Couples, Relationships & Families

Couples and Relationships

Despite the high rate of marriage/common-law, few people have been given the tools to repair and renew their most important relationships. We get caught in a downward spiral, trapped by problems we can’t seem to find solutions to. Don’t let your most important relationships suffer without taking every step you can to save them.The earlier you get into counselling with your loved one, the easier it is to get you and your partner’s relationship back on a healthy track.

Work with one of ACS counsellors trained in Couples Therapy to assist you in navigating the challenges that confront many couples – life. Together, we will support you in gaining a greater understanding of your relationship strengths and challenges and offer a road map for repair and growth.

Codependency / Enabling

When one family member suffers from a severe problem, the entire family unit is impacted. Alcoholism, domestic violence, and emotional abuse are examples of difficult problems families face. Each person typically adapts their behavior pattern to adjust to the situation. Sometimes these changes seem to make the situation easier because conflict can be avoided. However, these changes can also, and most often do, enable destructive behavior patterns to flourish within the family unit. When this process occurs, it is referred to as codependency.

Dealing with codependency is a challenging process. However, counsellors and community groups can be helpful in changing destructive patterns. If you think you are involved in a codependent relationship, a professional counsellor can help you identify and change unhealthy behavior patterns.

Divorce and Separation Recovery

Divorce may be a daily occurrence in society. However, it is by no means an easy event for any family to face. Couples certainly do not plan to divorce when they marry. Divorce is considered a trauma and it leads to a grieving process that is comparable to that of death. Each person must face the loss of the relationship and all of the dreams that were carried with it. Divorcees may also lose relationships with former in-laws and friends, as people tend to take sides in facing divorce.

Children often face great insecurity seeing their parents’ marriage end. Not only is the family stability disrupted, but they must face economic changes, visitation schedules, and relocation as a result of the divorce. Divorce recovery is a long and complex process involving an array of emotions including denial, despair, anger, and grief.

A professional counsellor can help you and your family face divorce and its aftermath. They can help you work through your feelings, make empowering decisions, and communicate effectively with other family members.

Recovery from divorce is difficult but, with time, healing can occur.

Collaborative Divorce

Going through divorce raises many questions – about children, money, housing, assets, and more. You don’t have to work through these questions alone. In a Collaborative Divorce, a team of specially trained Collaborative professionals support you in addressing your concerns and assists you in making sound decisions.

Collaborative Divorce Coaching

When relationships end, emotions often run high. Without emotional support, you may feel that the strain of separation is overwhelming. Ongoing conflict with your spouse can slow negotiations and make your legal costs soar. Divorce coaches have specialized training in Collaborative Divorce. They understand family dynamics and can support you through the emotional roller coaster of separation. They can help you articulate your needs and goals, improve communication patterns with your ex-partner, manage stress and help to develop effective co-parenting plans for the future welfare of your children.

Workplace Violence or Harassment / Bullying

Defined by Alberta Health and Wellness as physical assault or aggression, unsolicited and unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or contact, which causes offence or humiliation and physical harm to any individual which creates fear or mistrust or which compromises or devalues the individual.

It can come from anyone, be directed at anyone, be deliberate or unintentional, subtle or overt, a single occurrence or a repetitive situation. It can be an abuse of authority, and involve relationships between co-workers, or affiliated personnel. The emotional effects can include anger, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The counsellors at Associates can offer support and guidance around the effects of what can be a stressful and often traumatic experience.

Counsellors with this Specialty

We are proud to offer a diverse and experienced team of counsellors. Whether you require the services of a psychologist or social worker, we have someone ready to help.

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