WE SERVE
Stepfamilies Whether you’re forming a stepfamily or further along in the process, we can help you chart your course and meet the challenges of each stage of stepfamily development. Each family member has special roles and unique tasks to accomplish within the family unit. The knowledge, skills and flexibility of the co-parenting team create a strong foundation for developing stepfamilies. We can help you create solutions and negotiate strategies that increase stepfamily success.
Families If you’re a member of a biological “first” family, you may be concerned about members of your extended family who are coping with stepfamily stress. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins may experience losses when family members remarry, their family system expands and available time together decreases. You may benefit from information and skills that can help you constructively address these problems. Our services are designed to help you sustain cherished relationships with members of your extended family.
Couples in All Relationship Stages: Couple relationships form at various stages in life, from teens, to young adult, to mid-life and beyond. Each stage offers a new set of challenges.
 Dating Couples: Individuals and couples frequently seek consultation when they are dating and want to thoughtfully examine their own feelings and the relationship dynamics. Dating offers a wealth of opportunities to explore deeply one’s hopes and dreams, compare a variety of relationship experiences, and determine whether to let go or take the next step toward commitment.
Pre-Marital Couples: Research now supports high quality educational services for pre-marital couples, increasing their potential for a stronger start and a lasting relationship. Insight into your partner’s family history, values and dreams, combined with self-knowledge, and the skills to effectively share with one another honestly creates a strong foundation for marriage. Educational programs offer couples the opportunity to establish realistic expectations for their relationship and be better prepared to sustain a lasting relationship. Couples who experience questions or doubts about their fit with one another have a safe and supportive environment in which to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Single Parents: Single parents often experience stepfamily stress when their ex’s enter new relationships and the children must cope with a cast of newcomers in their lives. Divorce and remarriage can create overwhelming feelings for children. They may worry about a variety of issues such as conflicting loyalties to biological and step parents. Feelings of anger and resentment may emerge as a result of changes in their lives over which they have no choice. You may be concerned about your ex’s new partner or the effect of remarriage on your children. Armed with the basics of stepfamily living, you will be better equipped to mentor your children and assess the pros and cons of a future union.
Preparing Couples For Each Stage of Family Life: Couples preparing for the birth of a child or negotiating the teen years will feel better prepared as a result of resources designed to prepare parents for their responsibilities. Some teens are eager to become independent and others require more support and guidance and structure. Parents may find themselves in a rut as their efforts to help their children flounder. It’s often difficult to see our own situations clearly, and a fresh perspective helps. Parents can chart a new course when they understand their role in each stage of development.
 Re-Married Couples: Adults who’ve experienced grief over prior relationships can feel anxious and cautious about future commitments. Self-esteem is effected by feelings of failure in past relationships, and the desire for a lasting commitment is a cherished dream. We want each client to achieve the level of self-understanding required to choose a mate wisely, and to be equipped to build a healthy, lasting relationship.
Re-Married Couples with Children: Stepfamily formation is far more complicated than creating a first family. Complex stepfamilies may encounter even more stress as they struggle to adjust, adapt, negotiate and learn to live with virtual strangers. We know that the viability of a stepfamily ultimately depends on the strength, knowledge and skills of the couple. Understanding the stages of stepfamily development prepares families for the normal problems of stepfamily formation.
Children Living in Multiple Households
Whether this is your first, second or third marriage, you may have children living in several homes.  Complex living arrangements, visitation schedules and new relationships can be confusing and frustrating for children. We can provide an environment where it is safe to share their stories and understand their experience. When needed, we support and coach parents as they advocate and negotiate on behalf of their children.
Extended Family Members
Non-residential parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and stepgrandparents can experience loss of time and contact following remarriage. You may feel hurt, confused and uncertain about your role in the changing lives of your loved ones. We will carefully evaluate the needs and concerns of each family member and present to you and members of your family an action plan to provide services and solutions that can protect and nurture cherished family relationships. |
