SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY THERAPY: CLIENTS' PERSPECTIVES

This study examined responses from 267 adults who sought therapy because of stepfamily issues. Concerns identified at the initiation of therapy and those aspects of therapy found to be helpful or unhelpful to stepfamily adjustment were investigated. Results indicated that issues around parenting/stepparenting and stepfamily functioning were of greatest concern at the initiation of therapy. Affective support, clarification of issues, and the process and structure of therapy were most frequently reported as helpful. The therapist's perceived lack of training and skill in treating stepfamily issues was reported most frequently as unhelpful in therapy.