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Happy Steps                                                                                        

 

 

Welcome to Happy Steps, the UK's only research based stepfamily resource centre.  Stepfamilies are now the fastest growing family type in the UK. It's estimated that 1 in 3 of all families are now stepfamilies. Despite this, there is very little help and support available. Happy steps has been designed to gather together a whole range of services to help families and individuals strengthen their stepfamilies and to provide training and tools for organisations and family professionals.

  

We're constantly adding to the site to offer as much support to stepfamilies as possible, so do come back from time to time to see how we've changed! You might want to take a look at the recent additions which include a new working partnership with Relate; new accredited partners, trained in Happy Steps philosophy and courses; and a page dedicated to businesses run by stepfamilies across the UK that need your support.

 

I hope you find what you're looking for on the site - if not, please drop us a line and tell us how we can make it even better!


Dr Lisa Doodson, CPsychol


PS. I'm delighted to announce that Happy Steps has partnered with Relate to support stepfamilies across the UK. To read the full announcement click here.


Support for Stepfamilies

 

  • Are you're struggling to cope with your stepfamily dynamics?
  • Are you confused about your role in the family?
  • Want to know how to deal with your stepchildren better?

 

Research has shown that most new stepfamilies can really benefit by getting support and help with common stepfamily issues.

 

We can help by offering:- 

  

Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone - particularly stepfamilies. Why not take the time to book you and your partner onto the next Happy Steps workshop ? It's a great opportunity to take stock and put your relationship back on track. The cost of the 1 day course is (a very reasonable!) £149 per couple. This includes lunch, refreshments and all course materials. Contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk for more info or to reserve places.


Comment from one recent 'Happy Steps workshop' attendee:

 

'I've put into practice many of the tips/approaches you shared on the course, some of which I knew already, but had become entrenched in negative patterns and it's paying great dividends. My partner and I are much happier and as a result my relationship with his children has returned to being happy and enjoyable for all of us.'

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   JL May, 2010

Support and Education for employees

 

Research on stepfamilies has shown that stepparents frequently suffer from greater stress, anxiety and depression than biological parents. Clearly this can and will affect them in their day to day life - both at home and work. However, there is evidence that if they are given targetted support and advice to help them cope with the unique issues faced by stepfamilies their wellbeing significantly improves.

 

Happy Steps has developed training specifically designed for employees in the workplace. Whether you're looking to supplement your employee assistance programmes with 1-1 coaching, or whether you want to consider offering a lunchtime seminar do give us a call to find out more.

 

Reference sites are available on request. Here's a quote from one of our recent clients: 

 
'Lisa was very professional and knowledgeable on the subject and provided extremely useful advice in the seminar.  The seminar was informative and interactive and we received very positive feedback from participants.' - Sarah Boddey, European Head of Diversity, Barclays Wealth, May, 2011

                                                                                                                                         

Support for Family Professionals  

 

  • Do you need cost effective training on stepfamily specific issues?
  • Are you looking for advice on how to help support stepfamilies?
  • Do you want to train your staff to run stepfamily workshops?
  • Are you interested in running Happy Steps stepparenting workshops?

 

We can help with a range of services designed specifically for the Charitable and Public sectors.  For more information just select one of the services below....

 

Workshop for family professionals    Family Psychology Consulting 

 

Stepparenting Workshops               Train the Trainer Courses

 

            

We have experience in working with a wide variety of organisations including local authorities, International Corporations and National Charities. If you would like further information please contact us at lisa@happysteps.co.uk.

 

Latest News
 
Happy New Year!

If you found the Christmas period hard - as many stepfamilies do, why not start 2012 with positive steps to make your family happier? We are here to offer you support alongthe way, whether it's 1-1 coaching, a group workshop, a self help guide or family mediation. Why not contact us to see how we could help you? What have you got to lose? Contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk for a confidential chat.
 
Mediation
 
As a fully trained and qualified mediator Lisa is able to offer family mediation. If you are struggling to cope with ongoing conflict between yourself and your ex, or perhaps there are issues between you and your new partner that you can't resolve, why not consider arranging a private mediation session? Contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk for more info.

Stepparenting Workshops
 
If you feel that you could do with a little bit of help to get your stepfamily back on track or would just like the chance to chat with experts and meet other couples in similar situations, why not consider attending one of our stepparenting workshops? Contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk for more info.
 
Journalist wanting to speak to stepmums

I've recently been contact by Ana Vallis, a Spanish journalist, who is writing an article about stepmums. She doesn't need pictures or anything too personal, just an honest account of your experiences. She will also preserve anonymity. If you are willing to help Ana please contact her directly (avallsgo@yahoo.es) as soon as possible. She will be very grateful for any help you can give.

Couple / Individual Coaching
 
If you're finding things difficult at the moment why not talk to an expert. Here's a comment from a stepmum who came to Lisa for advice...
 
'Lisa has offered me invaluable, friendly support and has given me achievable coping strategies to deal with what felt, at times, like an unchangeable situation.  Things looked much brighter immediately after seeing her for the first time and she has made me feel much calmer and happier than I have done for ages'.         SH, London, March 2011

 

Appointments are available in central London. For more info contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk

 
Dr Lisa Doodson
 
 
Dr Lisa Doodson is a chartered psychologist specialising in stepfamily dynamics. As a stepmother herself she understands the unique demands of being part of a stepfamily, and is therefore determined to use her skills as a psychologist to develop services and tools specifically designed for stepfamilies. In addition to her work on Happy Steps, Lisa has recently written a book, How to be a Happy Stepmum, published by Vermillion, based on her research and is the Programme Director for Psychology at Regents College, London.
 
Click here if you want to contact Lisa