Sibling Counselling
Sibling rivalry is not uncommon in families, but they can become a problem for parents when they become intense and highly competitive. It usually starts with jealousy, competition and arguments and continues throughout childhood. In some cases, even in adulthood.
The constant fights and arguments between siblings are also more prevalent in families where children are close in age, of the same gender and believe they aren’t treated equally. If this is becoming a concern for you, Sibling Counselling services through Family Therapy, Group Therapy, or Play Therapy can help.
Common Causes of Sibling Rivalry
- The birth of a new sibling
- Competing for attention
- Temperament differences
- Different interests
- Crossing boundaries
- Stress
- Negative family dynamics and parenting style
- Blended family issues
- Neglect or abuse
When Does Sibling Rivalry Become a Concern?
Most fights between children reduce as they grow older, learn more language and social skills, and adapt their tolerance. However, sibling rivalry becomes frustrating to parents, especially when it’s ongoing, affecting the peace of the family. Seeking professional help from counselling services is best when:
- Never-ending fights occur where fights happen anytime and anywhere
- Fights turn aggressive and/or abusive, like constant bullying and physical attacks
- One becomes emotionally hurt, and the mental health of one or all the siblings is impacted, causing stress or depression
- Siblings cut off their interactions and relationship altogether
Counselling for Sibling Issues
There are many therapy options to resolve sibling conflicts and restore peace in the family. Therapies improve sibling relationships by focusing on the cause of the issue and equipping them with better problem-solving skills.
Family Therapy
When sibling rivalry has gone too far, especially in blended families and large family setups, there are many reasons why Family Therapy involving the entire family can help resolve the issue. Family Therapy or Family Counselling gives an insight into family dynamics. It teaches parents how to respond to children fighting and educates them on repairing broken sibling relationships.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a form of psychological treatment that helps children express their emotions, improve communications, and resolve conflicts in an unforced and comfortable way. Children play out their life experiences and explore their feelings through play. Using play, play therapists follow the child’s lead, communicate with them, and establish respectful boundaries and behaviours to create healthy and meaningful sibling dynamics.
At CoRe Kids Therapy, our personalised therapeutic treatment for children and their parents can help resolve sibling rivalry and strengthen family bonds. Our Family Therapy and Play Therapy counselling programs aim to support healing and reconnect the broken bonds between siblings and their parents in the long term.
Our Child Counsellors & Family Therapists are available for appointments at our centre in Yarraville and our South East Melbourne location in Moorabbin.