Strengthening Stepfamilies:
A Developmental Approach
Elizabeth Einstein
 
Strengthening Stepfamilies: A Developmental Approach
Elizabeth Einstein
 
Stepfamilies can succeed!
But to do so, they need information, skills and support because remarriage with children holds inherent normal challenges causing too many families to quit before they have truly worked the normal process that leads them to success. Because the remarriage divorce rate is so high, professionals need to understand how these complex families differ in structure and development.
 
In this fast-paced and creative day, participants learn a "trail map" to guide people from a family systems and developmental approach.
 
This training can be used to supplement the new Active Parenting for Stepfamilies DVD-based "teach out of the box" program that won a national Telly Award for excellence. This program, co-authored by Ms. Einstein and exploring the complex relationships of remarriage with children, can be used to teach any stepfamily class.
 
The training is appropriate for clergy, educators, social workers, psychologists, marriage & family therapists, family life educators, legal professionals--or anyone working with families in transition. Many stepfamily issues parallel those in adoptive and foster families.
 
For three decades, Ms. Einstein, a Marriage & Family Therapist and one of America's leaders in the stepfamily world, has presented her creative workshops for professionals and families across the country--many at military bases through family advocacy programs and for social work schools at leading universities.
 
The Institute training is structured into four teaching components:
 
The Stepfamily Journey explores genogram use, examines your beliefs about stepfamilies and presents the normal developmental process and stepfamily structure that defines how these complex families differ. A creative demonstration provides a model of how "emotional baggage" contributes to the high remarriage divorce rate (Lecture & experiential).
 
Teenage Stepkids & Trouble Spots examines typical adolescent challenges for children in stepfamilies--loyalty conflicts, sibling birth order, double binds, identity issues and sexuality--and the intense feelings teenage stepkids encounter (Experiential & group work).

Bonds, Boundaries & Blocks to Success provides an understanding of the powerful biological bonds in stepfamilies and how they set up triangles that create loyalty conflicts. Clinical guidelines are addressed (Lecture, role play & activities).
 
Virginia Satir's Process Model of Change is taught from her 5-stage model so you can learn to integrate it with the Stepfamily Journey model to help reduce anxiety in the stepfamily system. A fun-filled way to end the day (Mini lecture & experiential).
 
Institute participants will receive: A set of Stepfamily Living booklets, a set of Stepfamily Living audio-cassettes, an Active Parenting for Stepfamilies workbook, an extensive handout – plus a 20 pecent discount ($79 value) on the new Active Parenting for Stepfamilies DVD-based "teach out of the box" program. If you purchase this educational program in advance, please use the code EAE to receive free shipping.
 
Learning Outcomes:  In this active and creative all-day Institute, participants will: 1) Explore the special dynamics of the complex remarried family from a developmental perspective and understand why this approach is most effective. 2) Examine how stepfamilies differ in structure to learn what must be done to succeed in the new context. 3) Identify the normal stages & tasks of The Stepfamily Journey. 4) Examine troublesome bonding & boundary issues that create destructive triangles and loyalty conflicts. 5) Learn to use Virginia Satir's Process Model of Change to reduce anxiety in the stepfamily system--and in your own personal life. 6) Understand clinical guidelines in working effectively with these vulnerable families. 7) Learn creative teaching techniques to enhance any stepfamily program you present.

Elizabeth Einstein's 30-year commitment to stepfamilies shines through in her writing, teaching and her creative
and energetic workshops. Participants appreciate her personal sharing, the easy-to-follow experiential
components of her model, and the spiritual context in which she presents the path for healing. I
highly recommend her workshop for learning how to work more effectively with complex stepfamilies for
any setting and any population.  The model is effective across class and race.  Please contact me
if you'd like a reference.  423-267-5383
- Julie Baumgardner, President and Executive Director
First Things First, Chattanooga, Tennessee

In response to the high rate of stepfamilies in the military, Elizabeth Einstein has
presented her Strengthening Stepfamilies training for many years through
Family Advocacy programs in all branches of the military. Her work has helped our professionals become
more effective with these complex families. Her workshops are creative & meaningful. As a presenter,
she is caring, encouraging, knowledgeable, flexible, and truly understands the issues these families face.
An innovative and energetic presenter who models great  teaching tools!!
- Billie Stewart, MSW, LCSW,
Family Advocacy Program Manager, Fort Lewis, WA

I attended the Strengthening Stepfamilies Workshop to become more effective
at assisting families as they struggle to address the problems that brought them
into the legal system.  I not only gained invaluable information, but I found Elizabeth's
passion energizing.  I have been able to apply what I learned to a myriad
of situations, including as an advocate for families in the collaborative
law process. - Abigail De Loache, Esq, Family Law Practitioner, Member,
Collaborative Family Lawyers of Central New York

For more information contact Elizabeth Einstein:
 607-272-2552
Email: eaestepkid@msn.com
Web: http://www.stepfamilyliving.com

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