For over 70 years Relationship Matters, formerly known as LifeWorks, has supported Victorians and their families through difficult times and personal challenges. We know that the current Victorian bushfire emergency is affecting many members of our community, not just those living in the affected areas, but their families, friends and the wider support networks.
As part of our ongoing commitment to our EAP clients and their employees, we would like to offer employees affected by the bushfire events, two extra counselling sessions either face-to-face, via secure phone or tele-consult. These sessions are in addition to contracted EAP sessions and valid until 31 December 2020.
We can run information sessions on "Strengthening Relationships after a Disaster" for community groups and businesses. Please contact Peter Seligman on 1300 543 396 if you would like a quote.
For more information please contact our Client Services Officers on 1300 543 396 and if you would like to book an EAP session please call (03) 8650 6262.
Yours sincerely,
Janet Jukes
CEO
Relationship Matters |
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| | A Client's Journey
Brian is a plumber who lives with his partner Jane and their three children, Michael (15), Jessica (13) and Josh (9). Brian was raised in a family where everyone was expected to do as they were told. During his upbringing and his apprentice years, Brian was shouted at, belittled and criticised. He was effectively bullied into ‘being a man’. This became the way he behaved with his partner and children.
By the time Michael was 15, he was struggling at school, felt anxious and – in Brian’s words – ‘was afraid of his own shadow’. When Brian raised his voice at home, Michael cried. Jessica had stopped talking to Brian and Josh was barely noticed. One of the issues that brought Brian to counselling was that Jane found out that Josh had packed and hidden a bag so that he could run away when Brian was ‘losing it’.
Brian and Jane began couples counselling at Relationship Matters, where these issues were raised for the first time. Jane had previously felt unsafe about his possible reaction. The counsellor encouraged Brian to attend the Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP).
Through the 20 weeks of the program, Brian was open in sharing his thoughts and slowly came to see the impact of his behaviour on his family. At first, he struggled to accept that his violence and coercive behaviour had affected his children. He felt ashamed and embarrassed. Jane and the children were able to access support while Brian was attending the MBCP.
By the end of the program, Brian reported that while his relationship with Jane was not perfect, it had improved. He felt that with time she would start to trust him again. He had apologised to his children for how he had behaved over the years and disclosed that he was catching himself before he ‘blew up’ like he used to. He believed his children saw his efforts to not behave the way he had in the past, and that they were more at ease in his presence.
For more information about couples counselling or MBCP visit www.relationshipmatters.com.au or call us on 1300 543 396 to book an appointment. |
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Roadworthy for Dads
Designed to support fathers of babies to young teenagers. This program can assist to develop tools aiding to improve the family communication, handle conflict with respect, tune into the different stages of your child, as well as enhancing your parenting style.
Dates: Wednesdays 26 February - 22 April
Time: 5.45 - 7.45pm
Location: Frankston office
Visit relationshipmatters.com.au
to book now or call 1300 543 396 |
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Keep Calm and Parent On
This is a practical program that explores the triggers of anger and strategies to manage your responses to children in a calm regulated manner. Suitable for parents with children of all ages.
Dates: Mondays 16 March - 6 April
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon
Location: Melbourne office
Visit relationshipmatters.com.au
to book now or call 1300 543 396 |
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SEA Change – Anger Management for Women
Exploring healthier ways to communicate. SEA Change is a program offering women practical strategies on how to recognise the triggers of anger, manage responses and improve emotional wellbeing.
Dates: Wednesdays 22 April - 27 May
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon
Location: Melbourne office
Visit relationshipmatters.com.au
to book now or call 1300 543 396 |
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