Therapy for Stepfamilies in Greater Boston 02144

Something is wrong and you've been trying to fix it. Your "blended" family feels anything but. Relationships are rocky. You're misunderstood and confused about your role. What are the rules here? What is "normal"? How can you get your needs met when it seems like everyone else's needs come first? It has been a long time since you felt a sense of order and stability in your relationships. You crave a sense of belonging. And peace.

Pre-marital counseling for a potential stepfamily

• Couples receive information around what to expect when forming a new stepfamily

• Couples develop a unified vision for the foundation of the new family 

• Communication skills are strengthened 

• Patterns are created both inside and outside the therapy session to discuss weekly incidents 

Conflict resolution strategies for stepfamilies

• Families receive information and coaching around effective conflict resolution strategies

• Discussion around typical conflicts and issues

• “Rules for fighting fair” are developed by couple in order to establish productive and safe methods for handling the inevitable conflict within the new stepfamily

Attachment formation within the new stepfamily

• “Role ambiguity”, or confusion around what the expectations are in new role of step-mother, step-father, or step-child, is discussed and explored 

• Concept of “insiders” and “outsiders”, or people who feel included and excluded, within new stepfamily is discussed and explored

• Families receive information around appropriate expectations with regard to relationships within the stepfamily

• Rules and routines are developed by parents in order to create a sense of safety and consistency for new household