Latest Updates
Blended family workshop - new course dates now confirmed for June 2025.
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
I developed the Happysteps blended family workshop to help couples cope with the unique challenges of life in a stepfamily. It's firmly based on research and evidence and covers all the common issues that blended families face. Its also a great way to meet others who are in a similar situation and share experiences and advice.
If you think you'd be interested in joiningyou can reserve your place by contacting me lisa@happysteps.co.uk now. The workshop is designed for couples or individuals (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.
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
We have a lot of research on blended families from the adults perspective. I have personally carried out a huge amount of research on stepmums for example. But it's really difficult to carry out research on children. We don't want to cause them anxiety or stress and even if they're old enough to give a perspective it may be influenced by adults who care for them.
So I thought it would be really helpful to talk to some adults who were part of a stepfamily when they were young. What did it feel like joining this new family, what did you find hard, what could your stepparent have done differently to help you, do you see things differently now?
I will be revealing findings via this website and my instagram account @happysteps_drlisa
If you would like to take part then please get in touch (lisa@happysteps.co.uk) or if you're just interested in the findings then follow me on insta so you don't miss anything!
Instagram: @happysteps_drlisa
Step together
New research : Understanding blended families from the children's perspective
Step together
What a fab day that was! Happy memories.
It's great having an online community through Happysteps (join us on insta @happysteps_drlisa if you haven't already!) but sometimes its better to actually meet up.
Kate and I loved meeting so many stepmums on our walk around London. We're hoping to set up further get togethers so make sure you're following us on insta so you don't miss anything.
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.