Personal and relationship services
Personal and relationship services
If you are experiencing personal or relationship problems, there are a range of services and support available to you.
Personal issues
Most of us struggle with personal issues at some time. These issues can affect our
work
, our
relationships
and our day-to-day life.
Often the best way to deal with personal issues is to talk to someone. Perhaps there is a friend or someone in your family or your community with whom you feel comfortable talking.
Many people find it easier to talk about their problems with someone they do not know. If you would prefer this, you might like to talk to a professional counsellor, social worker or psychologist.
Support services for personal issues
Professional counsellors, social workers and psychologists can help people living with emotional, mental health and lifestyle problems. They also help you to understand yourself and your behaviour better. They do this by:
explaining options
setting goals
providing therapy
supporting you to take action
diagnosing and treating a mental health issue.
To find professional support in your area, ask your local doctor for a recommendation or contact a community health service.
For more information about specialist services for people experiencing mental health issues, see the
Mental health services and programs explained
fact sheet.
For information about specialist services for people experiencing family safety,
sexual abuse
,
sexual assault
or
family violence
issues contact
1800
RESPECT
External Link
(Tel.
1800 737 732
), the national sexual assault, domestic violence and counselling service. You can also contact dedicated family violence support services in your local community.
For more information about specialist services for people experiencing drug or alcohol problems, see the
Alcohol and drug treatments and programs
fact sheet.
Relationship problems
All
families have disagreements
from time to time. Disagreements are normal in healthy relationships. It is the way these disagreements are handled that is important.
In respectful relationships, people talk through their disagreements. They reach compromises through
two-way conversation
and negotiation.
Sometimes, however, underlying issues such as problems at work or financial pressures can cause family members to clash more often.
If you reach a point where you feel you can no longer deal with these difficulties on your own, it is a good idea to get some outside help. It can often be better to talk to someone who is not connected to the family.
You might already know a counsellor, or you could ask your local doctor for a recommendation. Your local community health centre can also help.
Family violence
Violence or abuse is never acceptable. If you are experiencing family and domestic violence, you are not alone – help is available.
If you are not feeling safe in your relationship, either emotionally or physically, it’s important to seek the right help. Family violence or other behaviours that feel controlling are not a ‘relationship issue’.
For information about specialist services for people experiencing family safety, sexual abuse, sexual assault or family violence issues, contact
1800
RESPECT
External Link
on Tel.
1800 737 732
). 1800 RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
You can also contact dedicated family violence support services in your local community. Call
Safe
Steps
External Link
Tel.
1800 015 188
if you are experiencing family violence. Call the
Men’s Referral
Service
External Link
Tel.
1300 766 491
or
MensLine
External Link
Tel.
1300 789 978
if you are using family violence.
Relationship advice services for couples and families
The
Family Relationship Advice
Line
External Link
provides information and advice to anyone experiencing or affected by a family relationship or separation issue. You can call the advice line on Tel.
1800 050 321
.
If your family problems are specifically related to
parenting
, you can call Parentline in your state or capital territory for the cost of a local call. The
Parentline
(Victoria)
External Link
service (Tel.
13 22 89
) is available from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week, including public holidays.
Family Relationships
Online
External Link
is an Australian Government website that can help direct you to the right type of face-to-face service to meet your needs. Visit Family Relationships Online for information about how to access:
adolescent mediation and family therapy
family violence support
family counselling
family relationship education and skills training
family relationship services for carers
men and family relationship services.
Relationships
Australia
External Link
is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that offers relationship services, including:
family, relationship and individual counselling
family violence support services
mediation
family dispute resolution
relationship and parenting skills education
community support
employee assistance programs
professional training.
Services and programs are available nationally. Call Tel.
1300 364 277
for assistance.
Counselling services for LGBTIQA+ couples and families
If you would like help from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) friendly helpline to work through relationship or parenting issues, contact
Rainbow
Door
External Link
Tel.
1800 729 367
. Rainbow Door offers information, support and referrals for LGBTIQA+ people and their friends, families and allies.
The
Australian Lesbian Medical Association
(ALMA)
External Link
has created a list of doctors and mental health professionals recommended by women within the LGBTIQA+ community. The list includes general practitioners and specialists, as well as metropolitan and rural doctors.
Family relationship centres are for people of all cultural backgrounds
The Australian Government funds family relationship centres across Australia. These services are available for people from all communities and cultural backgrounds.
Family relationship centres provide:
information about family relationships at all stages
confidential (private) help for families
help through a separation
services that are sensitive to your cultural background.
The centre will arrange for an interpreter if you ask for one.
Read about
family relationship centres in your
language
External Link
.
Visit
Family Relationships
Online
External Link
to find your nearest family relationship centre.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
Counsellor
Psychologist
Social worker
Relationships
Australia
External Link
Tel.
1300 364 277
1800
RESPECT
External Link
Tel.
1800 737 732
Safe
Steps
External Link
Tel.
1800 015 188
Family Relationship Advice
Line
External Link
Tel.
1800 050 321
Family Relationships
Online
External Link
Parentline
(Victoria)
External Link
– Tel.
13 22 89
Rainbow
Door
External Link
Tel.
1800 729 367
MensLine
External Link
Tel.
1300 789 978
Men’s Referral
Service
External Link
Tel.
1300 766 491