Two Cultures - One Relationship: How does your culture impact on your relationship?

You don't marry a person, you marry a family

In collaboration with PRONIA, we will deliver a couples workshop which explores and addresses issues arising from cross-cultural and family of origin influences.

The workshop will provide ways in which couples can constructively communicate and embrace their cultural differences; and deal with various degrees of family influence and cultural expectations placed on them in a positive manner. As the cliche expresses: You don't marry a person, you marry a family.

Many researchers target 'negative family of origin influences' as one of the high risk predictors for future relationship problems as individuals bring to their relationship ways of relating which were observed and practiced whilst growing up are instilled in their family of origin. Moreover, when two people marry from different cultural backgrounds and opposing beliefs, they are opening the doors to culturally ingrained morals, values and throughts that are difficult to shift. 

Who should attend

ALL couples in a committed relationship.

The workshop is held in Coburg and counselling sessions are held in Coburg and in Brunswick (PRONIA head office).

Intended Outcome

Raise awareness of the 'potential' significance and subsequent impact of cross-cultural and family of origin influence on their relationship.

Program Details

When: Phone office for details

All programs are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Counselling For Couples of Mixed Cultures/Faith

Working in partnership with the PRONIA, we will provide cross-cultural seminars and counselling services which specialise in understanding and working with cultural differences. A qualified Counsellor will listen and encourage you to talk openly and honestly about your concerns; helping you to make decisions and move forward. Counselling is available to couples as well as family members.

Counselling at RelateWell:

Counselling appointments are available from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. To book an appointment, phone (03) 9354 8854 or email relate@relatewell.org.au 

Counselling at PRONIA:

Counselling appointments are available at PRONIA with a family counsellor on (03) 9388 9998 or email eneville@pronia.com.au

Interfaith / Interchurch Relationship Inventory

PREPARE Relationship Inventory specifically for 'Interfaith / Interchurch' couples helps identify important relationship dimensions, your strengths and the areas you would like to improve in your relationship. The first session involves each individual completing an extensive questionnaire covering all facets of their relationship. The results and feedback are worked through with a counsellor in the second session.

PREPARE Relationship Inventory involves two sessions and is completely private. The first session is via outreach and the second session is conducted at our head office in Coburg.  

Cross-Cultural Relationships - The Exchange

In 2015, given our experience in the sector, we were asked to participate in a discussion about Cross Cultural Relationships on The Exchange program. Our colleague, Kia Antoniadis, from AGWS (now known as PRONIA) represented our organisations on the show:

http://www.theexchangetv.com.au/cross-cultural-relationships/