Counselling for family concerns

“They don’t come with instructions do they?”

Children don’t come with instructions. And neither do the challenges of family life. The following examples give you an idea of the family concerns I’ve worked on with people over the years.

Please note that details have been combined or fictionalised to protect client confidentiality:

My seventeen year old won’t pull their weight around the house, isn’t even trying at college. My partner laughs it off. Should I be stricter? Less strict? Does they need help? Part of me feels this oughtn’t to be a big deal; another part of me worries that this’ll finish us as a family.

We’re raising our grandson, who seems so angry suddenly – almost out of control. Is this to do with his mum, whom we lost when he was a toddler, or is it normal for teenagers? What do we do?

I just found out my daughter has self-harmed– and I’m certain one of her best friends is smoking cannabis. She needs independence, I get it – but how can I keep her safe?

I feel low, and distant the whole time- despite being dad to a beautiful six month old. I love my partner, I love our son, I want to be a good dad – so what’s wrong with me? How can I shape up?

Friendship politics (the twins) and bad behaviour (our eldest) are driving us crazy. Every time the school phone me, I get this sinking feeling of ‘oh God, what now?’. Help!

It’s always been true that family and close friendships can bring us face-to-face with life’s toughest challenges.

Whether you’re sure about counselling, undecided, or interested in attending a virtual ‘Tuning Into Teens’ course as a possible alternative, please do contact me. “Just wondering” type enquiries are fine!

Please see 'times, fees etc' for up-to-date availability information; further information about my professional background is also available. I’m looking forward to hearing from you; please call or email.