This 6-session research-based educational curriculum written by Dr. Francesca Adler-Baeder is designed for remarried or partnering couples and their children. It focuses on building couple and family strengths while addressing the unique needs and issues that face couples in stepfamilies.

Children and adults attend parallel sessions, coming together at the end for a shared activity.

The program uses informational presentations, group discussion, and a multi-media approach to teach strategies for building healthy relationships and stable stepfamilies.


Smart Steps for Stepfamilies addresses these topics:

• Stepfamily myths
• Realistic expectations for adults and children
• Stages of stepfamily development
• Legal issues
• Finances
• Defining roles and rules
• Developing empathy
• Understanding child development
• Stepparent-stepchild relationships
• Communication with your child's other parent
• Building respectful and caring relationships


How long before benefits are realized?
After the first session you will begin to recognize ineffective family strategies that contribute to the disharmony in your home.

Be Wary Of...
Behaviorally oriented types of therapy that do not address each step family issues as unique. Every step family has its own special concerns that need to be addressed on a case by case basis. There is no cookie cutter type of therapy that can address all step family issues.

Why Act Now?
Do not put it off any longer. The longer you wait the more serious your concerns may become. Don't let your problem get to the point of no return. Call and schedule an appointment today. The current divorce rate for second marriages is 67% and 74% for third time marriages (statistics are from divorcerate.org). Why wait for tomorrow if you can help your family today?