Blended family counseling from our therapists at Thriveworks in Atlanta, GA helps families who have come together through marriage work through changes, accept differences, ease tension, and form bonds. It enables parents to set boundaries and expectations around finances, parenting, and other areas. In addition, it offers all family members a safe space to voice their thoughts and feelings.
Blended family counseling will likely involve attending sessions as a group, but it might also involve individual sessions with each family member. It works by encouraging the group to share any emotions, concerns, or challenges they might be experiencing, as it relates to the family, and then offering tailored solutions.
Blended family counseling from one of our providers at Thriveworks in Atlanta, GA can be short- or long-term, lasting for weeks, months, or years. The length is dependent on the family’s areas of concerns, whether they’re more immediate or they’re more complex. Together with your therapist, you can determine how long you should plan on attending therapy for best results.
Help for Blended Families in Atlanta, GA—Sandy Springs Counselors and Therapists
Blended families will bump up against obstacles as they come together, but within every obstacle is an opportunity. When there is loss, there is also gain. When one path ends, another begins. These are not just clichés, but they are truths to which blended families cling. Many go to therapy for blended families to help them navigate the challenges and maximize the benefits of making a new home.
The therapists at Thriveworks Atlanta understand what it takes build one, big, happy family—both the obstacles and the opportunities. We have worked with many blended families, offering them the guidance and support they deserved. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment and get the help your family needs.
Bringing Two Families Together: Common Challenges
There is no blueprint or mold or formula for blended families. Therein lies much of the challenge and the beauty of blending a family. For two families to come together as one, roles must be clarified and challenges addressed so that each family member feels loved and is free to love. Often, the kids and adults in a blended family face common problems on the way to this goal.
Common difficulties for couples who are blending their families:
Forming a new partnership or marriage is difficult on its own, but in blended families, couples do this while leading their family through the process of change. The couple sets the tone for the whole family, and they have many decisions to make. Each partner will have to decide what parenting role they will take. If they will not be actively parenting each other’s children, then they will need to clarify what their role will be. If they will be parenting together, they will have to establish their own, unique parenting style. Couples will also have to figure out how to relate to each others’ ex’s and the in-laws. There are a number of relationships that need to be established.
Common difficulties for kids who are in a blended family:
Adults have a lot of change to navigate in a blended family, but so do children. Anything new in a child’s life can feel stressful, even positive changes. Kids often have the least power to affect change as the family blends. Further, they are often grieving. They may be grieving the loss of a parent to a move or to a death. They may be adjusting to the loss of a school or home. Kids may be adjusting to the rules at one parent’s house and different rules in another parent’s home. They may also be getting used to new siblings or a new birth order (no longer the baby or the oldest). All these changes can come with big emotions: frustration, sadness, grief, anger, and more. These big feelings can overwhelm an adult, much less a child.
Scheduling Blended Family Therapy at Thriveworks Atlanta
While reading about blended families, you may have recognized some of the common difficulties that they face. If you did, know that you are not alone. Many other families are going through similar things, and resources are available. Many blended families are reaching out and receiving the help they need. Skilled therapists can often guide the process of blending a family. There is no magic potion, but sometimes, counseling can make a significant impact.
If you are ready to start therapy for blended families, reach out to Thriveworks Atlanta today. We accept many different forms of insurance. We also offer weekend and evening sessions. Plus, most new clients meet with their provider within the week of scheduling. It is possible to become one, big, happy family. Your family can thrive. We can help.
