Supporting you in your Stepfamily Journey

As wise travelers know, when embarking on a journey, planning is critical. Likewise, creating a strong, well-functioning stepfamily is easier with expert guidance, especially early in the developmental stages of Stepfamily Living. By having a clear “trail map,” and being coached with effective tips about how to deal with normal challenges on the journey, you can avoid some common pitfalls and move ahead sooner.

As a stepfamily educator with over 30 years experience, I can guide you through many issues that could overwhelm you. Coaching  benefits your new stepfamily most when used as you prepare for remarriage.  Although I’m an excellent pro-marriage family therapist, this telephone time is not therapy. You need personal contact for that, but with a commitment to creating a strong stepfamily--and some coaching--you can succeed!

Coaching for professionals working with stepfamily clients

Experienced professionals who don’t understand how the stepfamily differs in process, development, and structure may be frustrated working with these complicated families. Usually, vulnerable stepfamilies wait to seek help until they hit crisis, so the work is highly emotionally charged and ofetn chaotic. If you’re untrained in a family systems approach, or don’t understand developmental theory, and how stepfamily living differs, you may find yourself stuck trying to help complex stepfamilies.

As a pro-marriage, trained family systems Marriage & Family Therapist, I can guide you to help stabilize your stepfamily clients. You can view my clinical profile by clicking on “therapist locator” using the zipcode 14850 at www.aamft.org.

If you're interested in either coaching, or consultations services, send me an e-mail at eaestepkid@msn.com Be sure to note COACHING REQUESTED in the subject line so your request doesn't get deleted. I will contact you with 48 hours.

As a national workshop trainer, I'm affiliated with the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education (CMFCE), an international marriage education group of professionals who approach building healthy marriages and families through skills building and education. To find more about the creative Strengthening Stepfamilies: A Developmental Approach Institute and workshops that I teach at the annual Smart Marriages, Happy Families conference go to www.smartmarriages.com click on Conference to lern what's available. You can also subscribe to a free newsletter and learn how to attend this great conference. In 2010 it's held in orlando, FL.