Stories

Ms. Huang’s Story

I emigrated from Taiwan with my husband and daughter in 1999. Soon after we settled down in Vancouver, I was quite ill and my life became filled with blaming, frustration, and hostility towards my family. I had no strategies to deal with stress.

Around January 2006, I got a chance to accompany one of my friends to join in one of the Mandarin Speaking Parenting Groups, which was organized by Touchstone Family Association. In the group, I was assisted to explore, share, and learn how to become aware of my personal issues, family dynamics, difficulties in relationships and communication. Through this group sharing, I was helped to have more open and direct attitudes.

After the completion of this group, I shared my concerns with Selina Ma, Clinical Counsellor. Through in-depth therapeutic counselling approaches, I was able to be honest and share my feelings in an open-minded manner. I was deeply moved by these intensive self-exploration sessions, I could soften my negative emotions and I could evaluate various alternatives in coping with conflicts and problems with my family. I would like to show my thanks for Selina Ma’s kindness and sincere assistance that I could regain happiness and enjoyment with my family and friends in life.

Last but not least, it was a precious experience that I feel could be used by many people from Asian countries if they were more aware of the different varieties of counselling services available at Touchstone Family Association. I understand there is much needed to be done, and little resources available. May there be enough funds for Touchstone Family Association to help as many families as need them. I wish all the best and thank Touchstone Family Association for contributing to the families in Richmond and surrounding area.

Click here for the story in Chinese.

A Success Story from the Family Preservation and Reunification Group

This success story involves a couple in their mid forties with two children ages 13 years old and 9 years old. They had a history of getting into heated arguments about disciplining methods for the children and household responsibilities which resulted in anger, verbal abuse and intimidation.

The couple came under the spotlight of the Ministry for Children and Families Development as a result of the children witnessing violence in the home and because of the impact it had on them.

The couple was referred to Touchstone Family Association by their Social worker for counseling; both parents stated that their marriage appeared to be over and there was very little communication between them. The parents also stated that the children have witnessed shouting matches and arguments over the years and this has definitely affected them.

The couple was originally referred to the program for individual counselling with the hope of joint counselling at some point so that they can learn how to communicate for the sake of the children; however, within three weeks we were able to achieve joint sessions. Within a month and a half, the couple was able to resolve most of issues that had caused so much conflict within the home.

As a result of these counselling sessions, the couple reported there is now open communication with respect; there is no more verbal abuse, intimidation or arguments, they have respect for one another and the children have noticed this.

The wife wrote the following in their exit survey: “If it wasn’t for Moe (and God’s intervention) we would not have a family anymore. I was willing to try one more time but had tried counseling to no avail. Moe was much better - more to the point. Thank you for saving my family!”

Moe Garba, B.A.
Family and Youth Counsellor

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