Happy Steps | Advice and Support for Stepfamilies

Happy Steps

Welcome to Happy Steps, the UK's only research based stepfamily resource centre. Stepfamilies are now the fastest growing family type in the UK. It's estimated that 1 in 3 of all families are now stepfamilies. Despite this, there is very little help and support available. Happy steps has been designed to gather together a whole range of services to help families and individuals strengthen their stepfamilies and to provide training and tools for organisations and family professionals.

We're constantly adding to the site to offer as much support to stepfamilies as possible, so do come back from time to time to see how we've changed! You might want to take a look at the recent additions which include a new working partnership with Relate; new accredited partners, trained in Happy Steps philosophy and courses; and a page dedicated to businesses run by stepfamilies across the UK that need your support.

I hope you find what you're looking for on the site - if not, please drop us a line and tell us how we can make it even better!

Dr Lisa Doodson, CPsychol, AFBPsS

PS.I'm delighted to announce that Happy Steps has partnered with Relate to support stepfamilies across the UK. To read the full announcement click here.

Support for Stepfamilies

Are you're struggling to cope with your stepfamily dynamics?
Are you confused about your role in the family?
Want to know how to deal with your stepchildren better?

Research has shown that most new stepfamilies can really benefit by getting support and help with common stepfamily issues.

Comments from previous clients:

'I've put into practice many of the tips/approaches you shared on the course, some of which I knew already, but had become entrenched in negative patterns and it's paying great dividends. My partner and I are much happier and as a result my relationship with his children has returned to being happy and enjoyable for all of us.' JL May, 2010

'Lisa has offered me invaluable, friendly support and has given me achievable coping strategies to deal with what felt at times like an unchangeable situation. Things looked much brighter immediately after seeing her for the first time and she has made me feel much calmer and happier than I have done in ages' SH, London March 2011

We can help by offering:-

- A Step Parenting workshop

- A Self Help Guide

- 1-1 or Couple Coaching

- Mediation

Support and Education for employees

Research on stepfamilies has shown that stepparents frequently suffer from greater stress, anxiety and depression than biological parents. Clearly this can and will affect them in their day to day life - both at home and work. However, there is evidence that if they are given targeted support and advice their wellbeing improves significantly.

Happy Steps has developed training specifically designed for employees in the workplace. Whether you're looking to supplement your employee assistance programmes with 1-1 coaching, or whether you want to consider offering a lunchtime seminar do give us a call to find out more.

Reference sites are available on request. Here's a quote from one of our recent clients:

'Lisa was very professional and knowledgeable on the subject and provided extremely useful advice in the seminar. The seminar was informative and interactive and we received very positive feedback from participants.' - Sarah Boddey, European Head of Diversity, Barclays Wealth, May, 2011

Support for Family Professionals

Do you need cost effective training on stepfamily specific issues?
Are you looking for advice on how to help support stepfamilies?
Do you want to train your staff to run stepfamily workshops?

We can help with a range of services designed specifically for the Charitable and Public sectors. For more information just select one of the services below.

Workshop for family professionals Family Psychology Consulting

Stepparenting Workshops Train the Trainer workshops

We have experience in working with a wide varity of organisations including local authorities, International Corporations and National Charities. If you would like further information please contact us at lisa@happysteps.co.uk

Latest News....

Want to meet up with other stepmums in your area?

I often receive emails from women wanting to talk to other stepmums who live locally - perhaps to meet up for coffee and a chat. I've already hard from stepmums in London, Guernsey, Kent, Preston, Reading and Sussex who would like to meet others in the same situation. Drop me a line if you are interested in finding out more.

Couple / Individual Coaching

If you're finding things difficult at the moment why not talk to an expert? Appointments are available in Central London or Berkshire. For more info contact lisa@happysteps.co.uk

Workshop for couples

The next Happy Steps workshop is scheduled for Saturday 8th June. The workshop will take place in Maidehead, Berkshire and is a great opportunity to learn more about stepfamilies and the common problems they face. You will learn lots of coping strategies as well as meet other couples in the same situation. the cost is £149 per couple and includes lunch, refreshments and course materials. To reserve your place or find out more please email lisa@happysteps.co.uk.

Dr Lisa Doodson

Happy Steps has been developed by Dr Lisa Doodson who is a chartered psychologist specialising in stepfamily dynamics. As a stepmother herself she understands the unique demands of being part of a stepfamily, and is therefore determined to use her skills as a psychologist to develop services and tools specifically designed for stepfamilies. In addition to her work on Happy Steps, Lisa has recently written a book, How to be a Happy Stepmum, published by Vermillion, based on her research and is the Programme Director for Psychology at Regents College, London.

Click here if you want to contact Lisa