Free therapy helps parents 'argue in a better way'

Families in Dorset are being offered free relationship therapy to help them "argue in a better way".

Dorset Council said the project aims to help parents learn techniques to better deal with conflict, which has an impact on children.

The SIPCo (Support for Inter-Parental Communication) programme, which includes intensive counselling, is delivered over 10 weeks.

The authority said the project would run for a limited time, ending in April 2026.

The programme is open to all types of families, whether they are living together or separated.

Elaine Robertson, pastoral lead at Emmanuel Middle School, said: "It is helping families to resolve parental conflict and helping them understand the impact that parental conflict can have on their children."

Programme manager Michael Taylor said: "Parental conflict is something many parents feel scared to admit but, what we do know, in Dorset, it impacts a significant number of our children - approximately one in six.

"I would say to families in that situation that you are not alone - what we want to do is support you."

Children's services councillor, Claire Sutton, said: "Arguments are a part of normal family life, but we know that children struggle to thrive in a home where their parents or carers are arguing all the time or where the conflict is never resolved.

"The family does not need to be involved with children's services to take part in the programme so I would encourage any parents, or their partners, who are experiencing parental conflict challenges to reach out to the team."

The programme is available to parents of children up to 18 years old, or 25 years old for young people with special education needs and disabilities.

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