Despite the growing number of stepfamilies, and the recognition that they experience unique difficulties related to their complex family dynamics, there is very little support available to them. In this practical, evidence-based guide Lisa Doodson offers a valuable resource for professionals working with stepfamilies, giving insight into their unique nature and guidance on how to provide more effective support and advice. In addition to the wealth of research and knowledge that the book shares, there are a range of case studies which illustrate issues that the different types of stepfamilies frequently face. Each chapter also contains practical tools and exercises that professionals can use with their clients to help facilitate change in the family unit, as well as interventions including mediation and group workshops, and more traditional counselling techniques. Understanding Stepfamilies is a must have resource for counsellors and therapists, social workers, local authorities, charities and teaching professionals working with stepfamilies.

Despite the growing number of stepfamilies, and the recognition that they experience unique difficulties related to their complex family dynamics, there is very little support available to them. In this practical, evidence-based guide Lisa Doodson offers a valuable resource for professionals working with stepfamilies, giving insight into their unique nature and guidance on how to provide more effective support and advice. In addition to the wealth of research and knowledge that the book shares, there are a range of case studies which illustrate issues that the different types of stepfamilies frequently face. Each chapter also contains practical tools and exercises that professionals can use with their clients to help facilitate change in the family unit, as well as interventions including mediation and group workshops, and more traditional counselling techniques. Understanding Stepfamilies is a must have resource for counsellors and therapists, social workers, local authorities, charities and teaching professionals working with stepfamilies.

Imagine filling in an application form for your child’s new school and realising there isn’t enough space to include all the adults who play a role in the child’s life. These days, ‘parent’ could mean birth parent, step-parent or co-parent, and the concept of ‘family’ goes way beyond the mythical ‘mom-dad-and two kids’. Blending Families attempts to address some of the challenges of merging established family units. The focus is on the children because, whether they are ‘his’, ‘hers’ or ‘theirs’, it is the children who, more often than not, are responsible either directly or indirectly for the success or failure of the new family unit. Understanding how toddlers, tweens and teens perceive the new situations in which they find themselves, and their possible reactions to their new living environment, is the essence of the book. But it’s not all about the children. Adults are often at their most fragile and vulnerable when forming new relationships, and the book provides valuable tools with which to resolve some of the challenges of living together in a blended family. Flicky Gildenhuys equips parents with tried-and-tested, down-to-earth psychological tools and the experience gained from decades of family counselling to manage whatever issues may arise and achieve true and lasting happiness as a new family. As a mother and step-mother herself, she understands both the joy and the turmoil that comes from having to deal with the past before one can build a foundation for the future.

The fourth edition of the bestselling An Introduction to Family Therapy provides an overview of the core concepts informing family therapy and systemic practice, covering the development of this innovative field from the 1950s to the present day. The book considers both British and International perspectives and includes the latest developments in current practice, regulation and innovation, looking at these developments within a wider political, cultural and geographical context. The fully revised fourth edition also contains new material on: EXPANDED Chapter 4 'Ideas that keep knocking on the door'-updated with applications of attachment & narrative therapy, linking these ideas to issues of developing the therapeutic alliance with families EXPANDED Chapter 5 'Systemic Formulation'- updated with a view of formulation as a core skill in many therapeutic models, and an alternative to diagnosis EXPANDED Chapter 6 '21st Century Practice Development'- updated to include cutting edge innovations in the field, such as integrative practice EXPANDED Chapter 7 'Couple Therapy'- updated to include the more recent process and outcome research in the models, making link with current systemic practice and using more illustrative examples and highlighting how Relate has changed EXPANDED Chapter 8 'Research and Evaluation'- updated with a greater range or research methods and contemporary emphasis on evidence based practice Greater focus on key family therapy skills throughout the book in the updated 'Formats of Exploration' feature in each chapter Expanded lists of key texts and diagrams, suggested reading organized by topic, and new practical examples and exercises are also used in order to encourage the reader to explore and experiment with the ideas in their own practice. This book is key reading for students and practitioners of family therapy and systemic practice as well as those from the fields of counselling, psychology, social work and the helping professions who deal with family issues.

Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships is designed to be useful both to stepfamily members themselves and to a wide variety of practitioners, as well as to educators, judges, mediators, lawyers and medical personnel.

Designed to bolster CPCE and NCE exam success on the first try, this unique study guide takes the mystery out of exam preparation by providing concrete strategies for mastering essential information, end-of-chapter quizzes providing prompt reinforcement of content, two full-length exams mirroring the NCE and CPCE in format and breadth, and proven tactics for mitigating test anxiety. The resource is organized around the latest exam outline from the NBCC so that candidates can focus on the information needed to pass the exam. Sample questions specific to chapter content are dissected to guide readers step-by-step toward a correct response, and comprehensive rationales for both correct and incorrect answers enable users to navigate “distractor” pitfalls. The book offers an extensive review of clinical mental health counseling CACREP Common Core Areas and NBCC work behavior domains to align with chapter content. Outstanding features of this top-notch study guide include overviews of the CPCE and NCE exams and detailed and highlighted differences between work behaviors and the eight core-areas for professional clinical mental health counseling. Each chapter covers everything you need to know to pass the exam and includes end-of-chapter questions to check your knowledge. The review concludes with two full-length practice tests to get you ready for exam day. With 750 practice questions, detailed review content and answer rationales, this study aid empowers you with the tools and materials to study your way and the confidence to pass the first time, guaranteed! Know that you're ready. Know that you'll pass with Springer Publishing Exam Prep. Key Features: Reflects the latest exam content outlines Provides a comprehensive yet concise review of essential knowledge for the exam Helps students to understand and master content via learning objectives, summary points, and chapter quizzes Boosts student confidence with multiple test-taking strategies specific to the exam Includes end-of-chapter Q&A and two full-length practice tests with detailed rationales Identifies the related CACREP core area and NBCC domains for each rationale Boosts your confidence with a 100% pass guarantee For 70 years, it has been our greatest privilege to prepare busy practitioners like you for professional certification and career success. Congratulations on qualifying to sit for the exam. Now let's get you ready to pass! The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs does not sponsor or endorse this resource, nor does it have a proprietary relationship or other affiliation with Springer Publishing Company. The National Board for Certified Counselors does not sponsor or endorse this resource, nor does it have a proprietary relationship or other affiliation with Springer Publishing Company.

Imagine filling in an application form for your child's new school and realising there isn't enough space to include all the adults who play a role in the child's life. These days, 'parent' could mean birth parent, step-parent or co-parent, and the concept of 'family' goes way beyond the mythical 'mom-dad-and two kids'. Blending Families attempts to address some of the challenges of merging established family units. The focus is on the children because, whether they are 'his', 'hers' or 'theirs', it is the children who, more often than not, are responsible either directly or indirectly for the success or failure of the new family unit. Understanding how toddlers, tweens and teens perceive the new situations in which they find themselves, and their possible reactions to their new living environment, is the essence of the book. But it's not all about the children. Adults are often at their most fragile and vulnerable when forming new relationships, and the book provides valuable tools with which to resolve some of the challenges of living together in a blended family. Flicky Gildenhuys equips parents with tried-and-tested, down-to-earth psychological tools and the experience gained from decades of family counselling to manage whatever issues may arise and achieve true and lasting happiness as a new family. As a mother and step-mother herself, she understands both the joy and the turmoil that comes from having to deal with the past before one can build a foundation for the future.

A practical guide to help step-families and their transition from blender families to fully functional, normal, happy, blended families.

Statistics tell us 60 percent of blended families don't survive. The pressures of stepchildren, ex partners and different parenting styles combine to fuel this high divorce rate. If you're feeling frustrated with blended family challenges and need some clear direction, help is here! In this up to date guide, Adele Cornish shares wise insight and sound advice specific to blended family struggles. You'll learn skills and strategies that are necessary to make your family thrive.