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 early in the developmental process 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--or worse, from falling into crisis.

As a stepfamily educator with over 25 years experience, I can guide you through many issues that may be overwhelming to you. Coaching  benefits your new stepfamily most when used in the early challenging stages. 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 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 for to sek help until they are in crisis, so the work is highly emotionally charged. If you’re untrained in a family systems approach, or don’t understand developmental theory, and how stepfamily living differs, you may find yourself stucktrying to help these 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 iyur request won't get deleted. I will be in contact with 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. To find more about the creative Strengthening Stepfamilies: A Developmental Approach Institute and workshps that I teach at their annual Smart Marriages, Happy Families conference go to www.smartmarriages.com click on Conference, then Institutes and follow with stepfamilies. You can also subscribe to the free newsletter and learn how to attend this great conference. In 2008, it's in beautiful San Francisco.