Case Study - Family Law

Clients:

Claire (architect, 53)
Nick (lawyer, 57)
Together 8 years

Issue:

Placement of a Police Family Violence Order (PFVO). Both Nick & Claire identified that they had been having "blow-ups," and that this had led to the PFVO. They wanted to be able to sort through their issues and disagreements in a more healthy way. 

How R&L Helped:

The Robertson & Ling relationship counsellor completed an individual assessment with Nick & Claire. This enabled the couple to give their own perspective on the relationship, whilst enabling the R&L counsellor to prioritise the safety of the couple.

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.

The counsellor worked through a number of interventions with the couple on how to have better conversations on conflictual issues. These interventions placed on emphasis on increasing understanding and connection amidst conflict. The R&L counsellor provided feedback to them both on what they were doing well as they sought to make changes, as well as areas in which they could still improve in their communicative skills.

After six sessions, both Nick & Claire felt that their ability to discuss conflictual issues had improved significantly, and that they were ready to apply for their PFVO to be amended. At this point, counselling was concluded.