Canadian Families in Crisis

The traditional Canadian family unit consists of a mother, a father and some number of children living in a house together, with one or two parents working and children in school. There are many model Canadian families who solve their conflicts peacefully and in a healthy manner, but a majority of Canadian families are affected by some kind of dysfunction. Approximately a quarter of Canadian families experience adverse situations due to their family dynamic that are severe enough to leave some or all of the family members traumatized. When this kind of damage is inflicted on families, they must know to turn to professional counseling to help them cope with the crisis they have experienced together. Some of the most common crisis’ found within the Canadian family unit are as follow.

• Domestic violence. One of the most traumatic events and circumstances that can befall families is domestic violence. This is defined as physical violence that occurs within the home. Physical violence between family members is a very urgent crisis that warrants immediate counseling.
• Divorce. Although it is very common today, divorce continues to have detrimental ramifications on members of the family. All family members, especially children, should have professional psychological help processing the ramifications of divorce.
• Death of a family member. Death is hard enough to cope with when it is from natural causes, but when it is untimely, it is traumatizing and deeply painful. Families should have help from a counselor when they are grieving a loved one.
• Addiction and substance abuse. When a family contains someone who is abusing or addicted to a substance, it creates a volatile situation for everyone in the family. Children are particularly vulnerable. Seek professional intervention for family members who are addicts or substance abusers.
• Mental disorders. Although mental disorders are extremely common, they can have profound negative effects on the family unit and can be passed down through generations. Mental disorders require professional counseling and sometimes medication.