Blended Family Program

At Chestnut Hill, we understand the enormous challenge it is to undertake a blended family. In modern America with all the demands on adults, it is already difficult to sustain a healthy marital relationship and family. Blended families make the task doubly difficult. If you are like most blended parents we see, you started off your new relationship happy and optimistic that with love and a lot of work, the new family blend would succeed. Unfortunately, it takes more than love and work to be successful in blended families. Parenting issues that you thought you had mastered long ago explode into confusing difficulty. Eventually, your marital relationship becomes conflicted as you watch your partner side with one or more of the children against you or question your parenting skills. Perhaps you have come to suspect that the rules in a blended family are different. You're right. We can help you learn the new rules.

• First, one of our therapists meets with you and your partner privately in an introductory session to get to know you as individuals, a couple and parents. Your therapist works to understand your personal needs and your family's special circumstances.
• Next, your therapist takes a detailed family history to define clearly the exact nature of your blended family problems. He/she works closely with you to develop the best treatment program tailored to your family's special needs.
• You will meet with your therapist in a variety of ways: alone, together and with the children.. Each meeting is designed to assist you in changing those aspects of your family life that are problematic.
• You will be taught how blended families differ from other families, and you will be taught the new rules of parenting in a blended family.
• You will be given homework assignments each designed to produce positive change in the way your family works.
• As a result of treatment, you can generally expect to find far more satisfying interactions with the children and your partner freer of the kinds of disruptions you were experiencing. You can expect to have re-established a greater sense of authority and respect as a parent.

Remember, blended family problems can get worse, sometimes much worse. Left untreated, they can lead to misery for all and even separation or divorce. Let us help you get your family back on track.