Family Education and Counseling

The family is the expert with the most accurate information about the child. For this reason, families are the most important sources of information for the development of their children. Remember, each individual is unique. Therefore, family counseling requires a tailored approach to each family.

Being a parent of individuals who develop differently can lead to complex emotional reactions. Unfortunately, the professional services available to them are often geared towards the education of the individual. For many parents, following diagnosis, the focus is solely on the child, neglecting the individual needs of the parents. One study found that the risk of depression was 1.5 times higher in mothers of children with learning disabilities, developmental delays or autism. Some parents may receive this support from a family member or friend, but over time the need to share difficulties may require professional support. Support may not be limited to the period when their child is diagnosed. There may be different times in a parent’s journey when they may want to seek counseling support due to triggers such as transitions like starting school, adolescence or reaching adulthood.

At Meerkat Counselling, our goal is to help families transition between the changing needs and behaviors of individuals from childhood to adulthood.

Recognizing that the key to success is “the family supporting their child”, Meerkat Counselling uses a multidisciplinary approach, providing one-on-one counseling not only to the child but also to the family. Education and support groups are provided for caregivers, siblings and family members to help them cope with difficult times and pressures that may arise.