Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November each year as a day of national commemoration in solemn respect and remembrance for all those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
The day holds particular significance for La Trobe’s Bouverie Centre in its work to support defence force families and workforces over many years. The Bouverie Centre is an integrated practice-research-translation family therapy organisation and is committed to supporting families from all walks of life, including military veterans and their families.
Centre Director Prof. Jennifer McIntosh AM said: “Our work is founded on trauma-informed family and systemic practices. We continue to support veteran clients through our trauma sensitive, military aware lens. Our work is a vehicle for early detection of risk and a nuanced response to strengthening family communication and wellbeing.”
The Bouverie Centre has a long history of supporting the veteran’s national clinical workforce through the delivery of training and development projects integrating family-inclusive practice. In 2022-3, the Centre also published a four-part review to better understand the impacts of service on family functioning and child/spouse relationships. Commissioned by the Australian Defence Force, the research informed policy priorities for the sector.
“The findings pointed directly to the potential to prevent negative outcomes for families – particularly those with children – through early identification of risk and a strength-based, family inclusive therapeutic service,” Prof. McIntosh said. “The outcomes have informed our latest innovation, Walk in Together Family Therapy. The service provides a cost effective, rapid access solution for families dealing with trauma, mental ill health or alcohol and/or drug related challenges”.
The Centre’s clinical services also include the option of Multi-Session Family Therapy for families who need ongoing support.
About the Bouverie Centre
Established in Melbourne in 1956, the Bouverie Centre at La Trobe University is Australia’s largest family therapy organisation and is the funded state-wide provider of specialist family therapy services and of specialist systemic training across mental health and allied fields.
The Bouverie Centre is located in Brunswick.
To learn more about the Bouverie Centre and its work, you can view highlights from their annual report or visit the Centre’s website.
Support for La Trobe students
La Trobe students who are current ADF personnel, reservists, veterans and their family members can access support to succeed in their studies through La Trobe’s Accessibility and Inclusion team.