Twins and Multiple Births
Are you expecting multiples? Are you a parent of twins and are looking for support without the romanticizing nature of parenting multiples? Are you tired of hearing it looks like you’ve got your hands full?
Counselling with Tania on twin issues means you will be understood without having to educate a counsellor on the real dynamics and complexities of raising multiples. Sleep deprivation, juggling two distinct personalities and preferences, feeding and laundry are only some of the issues that can lead parents to a overwhelming sense of desperation. Surviving to each milestone doesn’t have to be a struggle all of the time. Building on the strength in your relationship, or if you are doing it solo building your resilience, is just the first step. Sometimes it helps to debrief with someone who “gets it.” Which crying baby do you pick up first? Triage is a huge part of parenting multiples and this can affect your feelings towards parenthood at a much greater rate than parents of singleton. You won’t hear any of those classic, dismissing comments, “I have two children 15 months a part so it’s just like having twins.” But we will re-build your reserves - and at two steps at a time.
If you are a twin or multiple, therapy is also available to explore relationship dynamics within the context of the social and romantic idealism surrounding twinship. Comparing, competition, friendships, parent perceptions, and other dynamics can be discussed openly giving you the sense of freedom to express who you are as an individual.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning, Queer+ (2SLGBTQIA+) families with multiples or a twin who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ may have other complex factors to consider when addressing relationship, trauma and family issues. Counselling is a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings and questions such as: “my twin is gay, does that make me too?” “My parents prefer my straight sibling.” “I am afraid of losing my relationship with my twin if I come out.” “My teenage just told me she thinks she is queer, what should I tell her twin?”
Counselling is also a good place to learn about resources such as Multiple Births Canada.
