New family-based TV show for Coleman

OGONNELLOE-based psychologist David Coleman will be fronting a new TV show, Families in the Wild, which will bring parents and children together to participate in an action-packed week of activities and therapy in a remote location.

He believes that the move will help solve family conflict and that a combination of activities and therapy should result in better communication between parents, their children and siblings.
David said that participating families should learn a lot about how they operate from the experience. “Generally, families operate as a system. This means that each individual within a family is influenced and affected by all the others. So when things don’t seem to work, it is rarely the fault of one person. Everybody is usually involved to a lesser or greater extent, although most people try to point the blame for a family’s problems away from themselves. So when working together therapeutically with a family, one important thing is that everyone is pulling together to improve the family unit rather than anyone feeling blamed and resisting any change.
“That process starts with showing families how their current system operates. I want them to see how they each and collectively influence each other. For example, parents shouting at children may lead children to ignore the noise, leading to parents getting angrier, feeling that they are being ignored, leading to more shouting.”
He said he will try to help adjust behaviour and that he will be remaining in contact with families after the programme is over.
“Over the course of the week we will plan a busy schedule of outdoor activities for each family that will challenge them to work together as a team, communicate effectively and build trust and reliance upon each other. Using these activities, I hope to be able to show the families how they can be more effective and functional as a group.
“It is important that the skills and lessons that are learned while away can continue to be applied successfully to how they interact and communicate at home. This may need a bit of support from me and the team, so we will remain in contact with each family long after the filming stops.”
If your family would be interested in participating in the new series, contact 01 4735927 or info@firebrand.ie.