Sometimes it seems as if parents and children speak different languages.

Rare is the parent whose communication skills aren’t challenged by a child’s occasional apathy, anger or failure to live up to expectations in school or at home. Just as rare is the child who isn’t convinced that his or her parents “just doesn’t get it.”

In the face of evidence that the social problem of breakdowns is family communication is getting worse instead of better, STARRY Counseling is offering parents and children in Central Texas a way to find common ground and to work together to support each other through the sometimes difficult challenge of being a family.

STARRY’s vision is to break the cycle of family conflict, said Richard Singleton, director of counseling services. “Far too often we see families where conflict and even dysfunction can be passed from generation to generation.”

New to Central Texas, STARRY Counseling offers an opportunity to build family strengths, overcome challenging circumstances and find healthy, helpful ways to work through anger, conflict and communication issues.

With counseling for parents and children in family and individual sessions, STARRY can help address difficult parenting issues, struggles with school behavior and challenges in setting positive and productive goals and boundaries, said Singleton.

Through grant support from the state, STARRY Counseling is offering its services at no cost to families in Lampasas, Bell, McLennan and Coryell counties.

“The start of a new year is a great opportunity to break out of the winter doldrums and address issues that are confounding your family,” Singleton said. “Sometimes these issues are deep-seated and difficult to address, but sometimes it’s just a matter of learning how to talk to each other.”

In addition to counseling services, STARRY counselors, social workers and case managers are available for presentations at schools and other venues.

To make an appointment, phone (254) 773-5802 or e-mail info.temple@starryonline.org. or visit www.starryonline.org and click on the “counseling” tab.