Counseling for Blended Families

A blended family is often the product of a divorce.  Today, it is actually more common for people to be in a blended family than to be in a traditional nuclear family dynamic. After being involved in a divorce, children may already be struggling.  Adding step parents and siblings to the picture may alleviate or agitate that stress. Not only is the new couple trying to figure out how to navigate these relationships, but the children are trying to figure out who this new person is in their lives. Stepfamilies have dynamics unique to them because the roles of a stepmom, stepdad, and stepchildren never fit into a “traditional” family model.

In blended family counseling, children are encouraged to express opinions, fears and feelings in a kind and respectful manner. Parents can learn how to maintain a healthy relationship with their children while building a new and loving bond with their spouse and stepchildren. We can help you learn how to express your concerns, both with your new partner and your ex-spouse, in constructive, respectful ways.

• Differing or conflicting parenting styles: One parent may be very responsive to a child’s needs while another expects the child to be more independent.
• Differing disciplinary styles: One parent may seem to be incapable of saying “no” to a child while another expects children to adhere to a more authoritarian style of discipline.
• Sibling Rivalry: When an only child suddenly finds themselves living in a house with multiple siblings they can feel like they have to compete for attention from both parents.
• Step Parenting: Many step parents struggle to discipline and interact with their spouse’s children on a day to day basis, creating stress and attachment failures.