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Divorce/Remarriage/Stepparenting   

All of these courses are available from the comfort of your home or office via a telephone bridgeline. It is similar to being on a conference call.  Each class meets for one hour in length.

Beyond the Basics of Separation and Divorce*
Four week Teleclass series – Limited to eight participants

Taking this class will better enable you to learn the various aspects of separation and divorce, from the beginning stages all the way through to the dissolution of the marriage.  It will familiarize you with needed terms to understand, emotional and social support, knowledge of handling finances, creating a support system, and helping your children dealing with the situation. 

Some topics, with additional ones to be added as the group formulates, are:
Are you sure divorce is the only answer?
  • The impact of divorce
  • The social and emotional components
  • Navigating divorce territory
  • Financial concerns
  • Moving on
  • Dating Again
"I know that I speak for the entire group of our 152 elementary guidance counselors when I say that the September training you provided on the topic “When Divorce Crosses Your Mind” was absolutely superb.  It is quite apparent that you have a sincere commitment to helping others develop the understanding, skills and resiliency needed to deal with the many issues surrounding divorce."
Rhonda H., Supervisor for Guidance Services,
Hillsborough County (FL) School System

This course explains:
  • Helping children transition between two homes.
  • Easing the way before one parent moves out.
  • 10 things to do to provide security at this time.
  • The need for consistency and structure.
  • Holidays, birthdays, vacations – be creative.
   Plus . . . open topic time
Group Coaching
Three week Teleclass series – Limited to four participants

Come join a small, supportive group as we coach whatever comes up. It is whatever is brought to the call! This is unplanned time to have a space for you to share, learn from others, and help each other discover what is most needed at this time.  Open discussion with coaching.

Someone I Love is Getting Divorced…How Can I be Supportive?*
Two week Teleclass series – Limited to eight participants

Participating with others experiencing similar situations, you will learn ways to help support your loved ones during this difficult process, gain an overall understanding of the roller coaster they are riding, learn methods of support, establish important boundaries, and provide the best empathetic ear possible.

In this class, we will cover:
  • The top 7 things NOT to say.
  • Ways to lend a hand in support.
  • What can I do?
  • Listening skills – Trickier than you think.
  • Friends and family – where do I fit now?
  • Maintaining Relationships.
  • The Gossip Mill.
  • Holidays and other special occasions.
Thriving Through the Holiday Season*
Four week Teleclass series – Limited to eight participants

This class is available ongoing through the last quarter of each year.

Create new traditions while focusing on you and your family during this holiday season.  Holidays have a way of bringing up old feelings that sometimes do not feel so great!  Nurture yourself, plan special activities, explore different passions and lean in for support to help you manage your way from Thanksgiving to New Years.  Be prepared for a holiday on your own, especially if it is going to be the first time without your kids!

This class is co-led with Susan Samakow, CPCC
Registration:  Click Here

2 New Classes for Mid-Year, 2007

Remarriage and Step-parenting - The Gentle Balance*
Three week Teleclass series – Limited to six participants

Do not be blindsided by love!  Keep the feelings alive long-term while you work together to learn ways to deal with expectations and the many different aspects that are inherent in remarriage.  Prepare yourself with the knowledge needed to start your marriage off on the right foot, while gaining skills to work as a team with your children.

This class will discuss:

  • Respect – the first key.
  • Rules of engagement 101.
  • Preparing for the wedding.
  • Establishing boundaries and designing a new family unit.
  • Straight talk about finances.
  • No surprises, no expectations.
  • Discipline and how to mesh together.
  • Asking the question:  Does blending really exist?


Smart Steps for Stepfamilies*
Six week Teleclass series – Limited to eight participants

This is based on the work of "Smart Steps" by Francesca Adler-Baeder, PhD., CFLE, Cornell University, Auburn University, and the Stepfamily Association of America.  The class is a research-based family life education program curriculum for couples and children forming stepfamilies.

We will cover topics, such as:     
  • Stepfamily myths
  • Realities of Stepfamilies
  • What to expect
  • Toddler, child, adolescent, teenage years
  • Changing roles and expectations
  • Discipline
  • Meaning of family meetings and structure
  • The couple foundation
  • Building Family relationships one step at a time
  • Managing conflict and discipline
  • Communication Skills

*Subtopics are a sampling of what is covered.  Classes have flexibility to shift topics to be most the compelling for each group of participants.


See:  Testimonials
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems that you cannot hold on for a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time when the tide will turn.
                                                                             Harriet Beecher Stowe