If you are like most parent/step-parent couples, chances are you are confused about a good many things and looking for answers. While there are many self-help books available for parenting, there are unfortunately few devoted to step-parenting and step- and blended families. This is also a topic that receives very little attention in the media, even on shows like Oprah! It is no surprise, then, that most of the parent/step-parent pairs I see, as you yourselves may do, come to their initial session confused, frustrated and feeling a real need for help.

When I work with parents and step-parents, first and foremost I seek to help them develop a concrete sense of hope. I also work to help them develop the tools that will best fit their style to support and sustain a satisfying and supportive family. Towards that goal, I typically help the parent and step parent work on any of the following areas:

• Determining how and by whom rules for the    children will be made and enforced • Parent-child communication • Step parent-specific roles and communication • Parenting issues specific to adoption in blended    families • How to deal with a child's/step child's behavioral    and/or emotional issues • Coping with stresses around an ex-spouse,    family court, and related issues • Couple-specific issues that hinder family    dynamics • Past traumas that may be hindering effective    parenting/step parenting • Blending a new-born with an existing step-    family system • Effective boundaries and communication    with extended family members • Reducing triangulated relationships in the    step- or blended family

I have helped many parents and step-parents. If you are looking for help call me
at (510) 465-0036 for an initial consultation. I offer a FREE first session.