Families (and counselling)

Chapter 6: Families

Overview:

• Individuals within a family unit
• Techniques to deal with entire families
• How to aid families in crisis or grieving families
• Strategies and techniques including group dynamics, open communication and referrals
• What not to do when helping families

Description:

All families are different. They differ in history, composition, and the dynamics of the relationships among family members. Some work well, others do not work at all well. In this chapter, learn how to counsel entire families or individual family members effectively.

Topics:

• Individuals and the family
• Special features of dealing with families
• Families in crisis
• Grieving families
• Strategies and techniques
• Things not to do

Speaker / Author:

Hugh Irons

Hugh Irons is a registered nurse who holds a master’s degree in community health nursing and qualifications in workplace assessment and training. Hugh works full-time in community-based mental health care with Ballarat Health Services - Psychiatric Services (Victoria, Australia). He has nearly 20 years of experience in this field, and also has substantial experience in teaching and coordinating undergraduate nursing students at the University of Ballarat, where he is a teaching fellow. Hugh is also a qualified relaxation massage therapist. He is a member of both the Royal College of Nursing Australia and the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nursing, and is an associate member of the Australian Counselling Association. Hugh also runs his own consultancy in workplace and community mental-health behavioural training. In this role, Hugh conducts seminars, runs workplace in-service sessions, and facilitates conferences on a multitude of related topics.

Hugh’s motivation for writing this book springs from his conviction that all caring persons, with or without formal training, can have a significant therapeutic impact on the mental health and well-being of people who find themselves in distressing circumstances. Hugh relaxes with his wife of 35 years, Patricia and is interested in reading, walking and travelling. When travelling, Hugh makes a point of visiting mental-health services in any country that he visits - gathering and disseminating ideas of mutual benefit.

Professional Reviews: