Navigating Blended Family Dynamics: Activities and Approaches for Therapists

Blended families bring together different histories, relationships, and expectations—creating opportunities for growth but also unique challenges that can strain family bonds. In this training, participants will explore the psychological and emotional complexities that affect both children and adults in stepfamily systems. We will examine the impact of family restructuring, loyalty conflicts, shifting roles, and the need to integrate multiple household cultures.

Grounded in interpersonal communication theories and evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, this training offers practical tools for identifying and addressing the often-overlooked dynamics that contribute to conflict and stress in blended families. Participants will learn strategies to strengthen communication, build trust, and foster resilience within these complex family structures. By the end of this 2-hour continuing education workshop, therapists will be equipped to guide blended families toward healthier relationships and more cohesive family functioning.

This introductory continuing education webinar is designed to help mental health professionals:

1. Describe the common emotional and relational challenges experienced by blended families.
2. Explain the role that family structure and family dynamics play in blended family conflict.
3. Apply therapeutic interventions to help blended families improve communication and resolve conflicts.

COURSE AGENDA:

• Step/Blended Family Dynamics
• Challenges for Stepfamilies 
• Boundaries and Strategies
• Therapeutic Interventions

Declaration identifying any potential conflict of interest and/or commercial support: The presenter of this training has no relevant financial or commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This training is designed solely for educational purposes and does not promote any specific therapeutic product, service, or organization. This training presents clinical and scientific information on dyadic coping in couples facing illness, drawing from empirical research. The material is intended for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their work with couples navigating medical and emotional challenges. While research supports the effectiveness of dyadic coping interventions in improving relationship quality and emotional well-being, outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances. Therapists should exercise clinical judgment in applying these concepts, as misinterpretation or misapplication could lead to unintended relational strain or emotional distress for clients.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact GoodTherapy here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2025 – 3/30/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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