Wise advice on how to juggle multiple interests

Family Therapy for Blended or Step Families. Co-parenting Advice.

 

Meeting a new partner after separation can be a time of great renewal but it also raises challenges when children are involved. At The Good Relationship Practice we can support you to bring together multiple people in new family dynamics where there are competing interests.

Our experienced family counsellors are specially trained to work with conflict between ex-partners, loyalty binds in children, step-parent frustrations, step-sibling rivalry, rule-setting across households, interfering in-laws, past domestic violence, and parents with substance over-use.

This type of family therapy work can be very emotional, but our counsellors will actively manage the sessions so that everyone feels heard and the children’s needs are prioritised. Sometimes online appointments are suggested when there is high conflict.

Sessions are usually structured as a mix of group, individual and pair sessions that are designed to keep the work focused and productive. You will leave each appointment feeling supported and equipped with easy-to-apply strategies.

Here are some of the common blended family issues we can support you with:

  • Communication problems

    Ongoing ex-partner conflict, stonewalling, abusive texts, children conveying messages. We can help you to set ground rules and improve communication.

  • Introducing a new partner

    When and how to do it, defining roles, setting boundaries, encouraging respect from children. We can help you to navigate loyalty binds and foster cohesion.

  • Family Court & parenting orders

    Adjusting to new arrangements, implementing orders, processing hurt & anger. We can help you to co-parent successfully with non-reportable family therapy.

  • Step-parent frustrations

    Insider/outsider dynamics, low or no control, soft parenting styles, disrespectful children. We can help you to feel heard, review priorities and establish balance.

  • Continuity & transitions

    Tears at change-over time, confused schedules, conflicting travel plans. We can help with strategies to manage transitions and reduce friction.

  • Rule-setting across households

    Hard/soft splits, clashes over consequences, teens choosing the easy option. We work with both sides to establish an effective multi-home discipline framework.