Latest Updates
Stepfamily workshop - As featured in Rio and Kate: Becoming a stepfamily
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.
The next workshop is planned for Saturday 28th March in Maidenhead. to find our more click on the button below. COURSE CURRENTLY FULL
Self help Guide
As support for stepfamilies is often hard to find, Happy Steps is usually busy and getting 1-1 support from Lisa can be difficult.
To help everyone get support as quickly as possible, we've developed a self help guide that allows couples to work through common issues together in their own home. The guide comes as a downloadable pdf and can be ordered directly from the website. You can then work through the guide, section by section at your own pace.If you'd like to know more click on the button 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
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
- Stepfamily Literature
- 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
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
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.