Relationship Support

Everyone feels overwhelmed with life at times and our important relationships can suffer as a result – with our partner, family or friends. While we all want successful and rewarding relationships, having difficulties and challenges is also a part of sharing your life with others. Sometimes, it is difficult to talk about issues and you may need outside help to resolve problems and ensure your relationships stay healthy and strong.

We can help you work out what sort of support will best help you to resolve your problem and get you on track.

CatholicCare provides a range of options. We have programs that support people to understand their behaviour, why we feel certain emotions and why we respond the way we do. We offer lots of practical tips on how to improve relationships.

If you have concerns about a relationship or simply want to ensure you maintain a positive relationship, reach out to see what we have to offer. The sooner you act on issues, the easier they are to resolve.

If through a relationship you experience violence or abusive behaviour, you should seek assistance immediately. More information about our Domestic & Family Violence services and Crisis Support contact information.

You may also be interested in our Counselling and Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation services.

We offer two marriage preparation courses, available in both religious and secular formats.

FOCCUS

This pre-marriage education program helps couples learn more about themselves and their relationship. Couples respond individually to a survey exploring topics such as:

• Communication
• Dual careers
• Extended family
• Finances
• Friends and interests
• Intimacy
• Lifestyle expectations
• Parenting
• Problem-solving
• Religion

These responses are then compared, with areas of strength and areas for growth, which are then highlighted and discussed in feedback sessions with an accredited Relationship Educator. FOCCUS pre-marriage education is not counselling. It is not a test that a couple ‘passes’ or ‘fails’. It is designed to provide an understanding of what you and your partner will bring into your marriage.

Based over two sessions, FOCCUS is offered at our Family Centres. Call or email to book.

PREPARE ENRICH

For over 30 years, PREPARE ENRICH has helped couples strengthen their relationships. It has empowered and energised more than 3 million couples! The main component of the program is an online survey which identifies the unique strengths and potential growth areas in your relationship.

You’ll meet with a facilitator trained to provide feedback by helping you understand your results and you’ll learn important relationship skills. Built on a solid research foundation, PREPARE ENRICH has been improved and refined over the years to become one of the best, most effective, easy-to-use relationship assessment tools available.

PREPARE ENRICH will:

• Identify strength and growth areas
• Explore personality traits
• Strengthen communication skills
• Resolve conflicts and reduce stress
• Compare family backgrounds
• Comfortably discuss financial issues
• Establish personal, couple and family goals

This program is available at our Waitara Family Centre only.