Grand Rapids Blended Family Therapy

Therapy for Blended Families in Grand Rapids, MI

Mike and Carol were meant to be. He had three boys. She had three girls. Theirs was a marriage that aligned perfectly. The Brady bunch was America’s first and iconic blended family… “they knew that it was much more than a hunch; That this group must somehow form a family. That’s the way we all became the Brady bunch.” The Bradys had their fair-share of challenges. The show tackled many common problems that can occur in step families: Greg and Marcia’s rivalry to be the boss, and the children’s acceptance of a new parent. At one point, Mrs. Brady reminds her children that the only steps in the home led to the second floor. Mike and Carol did their best to offer consistently, love, and acceptance to their children. While it was not always easy, the Bradys found their way, as many families do. Other blended families do not have the luxury of having their problems wrapped up in a 30-minute TV episode, but there are many resources available to blended families, to help them live in one, big, happy home. Many go to counseling for blended families as they bring two homes together.

“Live one day at a time (or one moment if you have to).
Blend little by little and celebrate even the smallest breakthrough.”
—Dani Parker-Kimbrough, mom and stepmom

With any challenge, there is also opportunity, and blending a family is no different. With two families coming together, the struggles and drama may double, but that means the love and connection may double too. Often, blended homes are places where adults and children learn resiliency, deep love, and a strong sense of self. Building a loving and accepting home is something most blended families want, but they may not know how to navigate all the roadblocks in their way. Skilled counselors can often guide the process with blended family therapy.

If you and your partner are in the process of bringing two families together under one roof, know that it is normal to experience challenges. Help is available. The therapists at Thriveworks Grand Rapids have worked with a number of families who are learning how to blend well.

Blending Two Families

Whether they are called blended families or step families, the concept is the same: two families are learning how to become one. There is no mold for this process or limit to the shape blended families can take. Here is a small sample of different types of blended families:

  • A widowed parent who has remarried. The new spouse does not have children of their own but is working toward actively parenting the children.
  • A re-coupled parent with a new partner who lives with the family but is not actively parenting the children.
  • Divorced parents who have set up separate living situations but are actively involved parents. They may or may not be dating again.
  • Divorcees who have remarried and both bring children to the family.

When The Brady Bunch first aired, it was 1969 and the divorce rate for first marriage was 30 percent. The divorce rate for first time marriages is now 40 percent, and even higher for second and third marriages. More and more families are blended every day. It makes sense that approximately half of all of America’s children, ages 13 and under, live in a step family. Most blended families bump up against similar road blocks.

Children in a Blended Family
Any change in a child’s life can induce stress, even adjustments that will ultimately be positive for them. When kids transition into a blended family, they may have to make significant adjustments to their schedule and their relationships. They may have to go from being the oldest to a middle child. They may no longer be the baby of the family. They may have to adjust to a new parenting style. All the while, children are often processing difficult emotions. They may be grieving their parents’ divorce or break-up. They may be grieving a parent’s death. If both biological parents are involved in their lives, kids may be experiencing the frustration of living in two homes with two different expectations. These difficult emotions can lead to behavioral challenges before children learn how to process them in a healthy way.

Adults in a Blended Family
When a couple decides to blend their family together, they are often seeking to establish their own relationship as well as their family’s. Just one of these tasks is challenging in and of itself. The couple has a lot of decisions to make as they begin the process of blending. They will need to define their roles as parents: will both be parenting? If so, what will their unique style be? If not, what will the new partner’s role be? Along with establishing their own home, they may also have to navigate how their ex-spouse parents.

Therapy for Blended Families at Thriveworks Grand Rapids: Setting Up an Appointment

If you are bringing two families together as one, know that there is help available. The challenges you are experiencing may also be opportunities to bond as a family. The therapists at Thriveworks Grand Rapids have helped many families come together as one. When you call our office, one of our scheduling specialists will help you set up an appointment. New clients often meet with their therapist within 24 hours. Weekend and evening sessions are offered as well. Let’s work together.

Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 23 5 1 23 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Angel

★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

So Thankful

★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Denise-NP

★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Denise Skonieczny NP

★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Wonderful

★★★★★
I am so pleased with my therapist, Lori. She does an outstanding job. When I read her specialties online I knew I had the right person, but when I met her for the first time I was convinced. I’ve raved about her to numerous people and have recommended Thriveworks a few times to people I know - everyone could use a Lori in their lives to help sort things out. The old adage comes to mind: “if you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.” I am learning the skills to live and navigate life circumstances. I am calmer, happier and better off than I was when I first walked through the door. I’ve been given a gift and I am most grateful for all her help.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

No compassion

★☆☆☆☆
I saw Nancy. I specifically asked for someone who SPECIALIZES in domestic abuse. I am in an abusive relationship and she kept telling me "it's your choice to stay." She always questioned why I felt things or did things, like I should have this all figured out. I'm seeking therapy because I feel like I cannot leave and I know that's not a good thing. She had no compassion for what I have been through and just said it's my choice. No addressing the pain I've been through and how I have been affected by this. I feel like I can't leave because I feel like I would fall apart if I left, but I feel like I'm dying inside the relationship. This is a whole process that occurs over a long period of time. I have no self esteem, I have tried to leave and there are so many threats and manipulation, etc. I get shit from everyone about leaving, like its as simple as that for me. I wanted compassion from a counselor. I needed validation of my feelings, not another person telling me that I choose to live like this, like I want my life to be a living hell. I realize that I do make this choice ultimately, but there is so much more to this situation and I needed to process it. I am a doormat to everyone and she just asks why I do this. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHY and how to change! Her tone and questioning made me feel like she was being judgemental. She is a nice person, but she is not therapeutic. I couldn't move on with her after this. It felt like she was invalidating my feelings just like the rest of the world, like nothing I feel is real and I'm crazy. I shut down. I got a letter about being non compliant, that's why. It was no longer a priority for me to go and get treated like that. She never tried to help me process my feelings, just to say positive phrases to myself and eat healthy and exercise. This stuff is good, but doesn't help me deal with the things I have been through.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Awesome!

★★★★★
I have nothing but good things to say about my therapy with Lori. I was hesitant to begin a therapy regimine without knowing anything about the therapist. After the first session I knew I had found the right person. Lori is so adept at pinpointing the problems and gives very useful ideas of how to handle them. She is very personable and easy to talk with. I will miss these sessions but I have the confidence to know I have the tools to deal with whatever comes my way. I am a much happier person!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

All is well!

★★★★★
All is well!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Fantastic. Look forward to future sessions

★★★★★
Fantastic. Look forward to future sessions with my son!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

My therapist is amazing

★★★★★
My therapist is amazing she listens to everything I say she is very nice and kind I would recommend her to anybody that needs help i am so blessed to have her
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Good grasp of my problem.

★★★★★
Good grasp of my problem.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Very professional

★★★★★
Very professional. Counselor is engaging and helpful.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

I actually did not get to

★★★★★
I actually did not get to bring in my daughters due to a personal issue, but when I spoke with their therapist over the phone she was very helpful and although she isn’t my therapist she talked to me about my issue and helped me calm down preventing a panic attack that was starting. I am very thankful to her and will be rescheduling my daughters to see her.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Everything was great.

★★★★★
Everything was great. Alot of information given
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

I look forward to

★★★★★
I look forward to working with Jason.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Lori is amazing.

★★★★★
Lori is amazing. Relatable, fluid conversation. Going back next week!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Amazing availability

★★★★★
The therapists availability is amazing. The scheduling was smooth as well as paperwork. Thank you!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Work Wonders

★★★★★
I've had one lesson so far and I can already tell that this place is going to work wonders.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Enjoyed

★★★★★
I enjoyed having my visit at your location.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Highly Satisfied

★★★★★
My meetings with my therapist were thought provoking but humorous. We clicked together the first time I met her ten years ago. As she moves on, I know that I am able to move forward also.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Integrity!

★★★★★
Grand Rapids is an awesome place, filled with caring employees and overflowing with integrity. You can be sure that you are in good hands, and will see great changes in your life after a few sessions with these counselors.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Wonderful

★★★★★
is wonderful - the office is beautiful, the therapists are amazing and everyone makes you feel so comfortable. Thank you, thank you!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Great Therapy!

★★★★★
You won't find a better therapist than Olja Haglund! She moved here recently from another practice where I originally was her patient and I "moved" here with her. If you are looking for a therapist who will give you what you need, not what you want, look no further....I highly recommend and the professionals who work here!
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 710 Kenmoor Ave SE Suite 100
    Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 49546

  • Mon-Fri:8AM-9PM
    Sat-Sun:8AM-5PM

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