Figuring out Families
By Majellan Media
learn that we are loved, understood, wanted and cared for,
and in most cases it's in the family we are formed to be who we are.
But our biggest hurts, failures and tragedies can also occur within the family.
For most of us we have to learn as we go!
For over 70 years Majellan has provided advice, shared stories
of family life and helped family members deal with the problems that arise.
We've helped thousands with their family issues.
Hosted by David Ahern.
Together we’ll set about Figuring out Families.
Figuring out FamiliesSep 26, 2019
When should families gather at the dinner table?
Join us again to explore the question of how often families should gather at the dinner table. Derek Boylen says the answer lies in both the quantity and quality of the time spent together. Starting small is recommended to introduce new traditions and build upon them.
Research shows that the amount of quality time needed to maintain a healthy relationship varies, with some studies suggesting at least two hours a week and others suggesting 15 hours. Ultimately, the frequency of family meals depends on the family's needs, challenges, and demands, with some families requiring more time together than others.
For more information and help in getting you family togather ta the dinner table go to https://majellan.media/the-dinner-table/
Child safety in faith-based organisations. With Professor Daryl Higgins
This podcast is a must listen for all faith-based organisations taking child protection seriously.
Our guest, Professor Daryl Higgins from the Institute of Child Protection Studies talks about areas concerning the understanding of how young people perceive safety.
Continuing the work done for the Royal Commission into institutional responses into child sexual abuse to understand what are the different risks and perceptions that young people have around where harm might occur in the kind of youth serving organisations that they engage with.
Daryl outlines the fundamental questions communities need to be asking young people about their involvement in safety and what they want from faith-based communities.
Growing Faith at the Dinner Table
In this third Dinner Table podcast, Derek Boylen discusses the spiritual significance of families sharing a meal together.
While families may not be religious, sharing a meal can help them grow in love and faith. Derek says just as Jesus broke bread and shared a meal with his disciples, the importance of families being together should never be underestimated or undervalued.
Derek says a family sharing a meal is in itself a powerful spiritual presence and he has some tips on what families can do to grow their love together.
Find resources to make your family dinner table a place of love here.
The benefits of gathering for family meals with guest Derek Boylen
In this second Dinner Table podcast with Derek Boylen, we look at the enormous health benefits for people when they share a family meal. Lower rates of depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders have all been reported, while higher rates of resilience and self-esteem have also been noted.
Derek also says families sharing a meal and communicating also helps young people’s social skills and develops bonds between siblings and parents from an early age.
Listen now and then visit us at the dinner table for even more great tips on how to make the most of your family's time at your dinner table.
The Dinner Table - a place for gathering, sharing, being family
In this new podcast series, we are on a mission to reunite families at the Dinner Table. We want to help families be closer, sharing and more loving. The dinner table is not only an area for eating but a place for gathering, sharing, communicating and where relationships can grow. Studies show there are enormous mental and physical health benefits for the whole family with reduced rates of anxiety and depression. There are so many benefits, and, in this series, we’ll give you ideas on how to get your family to the dinner table and how to make it a valuable experience for everyone.
We are joined again by Derek Boylen who featured in our Focus Sessions series. Derek is a father of nine, and director of the Centre for Life, Marriage and Family in the Archdiocese of Perth. He’s also a lecturer in the Discipline of Counselling at the University of Notre Dame in Perth specialising in grief and loss, professional and personal growth, and couple and family therapy.
Join us at the Dinner Table for more
Ethiopia In Crisis with Guest Kirsty Robertson, CEO Caritas Australia
In our special Mission podcast we talk to Kirsty Robertson, the CEO of Caritas Australia. Kirsty has previously featured on our podcasts speaking about Caritas’ role in helping the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russia and the importance of Project Compassion during Lent.
Caritas Australia is the Catholic Church’s international aid and development agency and is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world.
Recently returned from Ethiopia, Kirsty speaks about the dire consequences families are facing in Ethiopia and how they are struggling to even find water for their children. She says conflict and drought are proving to be a deadly combination in the African nation.
How families can survive financially in tough times. The financial series with Serina Bird
Interest rate increases and the rising cost of living are making life much more difficult for families. In this latest Financial Series podcast featuring Serina Bird she discusses ways families can survive the tough times. Serina says with inflation pushing up prices for things such as groceries and petrol, many people understandably are feeling powerless but it’s not all doom and gloom and there are things families can do to insulate themselves from the rising cost of living.
In this very important podcast, Serina provides some terrific tips on how families can make it through the rough and tumble of the next few years.
The dangers of smacking kids. Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins
In this latest podcast of the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, Director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, we discuss the issue of parents smacking their children.
Daryl talks about the latest study which shows children who are smacked are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. He also provides strategies for parents who may feel guilty after smacking a child and are looking for a more harmonious household
Child Wellbeing Series - Episode 2 with Prof Daryl Higgins
In the second podcast in the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, our discussion centres around ‘parenting interventions’ to address mental health issues in children.
Daryl says the majority of mental health problems have their origins in childhood and adolescence which is why additional funding is needed to help families. The problem has been made worse by the pandemic and the prevalence of social media. While family income plays a part, Daryl offers some tips on what parents can do to help their children.
He also says it’s better, if possible, if both parents are active in their child’s development.
Getting back on track after the pandemic - Parenting session with Dr Rosina McAlpine
In this episode of our Parenting Sessions Series, we talk to Dr Rosina McAlpine who’s an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Rosina talks about how families can get back on track after the pandemic. The physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing of people has been tested big time over the past two years and she says many families have also suffered big financial losses. Rosina provides some timely tips on what families can do to improve their lives and overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19.
Visit www.majellan.media for more great podcasts on family, parenting and relationships.
Find out more about Dr Rosina and win-win parenting on her website here
Seeking Help with Family Financial Issues
Research shows that financial hardship is the biggest cause of family breakdown.
Many families have gone backwards during the pandemic and people feel embarrassed if they have money issues and this could happen to anyone and people should not feel shame but seek help. Serina talks about what to do if you have financial issue, how to identify the causes and talks about the types of things that lead to financial hardship.
She also shares some simple tips for families if they feel like they’re going backwards.
#familyfinances #money
Author, podcaster and blogger Serina Bird, a former diplomat who has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers her expertise to assist families who are struggling with financial problems. Serina provides advice and tips to help others on her own podcasts titled The Joyful Frugalista at:
https://joyfulfrugalista.com/about/
Figuring out Families by Majellan Media aims to help families be the best that they can be.
Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins - Episode one
The mental health of young Australians is in the spotlight again with a recent newspaper poll showing one in four young people aged sixteen to twenty-four thought about suicide over the past two years and 15 per cent attempted self-harm. The Age poll reveals a staggering eighty-two per cent said the pandemic caused their mental health issues.
Our new podcast series with Professor Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies is therefore timely. In this first Figuring out Families podcast with Prof Higgins, he says parents need quicker and more improved access to evidence-based support programs to address these rising mental health problems. And he believes primary and secondary schools are well equipped to help deliver the programs that will best meet the needs of young Australians.
Professor Daryl Higgins is Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies. His research focuses on public health approaches to protecting children and child-safe organisational strategies. He is a registered psychologist. For almost 30 years, Prof Higgins has researched a wide sphere of child health including: welfare and protection, family law, family violence and family wellbeing. He has published over 250 articles, papers and reports that have made a significant impact on policy related to child maltreatment, both in Australia and internationally.
Before joining ACU, Prof Higgins was the Deputy Director (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, where he had responsibility for the research program, knowledge translation and exchange functions focusing on issues affecting families in Australia.
Finances Series 1 - Impact of the Pandemic
In this new series of Figuring out Families titled The Financial Series, we aim to help families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Research shows that issues over money continues to be one of the biggest causes of relationship break-ups and COVID-19 has only made matters worse for many families.
Author, podcaster and blogger Serina Bird, a former diplomat who has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers her expertise to assist families who are struggling with financial problems. Serina provides advice and tips to help others on her own podcasts titled The Joyful Frugalista at: https://joyfulfrugalista.com/about/
How year 12 students have dealt with lockdowns
In this special episode of Figuring out Families we look at the difficulties many families have faced with home schooling during the pandemic.
Star of the Sea College co-captains, Lucy Corcoran and Charlotte McCormack, who have spent much of their final 2 years of schooling working from home, explain the challenges of not being able to interact with their friends and teachers. They both say their families have played an important role in keeping them calm and on track.
Despite the obvious difficulties of not being physically present at school, they have managed to cope and are looking forward to a bright future in their respective careers.
Lucy and Charlotte also have some handy tips for other students who are preparing for final exams.
Marriage Preparation Session Four with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.
In the final session of our marriage preparation series Andrew and Veronica wrap up the key points couples need to consider when preparing for the 'big day'.
Marriage preparation is not about having all the answers but exploring the differences and having an opportunity to talk about these differences. Veronica and Andrew share some of the many varied situations they have come across in their 16 years of being with couples preparing for marriage and outline the key points all couples should be aware of when in a relationship.
Listen to the Podcast then get the book!
The book Your Wedding offers useful advice to engaged couples who want to marry in the Catholic Church. There is information on discussing future expectations with your partner, how to plan your wedding and what to expect on your wedding day. There is also a section with answers to questions that you may have wanted to ask but didn’t feel you could. Suitable for Catholics, those planning a mixed marriage and those wanting to get married in a Catholic Church. Click here for more information
Marriage Preparation Session Three with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.
In the third session of our marriage preparation series Andrew and Veronica outline how to identify and address the differences couples may have coming into a relationship.
Some differences of opinion are small while others may be more impactful. The usual areas of difference are financial views, culture, religion and beliefs and family backgrounds. Identifying the potential problem areas are important to ensure harmony in the relationship is maintained.
Listen to the Podcast then get the book!
The book Your Wedding offers useful advice to engaged couples who want to marry in the Catholic Church. There is information on discussing future expectations with your partner, how to plan your wedding and what to expect on your wedding day. There is also a section with answers to questions that you may have wanted to ask but didn’t feel you could. Suitable for Catholics, those planning a mixed marriage and those wanting to get married in a Catholic Church. Click here for more information
Marriage Preparation Session Two with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.
We continue our Marriage Preparation sessions with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers. In Session 2 we cover key issues that couples need to consider and discuss prior to their marriage.
Topics covered include dealing with extended family, traditions, finances and the importance of communication. In particular Andrew and Veronica explain how couples should approach differences in opinion and values.
A must listen for those preparing for marriage and a great refresher for all couples that have been together for some time.
Preparing for Marriage Session 1 With Andrew & Veronica Schoenmaekers
Pre-marriage education programs aim to help couples build stronger relationships as they prepare for marriage – and a lifetime together!
They are designed to help couples to put relationship theory into practice and
learn how to:
- explore their relationship’s strengths and differences
- find ways to grow their friendship
- build skills to navigate and manage conflict
- discuss the challenges that they may face and plan positive ways to respond
- think creatively about a vision for their future and the marriage they want to build
In these Preparing for Marriage Sessions Andrew and Veronica Schoenmaekers who have been married for 42 years share their experience as facilitators of the FOCCUS marriage preparation program for over 16 years.
These podcasts are a great resources for anyone considering marriage.
You can also view a great pre-marriage resource here
Break free to be all you can be!
In this podcast, Dr Robyn Mills talks about the benefits of positive thinking and how to free ourselves from the shackles of past negative influencers. Robyn has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology, nursing, and natural medicine and is a grandmother of six. She says some people spend a lifetime thinking they are hopeless at certain tasks, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Robyn says it’s important for people to take on a different mindset and set challenges for themselves. She says if a particular family member’s behaviour is such that it affects the whole family, there are things that person can do to improve themselves which will lead to a more harmonious household.
She reminds us we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Strengthening Family Practices - Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield
Rounding off Rachel's sessions on building sibling relationships and strengthening family bonds in this session she provides more great ideas to help siblings grow and thrive together. In the podcast Rachel explains practical strategies and practices that every family can use.
Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.
You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.
Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.
Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website
Grandparents Special Love - Parenting Session with Dr Robyn Mills
In this latest Parenting Session podcast we talk to Robyn Mills about the special love grandparents have for their grandchildren and how they can teach a child about love. Robyn, a grandmother of six who has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology and nursing, says grandparents can teach children from a young age to show love: respect, compassion, sharing and kindness.
Robyn also provides tips on the fun ways love can be taught to young people and how a grandparent can prepare a child for the arrival of a new sibling into the family.
Raising Healthy Kids
Give your kids the best start in life.
In this Parenting Session Dr Rosina McAlpine explains how a child can function more effectively through diet and exercise and how they play crucial roles in the physical and mental wellbeing. These are very valuable life skills for your child.
The benefits of the Health and Well-being life skills for kids are that they increase a child's knowledge of nutrition and exercise and reduce the likelihood of childhood obesity and ill health.
After listening to the podcast find out more at Dr Rosina’s website here
Giggle Games Parenting Session
In this Session Rachel explains how to use Giggle Games. These are games to help a child adjust to a new sibling, games to help with sibling squabbles and games to build lasting sibling bonds. The session is filled with great ideas on what games to use, how to use them and how effective Giggle Games are in helping children in dealing with many issues.
Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.
You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.
Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.
Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website
https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/
Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash
Diffusing Family Tensions
In this Parenting Session Rachel Schofield discusses tensions and issues amongst siblings and helps parents identify the issues that lead to most disagreements and tensions.
She then explains practical strategies parents can put in place to assist their grumpy, tense children.
Another important topic she covers is problems that arise when one child feels they’re not being treated fairly because an older brother or sister appears to have privileges that the younger child doesn’t because of the age difference.
This Parenting Session is sure to offer relief to parents having to deal with conflict in their family.
Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.
You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.
Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.
Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website
Understanding the Teenage Brain
The teenage brain is an interesting topic of discussion as most parents would agree. Author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting, Rosina McAlpine says teens tend to be socially and emotionally immature during their teenage years.
And because of this, teenagers and their issues can be problematic for parents, teachers and carers. Rosina has some tips for parents who may have one or more teenagers at home who maybe going through a rebellious stage. This podcast provides a fascinating insight into the teenage brain and despite what many teenagers believe, parents are not trying to curb their fun. Rosina says it’s all about love and connection.
Dr Rosina’s Win Win Parenting program provides parents with an effective step-by-step practical approach to managing day-to-day parenting challenges.
Dealing with Sibling Rivalry. A Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield
In this Parenting Session on Sibling Struggles, Parent Coach Rachel Schofield talks about sibling rivalries and what leads to conflict in the home. She says some families experience more problems, but there are some simple things parents can do to assist their children.
Rachel, who is a professional member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists and mum to two children, provides tips on what parents can do to ease the tension in their household.
Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.
You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.
Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.
Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website
The big picture of sibling friendships a parenting session with Rachel Schofield
In this important parenting session we welcome Rachel Schofield who talks about the positive results that can come from a solid relationship between siblings. She also explains why so many siblings struggle to connect and provides handy tips on what parents can do to encourage a more harmonious relationship between their children.
Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.
You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page - look for the Challenge posts.
Download Rachel's free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.
Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website
The Joy of Grandparenting with Dr Robyn Mills
Reflect on your family, in particular your grandparents influence in your life.
For many of us grandparents have had a big influence on our lives. But this can often be tricky in families as role modelling is an important way for children to learn. But where values may be different grandparents need to honour their children’s way of parenting, while at the same time honouring the grandparent they want to be.
In this most informative Parenting Session, Psychologist, Lecturer and Grandmother of six, Dr Robyn Mills explores the role of grandparents today and how they can truly enrich the lives of their grandchildren.
Bullyproof Your Child, Dr Robyn Mills Parenting Session
In this Parenting Session on Bullying we introduce Dr Robyn Mills, a grandmother of five who has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology, nursing and natural medicine. She’s also a co-founder of Win Win Parenting along with Dr Rosina McAlpine.
Robyn says the introduction of new technologies has made bullying worse because it can now occur 24/7. She says bullying occurs amongst all age groups and if it’s not tackled when children are young, it can continue well into adulthood. Robyn also says bullying takes many forms but has some handy tips on how to ‘bully proof’ your child.
Win Win Parenting with Dr Rosina McAlpine
Win Win Parenting. In this Majellan Parenting Session with Dr Rosina McAlpine we explore Win Win Parenting and how it supports parents to successfully navigate through the ups and downs of family life and learn practical strategies to manage parenting challenges.
Dr Rosina’s Win Win Parenting program provides parents with an effective step-by-step practical approach to managing day-to-day parenting challenges without requiring discipline, punishment and rewards. Teaching children life skills to become successful, cooperative and caring members of your family and society.
New Series: Parenting Sessions coming early 2021
In our new podcast series, Parenting Sessions, we interview Dr Rosina McAlpine, who is an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting.
Win Win Parenting supports parents to successfully navigate the ups and downs of family life. Dr Rosina believes managing home life more confidently leads to less stress and better outcomes for children and a more harmonious family life.
Parents learn practical strategies to manage day-to-day parenting challenges such as struggles with technology, emotional outbursts and keeping calm even in the most volatile situations.
Dr Rosina appears regularly in the media and her innovative evidence-based parenting programs support parents locally and internationally. In episodes to come in early 2021, Dr Rosina discuses Win Win Parenting and understanding the teenage brain and why teenagers can seem ‘erratic’.
Listen to an early release session by Dr Rosina " Emotional Intelligence" here
Visit majellan.media for more podcasts and a whole lot more about families.
Emotional intelligence - Parenting Session with Dr Rosina McAlpine
In this Figuring Out Families podcast we talk to Dr Rosina McAlpine, who’s an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting which supports parents on how best to navigate through the ups and downs of everyday family life.
Win Win Parenting also provides practical strategies for parents on how to manage the challenges of raising their children.
In this first episode of our new Parenting Sessions, Dr Rosina explains in simple terms what emotional intelligence is and the five aspects of emotional intelligence including empathy and managing your emotions.
Enjoy.
Parenting - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
There is no perfect way to parent and sometimes we are going to get it wrong!
As we know children are constantly growing and developing and it is important that our parenting also needs to be open to change and development. Research tells us that healthy parent child relationships require both connectedness and flexibility and importantly parenting needs to be balanced. In a healthy parenting relationship children also need boundaries and lots of love and a wonderful sense of connection.
We’ve been entrusted to a special relationship with our children. Derek explores parenting and reminds us to stop and cherish what’s before us as parents.
At whatever stage of parenting you are this Focus session is not to be missed!
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Goal Setting - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
The brain loves novelty but what’s novel today is boring tomorrow. Setting goals is a great way to help keep relationships fresh and continue growing.
In new or old relationships, goals help families to stay excited about the future and give a sense of purpose and direction.
Goals help us to prioritise the use of our time, money and resources. They give families a common purpose and they become milestones on the journey.
In this Focus Session Derek describes how goals work to strengthen families and explores how to set goals as a family.
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Dealing With Difficult Family Members - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
One of the most common challenges for couples, especially younger couples is where the extended family interferes with relationships and it can feel like you are the ‘meat in the sandwich’ dealing with conflicts between your partner and your extended family.
Derek explores the many reasons for meddling and shares ways to deal with an extended family member who may be causing issues.
Another issue Derek covers is having to set boundaries with extended family members. He provides some great strategies on how to set boundaries which is one way of strengthening relationships between all concerned.
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Financial Stresses - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Family finances is one of the most difficult things to talk about and less than 10% of families have a budget. Finances can also be one of the biggest relationship breakers – especially when money gets tight or we get into difficult times.
Different ideas or –‘habitudes’ - about money can create unnecessary stress on relationships and because there is no romance in speaking about finance most of us don’t cover the topic with our loved ones.
Derek explains how to have conversations about money, how to be aware of the different views each of us may have about money and describes how we can budget in a positive way.
Regardless of your financial position this Focus Session will be of value.
By Majellan Media Because family matters most
Infidelity - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Infidelity is more common than we think and often it is painful and hidden for couples; 25% of couples will experience infidelity and it’s a problem equally for both men and women. However, there are more ways people can be unfaithful beyond physical or emotional infidelity.
When there has been emotional or physical infidelity it can be difficult, and a big part of the challenge will be the emotional imbalance within the relationship.
In this Focus Session, Derek covers some basic principles about how to first start talking about it as couples and how they can recover and build an amazingly strong relationship, deeper than they imagined possible, even after infidelity, if they are willing to work on it.
For more great resources on relationships and family visit majellan.media
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Majellan Media because family matters most
Focus Sessions Overview with Derek Boylen
Welcome to Figuring out Families by Majellan Media where we look at the issues affecting families in the modern world.
At Majellan, because we believe family matters most, we’ve produced several resources to help all families be the best they can be.
We are very pleased to be joined by Derek Boylen, an experienced marriage and relationship counsellor and a lecturer in relationships at the University of Notre Dame. We have put together this most valuable series which we are calling the Focus Sessions.
In this short overview we highlight aspects of family relationships and how this series can help in strengthening your family relationships. We hope you’ll find the series beneficial and get some insights on issues you may face in your family.
Hosted by David Ahern, Majellan Media
Visit majellan.media for many more resources to help make your family the best it can be.
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Majellan Media because family matters most
Is it Over? Focus Session with Derek Boylen
In this Focus Session of Figuring out Families, marriage counsellor Derek Boylen talks about what to do when there appears to be no hope in a relationship.
The types of pressures on families today are far greater than ever before so Derek discusses what can be done to ease the pressures and puts forward a number of suggestions on how to seek professional help if the family situation is deteriorating.
He adds that if the relationship breaks down without hope of resolution, there are things couples can do to protect themselves and their children.
If you feel the relationship is over this episode is for you.
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and Lecturer in relationships at the University of Notre Dame
Need more?
Derek Boylen is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Majellan Media because family matters most
Twelve Facets of Intimacy - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Intimacy plays an important part in all relationships. However, we tend to think of intimacy in terms of emotional or physical connection. In this session Derek explains what intimacy means and shows us that there are actually twelve facets of intimacy.
As you listen, you will discover what these 12 facets are, how important it is to share intimacy in family relationships, how to expand a couple’s capacity to experience closeness and how we can overcome the vulnerability that we sometimes feel during ‘intimate’ moments.
This is another valuable episode to help you make your relationship and your family the best it can be.
Your host is David Ahern
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Majellan Media because family matters most
Importance of Work/Life Balance - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Continuing our Focus Series of Figuring out Families, marriage counsellor Derek Boylen speaks about the importance of work/life balance.
Never has this been so important, especially due to the difficulties we are experiencing with coronavirus. Work/life balance can lead to all sorts of stresses on families, financial and otherwise. Derek provides tips on what couples and families can do to ease these pressures and believes organisation and setting goals are key to a more harmonious family home.
Need more?
Derek Boylen is an experienced relationship counsellor and is available for private consultation.
To enquire about private sessions with Derek, or have a specific question about family and relationships answered go to our website majellan.media and complete the enquiry form here Enquiries are made in the strictest confidence.
Majellan Media because family matters most
Benefits of Being Part of a Community - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
In the latest focus session of Figuring out Families with Derek Boylen, we explore community. The current pandemic has revealed much about society today and how we live in community. When we are deprived of communion with our neighbours it can impact on our mental health, and test the sturdiness of our social fabric.
Derek explains how a strong sense of community is vital for the wellbeing of our relationships with loved ones.
Faith and Spirituality in Families - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
In this session we explore how faith and spirituality effect relationships in the pressure of daily life.
Derek and David are joined by special guest Karen (Derek’s wife) to explore the importance of taking time to strengthen our ‘spiritual being’ and how in doing so we build closer more loving relationships.
Topics covered in this session:
- The meaning of spirituality
- Spirituality, faith or religion?
- How we experience spirituality in the day-to-dayness of life.
- Learning to see our family members with new eyes. How to behold them.
- Opening space in your family for spiritual conversations to occur more naturally
- Thinking about what you’d like to pass onto your children and how to be intentional
- Finding people your family can journey in faith with.
- First steps if you’re very new to this but want to explore faith and spirituality more.
Love Languages - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
What are love languages? Put simply, they are the ways we show love and interpret love back.
It is the language we speak when expressing love. And it is important to know that your love language may be different to that of your loved ones. This means there is room for misinterpretations and can be a cause for lack of connection.
In this Focus session Derek describes what the five love languages are and shows us how we can express our love more deeply – to our partner and our children in their love language.
If you have or haven’t heard of love languages before you will enjoy the way Derek presents this most interesting topic
Problems and Relationship Repair - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
All relationships are tested at one time or another and there is nothing wrong with a good argument. In fact, it can be healthy.
Arguments in a relationship are inevitable! Even if we had the best communication skills in the world there are still going to be times when we have different expectations or goals or values which can to lead to a disagreement of some sort.
In this session we explore the steps to help address problems when they arise and how disagreements and arguments can in fact enrich a relationship.
Join David and Derek to find out more.
Keeping Fun and Romance Alive - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
When we think about what it takes to build strong lasting family relationships we often focus on the big guns of trust, honesty, loyalty, etc. However, an essential part of meaningful relationships is also fun, humour and laughter. Those are also play a big part of the job of building a healthy family life.
Having fun and including romance in relationships is a choice, not something we do, just when we feel like it. In this session Derek talks about the importance of planning for fun in the family and explains what love rituals are and how to keep romance alive in your relationship.
Love Maps - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Having a strong loving relationship usually means you have a good understanding of what is important to your family members.
In this Focus Session we explore Love Maps and how they can help to gain a deeper knowledge of the people we care most about and therefore build stronger relationships.
Understanding Love Maps gives us a valuable means of getting to know and appreciate our partners and children better to help avoid conflict, and most importantly build strong, loving bonds.
Derek and David discuss what Love Maps are, how to grasp them and how to apply the knowledge to make our relationships the best they can be.
This is a fascinating session
Communications Part 2 - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
In part two of our Communications session we take a closer look at how emotions impact on our relationships and how we communicate.
We are also joined by some special guests to get children's perspective on communication.
We suggest you listen to part one first. Click Here to go to Part 1 .
Communication is the theme of the second session of our focus series with Marriage Counsellor Derek Boylen.
As much as good communication can build positive bonds and mutual respect, so can poor communication remove trust and break down the foundation of a relationship.
An entire series could be focused on this topic alone. However we have condensed the subject into two incredibly informative sessions, with part I & II.
Communications Part 1 - Focus Sessions with Derek Boylen
Communication is the theme of the second session of our focus series with Marriage Counsellor Derek Boylen.
As much as good communication can build positive bonds and mutual respect, so can poor communication remove trust and break down the foundation of a relationship.
An entire series could be focused on this topic alone. However we have condensed the subject into two incredibly informative sessions, with part I & II.
Figuring Out Families – The focus series with Derek Boylen - Session 1: Families in Lockdown
With this episode we start a new series of podcasts that focus in on real family and relationship issues ... And we’re pleased to be joined by marriage counsellor and family expert, Derek Boylen. Together we will explore the most pressing issues facing families today.
As well as being a relationship counsellor, Derek is the Director of the Centre for Life, Marriage and Family in the Archdiocese of Perth and is also a sessional lecturer for the University of Notre Dame in the Discipline of Counselling.
He is extremely well qualified, and we are very pleased to have him join us again on Figuring out Families for a series of 'sessions' on relationships and family.
Our first 'session' looks at how families deal with Covid-19.