Relationship Education
Recently I was talking with a Buddhist Monk about relationships, she said “You need to find the knowledge and practice the skills when everything is going well in the relationship; then when there is conflict or disagreement you have the necessary skills, well honed, and you are able to use them wisely.”
Relationship education is not just about, seeing a counsellor when you have a problem, it is about gaining knowledge and skills that will enhance or improve your relationship.
As your Marriage Celebrant, I am required by law to advise you of relationship education and counselling services available in Perth, or in other areas of Western Australia if you live outside of Perth. The three main counselling agencies that I am aware of are; Relationships Australia, Kinway and Centrecare. They all have offices in several suburbs of Perth, and offices in the main towns in WA, such as, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Bunbury, Albany, Port Hedland and Karratha to name a few.
Many couples dismiss relationship education as unnecessary, but it is healthy to be open to learning new ways of relating to each other. The courses can be taken within a group, where you learn not only from the group facilitator, but also from each other. However, if that seems daunting, you can see counsellors either individually or as a couple.
Subjects covered range from ‘Healthy Conflict in Relationships’, ‘Family of Origin’ and understanding its influence and impact, ‘Setting Health Boundaries’, ‘Fly in Fly Out’ and the impact upon the couple and family system. ‘Communicating Effectively’ is a six week course from Relationships Australia and it covers attitudes, listening and speaking skills, as well as conflict resolution.
‘Family Patterns’ is an interesting course, it covers the attitudes and behaviour that stems from your experiences within your family as you were growing up, and the impact of those family patterns on your communication and conflict style.
Although not mandatory, you should consider undertaking some of the courses. If you do it together it is fun and interesting. Have a look at what is on offer from all of the agencies and see which ones you think would best suit you both.
Most providers recommend that you look at undertaking relationship workshops or counselling some 3 to 6 months before your wedding. But there is no reason why you can’t do them after the wedding when you have more time to think and discuss the topics together.
There are also many books on each subject but there is one I like in particular because it teaches how to resolve issues long before they get to the stage of being a conflict. The title of the book is “Crucial Conversations”. I have it on my Links page if you would like to buy a copy or have a look around the authors website for more information.
The Government has a website for families. This site provides all families (whether together or separated) with access to information about family relationship issues, ranging from building better relationships to dispute resolution.
There are web links to non-government agencies that provide education for couples for example, communicating more effectively, dealing with differences, sharing values, financial planning.
The government has provided Relationship Centres throughout the country and metropolitan areas. Perth, Joondalup and Midland are three of the areas with them in; they look like shops.
There is a free 24 hour family advice line if ever needed 1800 050 321.
Relationships Australia
Joondalup: Lotteries House, 70 Davidson Road, Joondalup WA 6027
Ph 9301-2000
Provides counselling for individuals, couples and families.
Fee: Sliding Scale, based on income Minimum $25.00 Max $120.00 (2010)
West Leederville: provides most of the Family and Relationship Courses however some are conducted in the other centres. There is quite an extensive list of courses:
- Building better relationships
- Communication in Relationships
- Family Patterns
- Express yourself assertively
- Living in a Step Family
- Fees: As stated
Ph 9489 6300 or 1300 364 277
KinWay: Anglicare
Joondalup: Sanori House, Suite 5, 1st Floor
126 Great Boulevard, Joondalup WA 6027
Provides counselling for individuals, couples, families and children.
Relationship Education consists of:
- 2 hour sessions
- All day Saturday sessions
- Courses range from 2 to 6 weeks.
- Provides courses for Stepfamilies.
Fees: Based on the annual income of the household, minimum $30.00 – Max $120.00
Phone 9300 0460
KinWay Menstime:
www.menstime.com.au
East Perth: 23 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth
Joondalup: Sanori House
Ph: 9263 2050
Provides individual counselling and group programs.
Centrecare
Mirrabooka: 12 Brewer Place, Mirrabooka WA
Ph: 9440 0400
Fees: Sliding scale based on income, people on Centrelink payments do not pay, maximum $100.00
The Following Psychotherapists and Counsellors belong to the Psychotherapist and Counsellors Association of Western Australia
Tony Africano Mt Lawley Ph 9228 1527
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Private Practice, Adults, Adolescents, Couples.
Karen Anderson West Leederville Ph 9382 8446
Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Family Therapist
Adults, Children, Adolescents, Families and Couples.
Anne Barrett City Beach Ph 9385 7487
Art Therapist
Adults, Children, Adolescents
Barbara Cox-Hosking Duncraig Ph 9246 7958
Marriage and Family Therapist
Adults, Children
Gill Falconer Greenwood Ph 9447 1071
Counsellor
Adults, Adolescents, Families and Couples
Danielle Hannington Yokine Ph 9207 1233
Clinical Psychologist
Adults, Children, Adolescents, Families, Couples
Robert Van Koesveld Mount Lawley Ph 9271 3831
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Adults and Couples
Tom Wilson Mount Lawley Ph 9271 3831
Psychodrama TEP, Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Adults, Families and Couples
