Latest Updates
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
Do you work with step/blended families?
Perhaps you're a social worker, a healthcare or legal professional or maybe work in education?
If your role needs you to understand families and identify those in difficulty, or needing support, you may be interested in my latest project.....
Whilst we know that stepfamilies have many unique challenges, and it's by no means an easy ride (!), the majority of us go on to create stable, happy, blended families. Sadly however, some stepfamilies don't manage this, and for a multitude of reasons, children can be placed in physical, mental or emotional harm.
I have been collaborating with a colleague, Kellie Potter (an experienced social worker), to develop a course aimed at helping professionals develop a better awareness of step/blended families and learn how to assess and analyse situations.
If you'd like more information on this new initiative just get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
Stepfamily workshop - As featured in Rio and Kate: Becoming a stepfamily
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
I am proud to have been part of this documentary, which was aired on BBC1 on 10th February 2020. The workshop which was featured in the documentary, is a service that I offer to couples in stepfamilies. It's an opportunity to discuss the common issues that stepfamilies face and meet others in similar situations.
While I'm not currently running these workshops in person, I do offer a self help guide which allows you and your partner to work through the workshop material in the comfort of your own hoe, at your own pace.
If you would like to order a copy or just click on the button below. And of course if you want more info of have a question for me just get in touch.
contact me for more info lisa@happysteps.co.uk
Instagram: @happysteps_drlisa
Happysteps in the News
New course for professionals: Assessing Risk and Resilience in Stepfamilies
Happysteps in the News
March 2022: Lisa was the guest on The Divorce Podcast, Episode 49
A 30 minute chat, discussing common blended family issues.
Click on the image above to listen to a snippet from the podcast or head over to @amicable_world on instagram to listen to the full version. You can also access it through Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts. Do remember to follow me @happysteps_drlisa for more tips on blended families, where you'll also find a back catalogue of short videos on a range of common stepfamily issues.
For more info on this or any of the services offered by Happysteps please contact me
instagram: Happysteps_drlisa
About Happy Steps
Welcome
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 or blended families.
Research has shown that stepfamilies often have to overcome challenges when developing their new family units which can affect their mental wellbeing, with increased stress and anxiety.
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.
I hope you find what you're looking for on the site - if not, please drop me a line and tell me how I can make it even better!
Professor Lisa Doodson, PhD, CPsychol, AFBPsS, SFHEA
Get in touch: lisa@happysteps.co.uk
or follow me on instagram: Happysteps_drlisa
Support for Stepfamilies
- Are you're struggling to cope in your stepfamily?
- Are you confused about your role in the family?
- Want to know how to get on better with everyone?
Research has shown that most new stepfamilies can really benefit by getting support and help with common stepfamily issues. There is light at the end of the tunnel! We can help and support individuals and families in a number of ways including:-
Support for Organisations & Family Professionals
- Do you have employees in stepfamilies who might benefit from support and advice?
- Does your management or HR team need training to understand stepfamily specific issues?
- Are you looking for advice on how to provide support to individuals in your organisation ?
- Do you want to train your staff to provide more effective help within your organisation or community?
I can help with a range of services. These include:-
- Employee assistance (coaching)
- 'Lunch and learn' training sessions
- Training for Family Professionals
- Social services (eg.coaching for stepfamilies at risk)
- Bespoke Consulting Service
For more details please click here or go to the Products & Service page.
I have extensive 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 me.
Books by Professor Lisa Doodson
How to Be a Happy Stepmum
Understanding stepfamilies: A Guide for Family Professionals
Understanding stepfamilies: A Guide for Family Professionals
This is the first book written specifically for stepmums. It is packed full of practical tips and advice for all types of stepmum. Whether you look after your stepchildren all the time or just at weekends, or whether you also have children of your own or are new to the parenting job, the book offers specific help based on your unique family makeup. The book is based on Lisa's extensive psychological research on stepfamilies and includes comments and case studies from stepfamilies across the UK who took part in her research.
To order a copy from Amazon today, just click on this link.
Understanding stepfamilies: A Guide for Family Professionals
Understanding stepfamilies: A Guide for Family Professionals
Understanding stepfamilies: A Guide for Family Professionals
In this practical, evidence based guide published by McGraw Hill Education, psychologist Professor Lisa Doodson offers a valuable resource for professionals working with stepfamilies or blended families, giving insight into their unique nature and guidance on how to provide more effective support and advice. Each chapter contains practical tools and exercises that professionals can use with their clients to help facilitate change in the family unit, as well las interventions including mediation and group workshops and more traditional counselling techniques.
To order a copy from Amazon today click here
Professor Lisa Doodson, PhD, CPsychol, AFBPsS, SFHEA
Happy Steps has been developed by Professor Lisa Doodson, a chartered psychologist specialising in stepfamily dynamics. As a stepmother herself she understands the unique demands of being part of a stepfamily, and is determined to use her skills as a psychologist to develop services and tools specifically designed for stepfamilies and family professionals.