STEPMOTHER SUPPORT
You thought love would conquer all.
But love alone doesn’t ease the overwhelm of stepmom life. It’s common to feel lonely, anxious, depressed, frustrated, and under-appreciated. Of course, none of this is really surprising given the extreme role confusion, ridiculous expectations, stepkid conflicts, family division, lack of validation, limited support, and other pressures that stepmothers often face.
It’s even more upsetting when your partner, friends, and family can’t relate. They offer up not-so-helpful advice like, “You knew what you were getting into.” No, you didn’t. It’s unlikely that you grew up yearning to be a stepmother, and you sure didn’t know how hard it would be once you became one. You might wonder where your once lively, joyful spirit has gone when every day feels like a struggle. This stuff is hard, and you’re not alone. Research suggests that stepmothers have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than biological mothers.
I think it’s time for a stepmother revolution. One where stepmoms around the world are supported and lifted up, and the offensive, hurtful “fairytale” and media portrayals are squashed. Stepmothers aren’t inherently wicked and evil, nor are they intentionally cruel. They are misunderstood – by society, their partners and stepkids, and commonly by stepmoms themselves.
I can help. My own experience as a stepmom-to-be inspired me to be a voice for other women who struggle with this role. Through a combination of coaching, therapy, and simply pep talks from “someone who’s been there,” you’ll feel empowered, heard, and understood. I’m dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space for you to explore what it means to be a stepmother on your own terms.
MEDIA
Childfreeness — On Going From Childfree By Choice, To Becoming A Stepparent
“Childfree and also a stepmother. It’s a thing. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, almost one in five American women in remarried stepfamilies have no biological children, yet have stepchildren living with them at least half the time…”
Read the full article in The Fold magazine.
RATE
$170 per 50-minute session
STEPCOUPLE SUPPORT
Welcome to the stepcouples club.
You hoped love would be easier this time around. But moving beyond the nuclear family and repartnering can be a turbulent experience. Different parenting styles, financial obligations, legal matters, divided attention, and continued contact with ex-spouses can spell trouble even in the most devoted stepcouple relationships.
According to the Stepfamily Foundation, 75% of stepfamilies complain of "not having access to resources as a stepfamily.” Even though a majority of American families are remarried or recoupled, there is surprisingly little support to help people navigate this complicated terrain – and even fewer therapists who recognize the complexities that many stepcouples face.
Personal experience sparked my desire to help other stepcouples have more satisfying relationships. Like countless other people who recouple, my partner and I also struggled with the realities of a new life that included people, pets, and sometimes painful emotions brought with us from previous relationships. We sought help for “blending” family members who had no shared biology nor history, and discovered how to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to make the health of our relationship a priority.
Through extensive training, stepfamily research, and lived experience, I can help you experience a stronger stepcouple relationship. I believe that when you learn to make each other a priority, establish better boundaries, communicate more effectively, and resolve conflict quickly, everyone in your stepfamily will benefit.