The Stepfamily Foundation of Alberta is a not-for-profit based in Calgary, Alberta that provides a range of specialized services for stepfamilies.

  Why Specialized Services?

Stepfamilies are much more prone to break down than biological families. The majority of the difficulties contributing to their instability stem from the dynamics of the stepfamily setting—not the people involved. 

Because of these dynamics, specific types of problems occur in stepfamilies that are not seen in biological families. As a result, interventions that tend to be helpful for biological families often provide little help for stepfamilies.

Our work with hundreds of stepfamily couples shows that when they: 

•	learn about these stepfamily-specific dynamics, and 
•	acquire the strategies and support they need to address the problems these dynamics produce, 

their families tend to become very stable and surprisingly resistant to breakdown. 

  Using This Guide

The following checklist was developed to help you determine which of our current offerings will suit your stepfamily’s needs and circumstances best. 

Some or all of your course fees may be covered by your Employee Assistance Program (EAP or EFAP) with your employer, or by your extended health care coverage.

A medical referral is not required.

Building Stepfamilies That Work

q A course for couples living in a stepfamily, or contemplating starting a stepfamily, 
q who are comfortable with learning and working in a small group setting.
q Requires a commitment: to attend regular weekly classes, complete all exercises assigned, and participate during in-class exercises and discussions. 

This is our most widely subscribed service option. The problems and issues addressed include:

qDiscipline problems 	qStages of stepfamilies
qThe prior spouse	qGrief and loss
qMoney & finances	qHuman development
qCo-parenting		qCouple strength
qCommunication	qStepfamily dynamics
qProblem solving	qRules, roles, routines
qVisitation		qManaging change
qand others		qand more

The Stepfamily Intensive

The Stepfamily Intensive is essentially the Building Stepfamilies That Work course tailored to the needs of a single couple. The Stepfamily Intensive should be considered if:
  
q either or both members of the couple are uneasy working in a group setting
q work and/or other schedules are incompatible with attending the regular, weekly Building Stepfamilies That Work classes, and/or
q other members of the stepfamily, or extended family, would like to, or need to attend.

The major drawbacks of the Stepfamily Intensive include: a) the absence of: the “normalizing” influence that other stepfamily couples naturally provide, and b) the absence of “tried and true” suggestions that other stepfamily couples, who have encountered similar difficulties, are frequently able to offer.

The Stepfamily Plus

The Stepfamily Plus is essentially the Stepfamily Intensive course adapted to a situation where one or more important physical health, mental health or other significant issues require extensive multi-discipline collaboration, consultation and/or input.

Consider the Stepfamily Plus when:
  
q important complicating physical health, mental health or other issues are present, and
q extensive multi-discipline consultation/participation is required.

When HE Has Kids…and You Don’t

q A course specifically designed for women who have never had a biological child of their own,  
q who are currently living in, or contemplating entering into a stepfamily union.

The women living in this form of a stepfamily are generally seen as having the most challenging of all stepfamily roles because they must confront the difficulties that characterize stepfamily life at the same time they are being confronted with “instant motherhood”. Not surprisingly, this form of a stepfamily has a very high risk of breaking down.

The distinguishing features of this course are:

qExtensive peer support. Attendees benefit greatly from the understanding and support of other women living under similar circumstances. Classes typically continue to meet as a natural support group following the course.
qA clear focus on skill development—particularly in response to demands and expectations associated with “instant motherhood”.
qIdentification and development of viable stepmothering roles. 

Individual, Couple and Stepfamily Counselling

q An option that is tailored to the particular needs and concerns of the individual, couple, stepfamily and/or the extended stepfamily.

Consider this option:
qIf you or your partner are unable or unwilling to attend Building Stepfamilies That Work or the Stepfamily Intensive,
q you are heading a “single parent” stepfamily, or
q for a consultation regarding a specific stepfamily problem or concern.

Teleconference and Videoconference Sessions

q These are highly individualized options to consider when significant distances separate the involved parties. 
qTeleconferences, that only require access to a telephone, are usually arranged after regular business hours. Special provisions are required when more than four individuals (including the counselor) will be involved.
Videoconferences require: 1) Access to a computer equipped with a microphone and a web cam, 2) compatible videoconference software, and 3) a high speed Internet connection. 

Building Successful Stepfamily Workshops

q These half-day workshops provide intensive group learning experiences that focus upon selected topics of important concern for stepfamilies. Through structured exercises and discussions, participants achieve an in-depth understanding of the topic under consideration, and work together to develop an array of practical strategies to address problems that are likely to emerge. 

Phone: (403) 245-5744
Email: info@stepfamily.ca
Web: www.stepfamily.ca

 Course Selection Guide