Family Law
Who could benefit
from family law counselling?
Those experiencing the Family Law system often find it stressful and debilitating. We provide counselling to those engaged in formal mediation or legal services.
Robertson & Ling work with couples where Family Violence Orders are in place (PFVO, FVO or KTP).
We help separated parents to establish a healthy co-parenting relationship through conflict resolution and parenting skills.
How can family law counselling help you?
Improve the health of your relationship after an order (KTP, FVO, PFVO) has been put in place.
Get a Family Violence Order amended due to changes made through counselling.
Reduce the impacts that the Family Law System and your situation may be having on you.
Learn how best to navigate co-parenting once separated.
Learn strategies for effective communication post-separation.
Case Study - family law counselling
Patricia & Gary came to Robertson & Ling for couples counselling after a Family Violence Order (PFVO) was put in place following an incident at their home the previous month. Robertson & Ling completed individual assessments with each of them in order to get their own perspectives on the relationship. R&L also completed a screening for family violence, and determined that the relationship did not possess the traits of a characterological family violence relationship; rather, situational violence had occurred, leading to the placement of the order.
Both Gary and Patricia felt that their heated arguments were the biggest reason for the trouble in their relationship, and for the PFVO being put in place. They agreed that they wanted to be able to sort through their issues and disagreements in a more healthy way.
The Robertson & Ling counsellor worked through a number of interventions with the couple on how to have better conversations when a conflictual issue presented itself (for a background understanding, see Robertson & Ling’s blog series on how not to do conflict in a relationship). For Gary and Patricia, these conflictual issues included sex, family relationships, roles and responsibilities.
Patricia and Gary were given the opportunity to practice these interventions within session, as they were unable to live with one another due to the PFVO. The Robertson & Ling counsellor was able to provide feedback to them both on what they were doing well, and what changes they were still able to make.
After six sessions, Gary and Patricia’s ability to discuss conflictual issues had improved significantly; they successfully applied to have their PFVO amended. At this point, counselling was concluded.
