Courses

Training for Professionals

Stepfamilies Australia runs courses for professionals, equipping them with knowledge of stepfamily dynamics. Step and blended families have specific structures and present certain complexities. This training gives practitioners the tools they need to help parents foster connection within the family they’re working with, building on existing relationships.

Blended families can face several unique challenges, including confusion over parenting roles and a sense of loss. Unlike nuclear families, where the roles are set, stepfamilies often have to negotiate everybody’s position and how things will work. Although this can produce rich, authentic relationships which work for the people involved, as opposed to what is “normal”, it can also be a difficult process.

Our Vision

Our goal is to create a network of professionals knowledgeable about stepfamilies across the country. In line with our public health framework, we want to create multiple points of support across the country. Prevention is always better than cure, and stigma is a major contributing factor for stepfamily breakdown. We envision a network of institutions, including schools, workplaces and counsellors, all literate in stepfamilies, able both to make accommodations and identify problems as they arise, rather than when they reach the point of dysfunction.

How to get involved

If you are interested in running a training session at your organisation or you would just like some more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch (03)9663 6733 or email info@stepfamilies.org.au.

They will also have the option of being listed on the Stepfamily Australia list of practitioners located here.