformative experience.”

Benefits of Group Counselling for Parents

Group family therapy offers many benefits for parents, including providing them with the skills and strategies needed to raise happy, healthy children.

Here are some of the key advantages highlighted:

Improved Communication Skills: Group counselling sessions give parents the opportunity to practice effective communication skills, such as active listening and assertive expression of needs and feelings. These skills are essential for fostering healthy relationships within the family.
Increased Support Network: Participating in a group counselling program allows parents to connect with peers who understand the challenges of parenting. This supportive network can offer emotional support and practical advice, helping parents feel less isolated.
Access to Expert Guidance: Group counselling is typically led by a trained counsellor with extensive experience in parenting issues. This expert guidance can provide valuable insights and support on a range of topics, from managing behavioural problems to improving parent-child relationships.
Opportunity for Personal Growth: Group counselling encourages parents to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and parenting styles. This self-reflection can lead to positive changes that benefit the entire family.
Improved Relationships with Children: Parents can enhance their relationships with their children by learning effective communication skills and conflict management strategies. This leads to stronger, more meaningful connections and a more harmonious family life.

Overall, group counselling is a highly effective way to support parents in their parenting roles. It equips them with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of parenting and create a nurturing environment for their children.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Group Counselling Parents’ Program

: It’s natural to feel apprehensive about sharing personal experiences. Our facilitators are trained to create a safe and supportive environment, and you can share at your own pace. There is no pressure to disclose more than you are comfortable with.
: Confidentiality is a key component of our program. All participants and facilitators agree to keep what is shared within the group private, ensuring a secure space for open discussions.
: You can enrol by contacting our Victoria Park reception at (08) 9416 4444 or reaching out to our team online. We’ll guide you through the next steps, including an initial assessment.
: The program is free of charge, making it accessible to all parents who need support.
: Our facilitators are trained to support participants through challenging emotions. You’re encouraged to take breaks or share your concerns as needed. The group setting is designed to provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
: While regular attendance is beneficial, we understand that life can be unpredictable. The group is designed to be flexible, so you can attend the sessions that fit your schedule.
: Although the group setting emphasises shared experiences, our facilitators are attentive to individual needs and can provide personalised support during sessions. You can also request one-on-one time.
: Our facilitators are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in substance use counselling and family dynamics. They are skilled in creating a supportive and educational environment.
: Yes, this program is ideal for parents and carers navigating the challenges associated with a child’s alcohol use. It offers AA family support, education, coping strategies, and emotional support tailored to these specific issues.
: AA family support refers to a network or program designed to assist families, particularly parents and carers, who are coping with the impact of a loved one’s alcohol dependency. It provides a supportive space to share experiences, learn strategies, and gain emotional strength.
: Many parents and carers have found our program beneficial in understanding and coping with their child’s substance use. The combination of professional guidance, peer support and practical strategies has helped numerous families make positive changes.
: The program includes strategies for managing crises and preventing relapse. If your child’s situation requires more intensive intervention, our facilitators can provide additional resources and support.

If you would like to join the group, please call our Victoria Park reception at (08) 9416 4444 or contact our friendly team online.

Our Childsafe Commitment

Every child has a right to live without violence, be cared for and be protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. We’re committed to child safety and well-being and maintain child-safe and child-friendly environments. We implement and complete self-assessments aligned to the National Principles of the Child Safe Organisations 2019 framework, as developed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Western Australia.

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