Course for couples in a blended family

This is a research based programme written by Professor Lisa Doodson that has been specifically designed for individuals and couples in stepfamilies. It offers support and advice on a range of problems common to many  blended families. The course is delivered via a series of 4 interactive group video calls, designed to offer a similar experience to an in person workshop - but with less travel! The sessions are run by Lisa and include a mix of presentations, exercises and group discussions.

• Week 1 is focused on 'Normalising' the experiences of stepparents. It's about getting to know one another and discussing the challenges that all blended families face.We discuss stepfamily myths and realities, aim to encourage realistic expectations and learn more about anxiety related to the role of the stepparent.

• Week 2 is all about 'integrating' the blended family. We talk about thew role of the stepparent and the importance of having a clear role which both adults agree on. We also discuss the needs of the children in the family and the importance of setting realistic and appropriate boundaries. This session also includes advice on how to support your partner as they take on their sate-parenting role and how to deal with negative feelings of resentment, jealousy and feeling excluded.

• Week 3 is called 'communication' and is designed to support couples in their communication with each other, as well as with the children and the other parent who they may be coparenting with. We also talk about the need to adopt positive coping strategies that help address the problems in the family and finally the need for a good support network, comprised on your partner, family and friends to bolster our mental wellbeing and resilience.

• Week 4 is called 'growing' and aims to pull all the elements of the course together and help couples strengthen their families. We cover all the common challenges that stepfamilies face and equip them with tools to help them cope more effectively. We also discuss a range of life events that might add to their stress such as having a baby to the family, attending family events such as weddings, going on holiday together as well as the importance of taking time to strengthen the couple relationship. 

• All sessions are managed and led by Dr Doodson with time for discussion on the topics, questions from the couples on the course as well as exercises to complete in between the formal sessions.

• All sessions are recorded to allow couples to catch up if they miss any of the video calls.

To register  reserve a place on the workshop just email lisa@happysteps.co.uk

Dates: The next course will start on Tue 24th June 2025 and run for 4 consecutive weeks (finishing on Tue 15th July).  If you would like to reserve a place just email lisa@happysteps.co.uk .

Each session will last 1 hour, alrhough we may run slightly overtime if there's lots of discussion!. You will need access to a computer connected to the internet. All sessions will be recorded (only available for attendees) so if you miss a session you can catch up.

To accompany the workshop you will also be able to join a facebook group where you can chat with other participants as well as Lisa, to continue the discussions between the video calls.

Total cost for the course (all 4 sessions): £120 

(Note. You can attend with or without your partner, the cost covers both of you)

Please contact me if you want to join the workshop or have any questions (lisa@happysteps.co.uk). 

'I would just like to say a huge thank you for offering support and networking with others. Attending the workshop has encouraged me to find confidence to challenge behaviours in our home in a constructive way. Thank you. Also accepting that the way I feel is normal is so refreshing.' Abi, Derby 

'This course has been an absolute life line! Lisa is warm, encluraging, understanding and incredibly reassuring. On the course, Lisa not only talks about the very real difficulties of step parenting to help you realise you're not alone, but she also gives very practical and realistic ideas and advice on how to positively move forward. She has given ,my husband and me a means to talk about the difficult topics and I no longer feel alone and bewildered in a totally unknown situation, but supported, heard and better equipped to support my husband and continue to work towards building a new, different, but no less important family. Thank you so much Lisa!'

Pollyanna, Herts

'I found Lisa's knowledge and experience of the stepparenting field  invaluable to me, also exchanging views and 'hints and tips' with other  stepparents has been really helpful.'                                                                                               Susan,  Reading

'This is just a quick update to tell you how much your step parenting course  that we attended in February helped us. I think that the children growing up and becoming more mature has also been a factor, but without your course we would still be in a muddle. We are having more fun as a  family and I am pleased to say that my husband and my youngest son are actually enjoying each others company'                                                                 Christina,  London
 

Contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk for more information or add your name to the waiting list.