Family Communication
The same argument in different forms. People talking but not hearing. Someone always shutting down or blowing up. When family communication breaks down, everything becomes harder. We help families learn to communicate with each other.
When talking doesn't help.
Most family communication problems are about patterns. The way people listen (or don't), the defensiveness that kicks in before a word is said, the tone that triggers a shutdown, the assumption each person brings into the room.
We work on interrupting these patterns and building new ones, so conversations end in understanding and resolution.
For families that include neurodivergent members, communication differences are often at the root. They have different processing styles, social communication patterns and sensory experiences, and understanding that changes how the family talks to each other.
Session info
- 50-60 minute sessions
- In person, at home, or online
- Qualified, experienced counsellors
- NDIS and fee-for-service
Communication looks different in every family.
Sessions often cover these areas.
Active listening
Most people listen so they can reply, before they have understood. We practise listening until each family member feels heard and understood.
In practice: Taking turns repeating back what the other person said before responding, to check the message landed the way it was intended.
Breaking the cycle
When arguments follow the same pattern every time, we identify the cycle and work on where to intervene before it escalates.
In practice: Drawing out how a typical family argument unfolds on a whiteboard, then identifying the exact moment where it could go differently.
Emotion regulation in conversations
When emotions run high, communication shuts down. We work on how family members can regulate enough to stay in a conversation.
In practice: Agreeing on a pause signal the whole family can use when things get heated, then practising coming back to the conversation after a short break.
Communicating across neurodivergence
Families with autistic or ADHD members often have different communication styles. We help everyone understand each other's patterns and find ways to meet in the middle.
In practice: Describing how each person processes and expresses things best, then building a shared guide for communicating across different styles.
Expressing needs clearly
Many family conflicts are really about unexpressed needs. We work on how to name what you need, without it coming out as a complaint or attack.
In practice: Practising "I need" statements in session, with the counsellor coaching each family member on how to be direct without blame.
Repairing after arguments
What happens after a blowup is as important as the argument itself. We work on how families repair, so nothing gets swept under the rug.
In practice: Sitting down with a recent argument and talking it through, with each person saying what they were feeling and what they would like to do differently.
Who this is for
- Families where the same arguments keep happening
- Families where someone always shuts down
- Families with neurodivergent members and communication differences
- Parents and teenagers who can't talk without it escalating
- Families where everyone's trying but nothing changes
- Any family that wants to feel more connected at home
Better communication is possible.
It takes practice and support. Book a free chat to get started.
Book a free chatNDIS & fee-for-service
The practical side.
What it costs
Family communication sessions follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, with the amount depending on session type and whether it's a weekday, evening, or weekend. You can also access this work privately, or through other schemes, if NDIS funding doesn't apply. Cost is always confirmed in writing before anything starts.
Am I eligible?
Support for family communication usually sits under NDIS Capacity Building, Improved Relationships, if the participant's plan includes that funding. A support coordinator or plan manager can help you check. Private, self-funded access is available too, without any NDIS funding.
Where we work
Based in Thomastown, we work with families across Greater Melbourne, including the northern, western, and eastern suburbs. Sessions are also available online via telehealth, with some support extending into regional Victoria.
How to start
Get in touch by phone, our contact form, or email. The first conversation is about what's happening in your family's communication, and you share as much as you want to. We'll match you with a practitioner who suits you, and your first session is usually booked within a few business days.
Start with one conversation.
Give us a call and we'll plan the first one together.
Call (03) 9968 7766