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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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October 2005 |
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The way we relateJennifer Cavanough is a counsellor with the Family Relationships Program at Anglicare. Jennifer spoke with Sheelagh Wegman about her work. Jennifer, you have been working for Anglicare for a few months now in what sounds like a complex area. What exactly does your job entail? Jennifer: I began working in this capacity in January this year. Family Relationships Education covers a broad spectrum, from facilitating workshops with young people looking at beginning relationships, and with engaged couples preparing for marriage. We work with parent groups on issues such as developing strong families, and look at how to protect relationships by exploring life balance and strengthening marriage relationships. SW: Do you work more with any one particular group such as parents, childre, marrieds, divorced or singles, older or younger people? JC: I’ve worked with young people from high school age up, with young couples, and with new and older parents. I’d also love to offer workshops exploring relationships and retirement. A workshop for people experiencing separation was also offered. SW: Is the Family Relationships Education usually done in a workshop format or do you also have individual counselling? JC: Part of my role involves counselling, but this is separate from the Family Relationships Program. Workshops are developed with participants, and I look for feedback from them as well, as important in finetuning the program. Although I have material prepared beforehand, it is important to respond to issues that arise during sessions. As a result each workshop develops its own character. SW: Where do people find out about this program? Do they need to be referred by someone? JC: We prepare brochures for the Engaged Couples workshops. These are sent to churches and marriage celebrants, with dates for the workshops. Often people enquire because of encouragement from friends who have already participated in the workshops, or from family members. The group experience works well because it has opportunity for couples to encounter a wider experience of relationship possibilities. We bring to our own relationships what we have experienced in our own families; having contact with other couples broadens thinking. Participants are encouraged to work together as couples, but in the group the possibility for broader learning is possible. SW: What about people who are not keen on a workshop situation, perhaps because they may be shy or like their privacy? Can they benefit from this education program? JC: Couples who cannot attend the evening sessions for various reasons are able to participate in a condensed one-on-one session with me during the day. Attending a series of sessions is definitely more profitable. One young woman stated this year that she’d enjoyed the experience so much that she wanted to keep coming every week. Couples have all said that they’d recommend the workshops to others, particularly because of the opportunity to discuss issues that otherwise would not have been raised. SW: Do you go to visit people at their work? JC: Many of the workshops are offered at Anglicare. However, community groups and churches are also possible venues, particularly for youth groups, parenting workshops and for working with married couples. Community organisations interested in exploring particular issues with their employees or clients may negotiate sessions at their place of work. SW: Les Whittle has written about men and relationship issues. (The average Aussie male) You have a special interest in the work/family nexus - do you have some ideas for education in this area? JC: I presented a workshop at the Ministry Conference in August. When the topic 'Protecting your relationship – work and leisure balance' was announced, numerous conversations were initiated. The workshop was well attended, particularly by couples struggling with this issue, and participants were vigorous in exploring work and leisure in the context of 2005. There are strategies we can put into place, but the primary factor in bringing about change involves a re-thinking of values and priorities. SW: How can the church be more supporting of families and their relationships? There must be more than simply 'doing weddings'. JC: The church is an essential means of providing support for families and couples. The media’s presenting of messages that are actually not helpful needs to be challenged. Churches can address this in various ways: providing teaching, support through individual contact and pastoral care, development of friendships, mentoring relationships, and of course, by asking Anglicare to provide workshops as described above. SW: What do you love about your job? JC: My passion is for seeing people grow as individuals and in relationships that empower each other and bring honour to God. The way in which we relate to each other says heaps about our relationship with God.
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