 Family Counseling is a format in which to explore both the
challenges and the opportunities that are arising as we approach the new millenium. It has
been wisely said that all conflict stems from misunderstanding. Family counseling sets a
context for neutrally looking at and talking about difficulties and differences. Conflicts
may be resolved through choice and desire, rather than from the narrow perspective of
right-wrong and either-or thinking. It is an opportunity to come to recognize personal
responsibility in a wholly new sense - not as a fixed or rigid obligation, but as a response
ability. Yes, the ability to creatively and willfully respond to an individual person
or unique situation, while honoring one's self.Many families are in crisis today. Maybe your family is challenged
by:
 economic needs that
create impossible demands on time, energy and quality of living
the breakup and subsequent restructuring of the family unit,
with children caught in the middle
the emergence of new roles and expectations
advancing scientific, technological and medical developments;
our fast-paced society's ability to communicate at the speed of light; our capability to
prolong life, prevent life, alter moods
The Chinese symbol for opportunity is the same
symbol as that for crisis. Thus, those same things that challenge us provide us an
opportunity for change in positive directions.
We now have opportunities to:
develop
deeper and more meaningful relationships with intimacy based on mutual respect and
understanding
learn how
the feelings of fear, disempowerment and hopelessness become the seeds of violence. This
understanding can lead to new ways of problem-solving through supporting and empowering
one another instead of resorting to blame, judgment and punishment
use new
scientific and technological knowledge as a basis for developing understanding,
compassion, and peaceful international, national, community, and family relationships
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