Latest Updates
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
Christmas is often a really stressful time - for all families! We put ourselves under pressure to make it perfect for everyone, specially the children. If you add a blended family into the mix that only adds to the pressure and can leave us feeling frazzled and worried during the build up.I ran an instagram live event on Wed 23rd Nov to take about common blended challenges and answer as many questions as I could. You can find the recording on my insta account @happysteps_drlisa so do watch it if you're worried about your Christmas plans.
If you think you'd be interested in the happysteps workshop, covering all aspects of blended life the next one is likely to start in jan 2024 (I haven't fixed the dates yet!). The workshop is designed for individuals or couples (bio and step parents) who are part of a blended family. The workshop runs over 4 weeks, with one hour a week via group video calls. I cover all the common blended family challenges and do my best to tailor the course to those taking part. All the video sessions are recorded so if you miss a session or want to watch again with your partner you can do so. Click on the link below to read what others have said about the course and book your place.
And if you have any questions just get in touch.
@Blended Podcasts
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
I have known this lovely couple for a few years now, ever since I took part in their documentary 'Rio and Kate: Becoming a Stepfamily.
Kate has continued to support Blended families launching @Blended, via instagram, offering advice, support and motivation for stepfamilies. She has also launched a podcast series and I've been asked to join her on a couple of episodes. Please have a listen and let me know what you think. You can access it from your usual podcast app, searching for @blended.
And if you don't already, why not follow me on instagram for tips, advice and all things Blended!
Instagram: @happysteps_drlisa
Happysteps Self Help Guide
Coping with Christmas - Reel available on instagram
Happysteps Self Help Guide
I realise that the group workshop formal isn't for everyone so I developed the self help guide that allows you to work through things in your own home with your partner.
The self help guide was developed using the same theories and evidence as the workshop and covers all the common challenges of blended life.
To learn more and grab a copy just click below
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.