In the past, stepfamilies have been seen as second rate compared to nuclear families. Nowadays, this view has shifted and there is a huge increase of stepfamilies seeking answers on how to more effectively deal with the challenges of this more complex family system, and how to move towards successful family integration.
When people divorce and remarry, they often have unrealistic expectations and then are quickly disillusioned, feeling guilty and self accusatory when their new stepfamily does not integrate and settle down. Relationships in stepfamilies are not developed overnight, and integrating the different expectations and ways of doing things often takes a long time. It can often take up to 3 to 4 years, to form a solid alliance and work as a team to meet the stepfamily challenges.
SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT WILL BE DEALT WITH IN COUNSELLING ARE:
- Understanding common issues involved in stepfamilies
- Dealing with losses and changes
- Strengthening the couple’s relationship
- Setting clearer boundaries
- Working through stepfamilies differences and conflicts
- Learning how to handle and negotiate the differences and conflicts
- Exploring unrealistic expectations and beliefs
- Balancing the power struggle
- Effective parenting of children in stepfamilies
- Helping the children settle into a stepfamily
- Learning the important elements of successful stepfamilies
WHO CAN ATTEND THE STEPFAMILY COUNSELLING?
The Stepfamily Counselling can be attended by both biological parents and their children. However, there are times when the stepparent is involved in the family counselling, and this can often benefit everyone in the stepfamily.