How We Work

Happy Couple

You may like to download our general brochure which outlines our servicesgeneral_brochure_2010_v7[1]

Anyone is welcome to contact us at our Centre and chat about child and family relationship concerns or challenges they are experiencing.

We can provide:

  • An assessment of your needs
  • Individual counselling about relationship matters
  • Couples counselling
  • Opportunities and activities to increase communityinvolvement
  • Help with parenting
  • Counselling for children and adolescents
  • Opportunities to join a group or come alonmg to a FREE community seminar
    (for support with things like separation, parenting or conflict resolution (see home page for details or call us for a list of what’s on ph: 9663 6733
  • Education and training workshops for professionals (see our Education and Training section or call Helen on 96636733 for details)

At times we all need help

We provide an opportunity for individuals, couples and families to explore difficulties in relationships. Our counsellors will facilitate a process for dealing with these difficulties constructively. Our aim is to build a support system for all the parties involved. We work at your pace.

Life and relationships can be hard work

People who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, work, parenting or relationships including:

  • Communication & interaction problems
  • Different belief systems & traditions
  • Intimacy & infidelity
  • Impact of depression and anxiety
  • Conflict or  violence
  • Complex issues such as sexual abuse, mental health,  problematic drug & alcohol use, gambling
  • Parenting & social roles
  • Work, life, family balance

Can call us to discuss the options for counselling, eductaion, support or groupwork, when you would like to attend etc

Our family relationships change over time and each transition has its own adjustment issues including:

  • Making a commitment, pre-union or  pre-marriage
  • Making a choice to have children or not, or coping with childlessness or fertility treatment
  • The transition to parenthood
  • Coming to terms with relationship breakdown
  • Grief
  • Reforming relationships and managing stepfmaily issues 
  • Retirement and life changes including ill health

Attending counselling

We provide a safe space for individuals, couples and families to explore and work on those issues which impact on  the quality of their relationships and their lives in general. We are skilled listeners and assist you to identify and bring about changes in yourself or your circumstances. We are committed to maintaining your privacy and operate a code of ethical practice.

Children and young people

Children and young people can also struggle with changes in their family life. We  provide counselling and groups that specifically address their needs.

Who can benefit?

Anyone who is moving into or involved in a relationship or adjusting to life after a relationship has ended.
Counselling about a relationship is more helpful when both partners are present, however, you can come by yourself if your partner is unwilling or unable to attend. We see a lot of single parents, people who have ended realationships, those having work problems, issues with their in laws and those negotiating a separation or divorce.
We can also assist parents who are worried about their children’s adjustment to your  changing relationships or family.

Who are our relationship counsellors?

Our staff consists of qualified counsellors, psychologists, social workers and educators who are experienced counsellors. They understand the pressures today on individuals,  relationships and families and are sensitive to the diversity of family types and cultures that exist. They will also talk to you about your life in general, physical health, work, extended family, friendships, whether you expereince things like depression or anxiety etc, rather than focusing only on your relationship.

Group Work

Some people prefer to take part in drummond street’s  facilitated groups. These informal groups tackle topics like:

  • Working on our relationship
  • stress management
  • Helping children with divorce and separation
  • Help – I’m a parent!
  • Conflict resolution for couples
  • Preparing for parenthood
  • Enjoying your toddler
  • Parenting adolescents
  • When your partner has depression
  • Same sex couples and parenting

Attendance at a weekly group may compliment the work couples may be undertaking with a counsellor.

For more information please call Zoe on 9663 6733 or return to our home page for our calendar of groups and seminars. If you would like to be emailed our calendar please make a request to zoe.stafford@ds.org.au