Parenting and Family
Blended Families
A new household can bring hope and a lot of questions about who does what.
Who This Is For
When the family plan feels different to each person
You may want the new routine to feel settled while a child misses how things used to be. A stepparent may feel unsure when to speak up or step back.
My background includes family work, and I listen for the different experiences inside one household. We do not need to force closeness or pretend everyone feels the same way about the change.
What We Work On
What we can talk through
Stepparent roles
We can discuss expectations about care, discipline and authority. A role needs conversation rather than an assumption that everyone already agrees.
Loyalty and belonging
Children may worry that enjoying one home hurts someone in the other. We can think about words that leave room for their relationships.
New routines
Mealtimes, privacy and family traditions may need revision. I ask which disagreements are practical and which carry a feeling of being left out.
How I Work
Skills for the moment, and the pattern
CBT
CBT helps us question thoughts such as a child’s reluctance means they will never accept you. We look at what has actually happened and what expectations may be moving too quickly.
DBT
DBT supports clear requests and steadier conversations. We can practice naming a limit while acknowledging that another family member may have a different feeling about it.
What Sessions Look Like
A conversation grounded in your week
- Where
- Virtual, from anywhere in New York State
- Length
- 45 to 50 minutes
- When
- Day, evening and weekend times
Family video sessions include 2 or more members working on communication and conflict. At times, family work includes individual time with different members alongside full family sessions. Couples work may focus on the adults’ expectations and time together.
Belonging does not need to be measured by how quickly everyone acts close.
What Can Shift
- Clearer agreements about adult roles.
- More room for children to speak about the change.
- A routine that does not rely on guessing what others expect.
These are hopes we work toward together, not guarantees.
Parenting and Family
One new routine at a time
At dinner
A familiar meal or seating habit may matter more than it appears. We can ask what the routine means before deciding it is resistance.
For the couple
A little protected adult conversation can help you compare expectations. It should not depend on children reassuring you that the family is working.
Fees in Brief
$195
Family therapy, 45 to 50 minutes
Family sessions are $195 for 2 or more members. Couples sessions are also $195. The free 20 to 30 minute consultation helps us discuss who might attend.
All sessions are private pay. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. I am in network with Northwell Direct.
See all rates and the cancellation policyQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Must every family member attend?
Do you choose the stepparent’s role?
Can children keep caring about both homes?
There is room for different feelings about the same change.
Tell me which role or routine has become hardest to talk about.