Advice to therapists working with Stepfamilies

A stepfamily therapist is going to be most helpful when they can maintain their grounded position, with empathy and not be drawn into the stepfamily vortex. This is about keeping perspective while showing respect, understanding, empathy and compassion. This is not easy. So be sure to get good supervision while working with stepfamilies. You then minimise the likelihood of becoming enmeshed with the family and can retain the position of ally, coach, and wise consultant.
Your role really is to hold the big, long term picture and not get bogged down in the pain of the here and now that the family might be experiencing. By doing this, you can hold and contain a family until they are able to do that for themselves and then access their own resources in order to identify and create their own solutions. Be there, be present, gain as much appropriate knowledge on stepfamily issues as you can and keep an open heart.

Marcia Watts
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Healing after Betrayal
Is it Possible? -
Modern Marriage
When to leave a relationship -
How Depressed Are You?
Information about anti-depressants and the alternatives -
Emotional Intelligence
A harmonious balance -
Food for Thought
Reconnecting with your body. -
Surviving Postnatal Depression
You are not alone -
The Future of Marriage
Shining a light on intimate relationships -
Loss involves Change
and Change involves Loss -
Intimacy in Relationships
Have you lost hope? -
Living at the seam line
My struggle against separation. -
Gambling
It's been said that Australians will bet on anything -
Is it OK to use touch in psychotherapy?
Is it OK to work with clients who know each other? -
Borderline
Making the world safe again -
When Words Are Not Enough
Somatic Psychotherapy: a therapist's perspective -
If you are having suicidal thoughts...
It is important to ask for help. -
The Within, and the Between
The Art of Relationship Counselling -
The Good Fight
How taking your own side can minimise confusion and conflict -
Celebrate Success
The art of self congratulation -
Please Understand Me
Does personal temperament impact the therapeutic relationship? -
An Authentic Christmas
Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of choice this Christmas
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