Episodes

  • Conflict To Connection Keeping It Light When Things Get Heated with Mary T. Kelly
    Sep 7 2024

    MARY T. KELLY, M.A., is a seasoned family psychotherapist based in Boulder, Colorado, who extends her expertise virtually worldwide. With over 24 years of dedicated experience, Mary not only works with couples in nuclear families, she has become a leading specialist in guiding stepmoms and step couples through the unique and often unexpected challenges of integrating their families. Her deep understanding of the complexities that arise when non-biological members come together has made her an invaluable resource for those navigating the intricate dynamics of stepfamily life. She is committed to helping you and your partner find the best solutions for your unique situation.

    For more than 15 years, Mary has been a regular contributor to StepMom Magazine, offering her insights and advice to a broad readership. Her work has also been featured in The Huffington Post and a variety of other esteemed publications, solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert in the field.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are the key points of Mary’s presentation:

    • Self-Awareness and Timing in Conflict Management
    • John Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
    • Distinguishing Disagreements from Ego-Driven Fights
    • Effective Communication Strategies
    • Humor and Perspective in Conflict Resolution

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Mary T. Kelly and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to http://www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at http://www.TheStepfamilySummit.com .

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

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    1 min
  • Managing Conflict with Empathy & Understanding with Dr. Sonia Cann-Milland
    Aug 30 2024

    Dr. Sonia Cann-Milland's counselling experience comes from a multi-disciplinary background. She has worked in a range of social welfare services, educational organizations, and presently works in private practice as a counsellor and a specialist in stepfamily counselling and education in Australia.

    As a stepmother to three and a mother to two, she has parented and co-parented through all the development stages of the children’s lives. Dr. Cann-Milland has learned and now teaches about empathy in communication as to help create healthy and fulfilling families.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • The Importance of Self-Reflection in Conflict Management
    • Practicing Healthy Conversations
    • Establishing Shared Values and Rules of Engagement
    • Differentiating Compromise from Consensus
    • Managing Expectations and Repeated Healthy Conversations

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Dr. Sonia Cann-Milland and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to http://www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at http://www.TheStepfamilySummit.com .

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • How to Feel Safe in Stepfamily Relationships: Avoiding and Disarming Emotional Landmines with Susan Haworth
    Aug 30 2024

    Susan Haworth holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and two master’s degrees—one in counseling and the other in management—as well as post-master’s credentials in counseling. She has provided counseling, coaching, and training to individuals, families, and executives for over four decades.

    Susan is a contributing writer to StepMom Magazine, where her monthly advice column, “The StepMom Whisperer,” appears. Susan also facilitates support groups for stepmothers. Susan and her family live in Northern California.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • Conflict is Inevitable in Stepfamilies
    • Understanding and Disarming Emotional Landmines
    • The Importance of Wise Speech and Boundaries
    • Timing and Reflection in Conflict Resolution
    • Taking Personal Responsibility in Managing Conflict

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Susan Haworth and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • The Ties That Bind - Loyalty Conflicts For Children in Stepfamilies with Rachel Brace
    Aug 30 2024

    Rachel Brace is an author and experienced psychologist dedicated to supporting children and families through transitions, loss, growth, and change. With a particular focus on stepfamilies, she works closely with parents, stepparents, and co-parents to help them navigate the complexities of shared care arrangements. In addition to her private practice, Rachel serves as a single expert for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

    Rachel has authored three picture books—Max's Divorce Earthquake, Harriet's Expanding Heart, and Milly's Parent Airport—designed to assist children in emotionally adjusting to new family structures and shared parenting schedules.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • Understanding Loyalty Binds in Stepfamilies
    • Impact of Loyalty Binds on Children
    • Strategies for Managing Loyalty Conflicts
    • Practical Actions to Support Children
    • The Role of Empathy and Communication

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Rachel Brace and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • How expectations can cause conflict in our stepfamilies with Monica Chaney
    Aug 30 2024

    Monica Chaney is a certified stepmom coach, wife and a stepmom of three now adults. Originally from South Africa, the U.S. is the eighth country and fourth continent she's lived on. Monica is a contributing writer for StepMom Magazine.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • The Crucial Role of Communication and Expectations in Stepfamilies
    • Differentiating Between Healthy and Unrealistic Expectations
    • Adapting Expectations as Stepfamily Dynamics Evolve
    • Letting Go of Control for a Healthier Family Environment
    • Recognizing and Addressing Unconscious Expectations

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Brenda Ockun and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • Creating Calm Conversations with Miryka Yeates
    Aug 30 2024

    Based in Warwickshire UK, Miryka Yeates is a Step and Blended family guidance coach and helps others who want to blend families with love and care.

    Miryka herself experienced the transitions of a blended family in her childhood and after becoming a Mum at 20 and a Stepmum at 25 it has allowed her a very uniquely balanced view on blended families, knowing first hand, the emotions, and the physical and mental impact it can have on both adults and the children involved.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • Understanding the Unique Challenges of Blended Families
    • Common Stressors Leading to Conflict in Blended Families
    • Managing Overwhelm and Small Stressors
    • Tools for Emotional Management and Reducing Conflict
    • Effective Communication and Maintaining a Team Mindset

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Miryka Yeates and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • Letting Go of Control and Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Laura Petherbridge
    Aug 30 2024

    Laura Petherbridge serves couples and single adults with topics on women’s issues, relationships, stepfamilies, co-parenting, single parenting, divorce prevention, and divorce recovery. She and her husband of 39 years, Steve, reside in Atlanta. She has 2 married stepsons, and 2 grandchildren.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • Acknowledge the Unique Dynamics of Stepfamilies
    • Let Go of Control Over the Other Home
    • Managing Conflict with Ex-Spouses and Co-Parenting
    • Seek Community Support Beyond Social Media
    • Practice Self-Awareness and Set Healthy Boundaries

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Laura Petherbridge and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Navigating Complex Relationships in Stepfamilies with Susan Lancaster
    Aug 30 2024

    Susan Lancaster is a trained psychotherapist as well as a mediator focusing on stepfamily issues based in Sydney, Australia. Her goal is to help families, couples, individuals, and children manage the dynamics involved with stepfamilies.

    She is one of 28 speakers of our 5th Annual Stepfamily Summit.

    Here are some key points from her full interview:

    • Prioritize Effective Communication
    • Embrace Conflict as an Opportunity for Growth
    • Establish Clear Roles and Boundaries
    • Create Rituals and Customs for Family Unity
    • Present a United Front

    🎙️ To catch the full interview with Susan Lancaster and learn practical strategies for bringing peace to your stepfamily, head over to www.TheStepfamilySummit.com and sign up for this year’s event!

    🌟 Join us for the annual Stepfamily Summit, themed Navigating the Complexities of Stepfamily Life: Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony, happening September 11th-13th, 2024.

    🎟️ Free to attend! Get all the details on our incredible lineup of speakers and how to participate at www.TheStepfamilySummit.com.

    Don’t miss out on the tools and insights that can make a difference in your family’s journey!

    Show More Show Less
    1 min