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.