Do you have questions about your behaviour? Do you want to put an end to violence in your relationships or with your family? Our psychosocial counsellors are there to listen to you without judgment, and to guide and equip you. Come and learn how to better manage your emotions and choose non-violent solutions to create respectful and egalitarian relationships.
It can be difficult to admit that you have violent behaviour but taking that first step is already the beginning of change. Take the second step and get involved in our Horizon program.
Domestic and family violence includes the use of aggressive, controlling or violent behaviour that is physical, verbal, psychological, sexual or financial. This violence has significant negative consequences on the physical and psychological health of the intimate partner, the children and also the perpetrator of the violence.
The intervention is based on the principles of choice and responsibility.
Conflict or violence?
The intimate relationship inherent in married life is a complex reality. It is often characterized by the emergence of differences in values, attitudes and behaviours inherited, constructed, and expressed by each spouse. In addition, these differences are intertwined with each person's personality differences and with the divergent expectations of one partner towards the other. It is normal that this combination of differences sometimes leads to relationship conflicts. The importance and emotional intensity of these conflicts depend on the way each spouse chooses to deal with them. Many couples manage to find an appropriate way to resolve conflicts.
On the other hand, in some relationships, conflicts escalate into impulsive and aggressive behaviour. For example, a spouse who finds it difficult to regulate the emotions aroused by his or her personal distress may project that distress onto his or her partner. He or she may blame the partner for being the source of his or her frustration and anger. If the spouse repeatedly tries to avoid and deny his or her personal distress, the likelihood of a drift towards transforming the blame into contempt and aggression towards his or her partner increases. The cycle of violence sets in and intensifies.
If this unhealthy dynamic is not interrupted, it can have significant consequences for the victim and for the children exposed to this violence. The perpetrator of violence risks losing their confidence and living in shame, justifying their actions and keeping them secret from others.
Convergence takes a stand against all forms of violence in intimate relationships, regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the perpetrator and the victim.
Convergence's approach is based on the principles of choice, responsibility and the ability of the individual to utilize his or her resources and potential in order to express his or her distress and emotions in an appropriate, non-destructive manner towards him or herself and others. The support provided is guided by the development of a professional, respectful, confidential and structured relationship with the individual in order to promote safety, trust and openness to exploring personal, marital, and family difficulties.
The services are provided by psychosocial counsellors who base their work on scientific research, professional literature, best practices, clinical experience, specialized training and government policies in the following areas:
The first stage of the support consists of 2 or 3 intake and assessment interviews. This stage allows for the establishment of a therapeutic alliance and the creation of a psychosocial profile that facilitates the identification of objectives for change. A multifactorial reading of the client's situation on the personal, relational, social, and cultural levels allows for the support to be adapted to the specific nature of his or her problem.
Individual or group intervention is based on a multidimensional approach that attempts to reflect the complexity of conflicts and violence within marital and family relationships. This approach considers the realities of affection, attachment and generational transmission, as well as problematic aspects of the male and female socialization process. Our conceptual and clinical approach is inspired by humanist, cognitive-behavioural and systemic models. It relies on motivational interviewing to increase the client's awareness of the importance of the problem and the desire to deal with it.
A range of topics are explored during an individual or group follow-up process, including:
