Did you grow up dreaming of the day that your life would turn into an episode of The Brady Bunch? Probably not.
Blended families – those with children from previous relationships – are becoming the norm. That means more and more people are facing the challenges of being a step parent every day, and many of them are completely unprepared.
Many people are now entering into a marriage scenario where one or both partners have children from a previous relationship. Drawn in by love, these new step parents are not considering how becoming a step parent will affect them emotionally, financially or psychologically. On top of that, unrealistic expectations about step parenting often leave people disappointed, worried and in constant turmoil – The Brady Bunch is hardly a realistic portrayal of a blended family, especially if you try to apply it to today’s busy households and lifestyles.
Dr. Ka Rae’ Carey is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in helping individuals, couples and families adjust to changes in the family unit – especially in step parent/stepchild situations. Dr. Carey uses both her extensive education and her personal experience as a stepmother of two to help others deal with the drama, trauma and chaos of stepfamily life.
To find out more about Dr. Ka Rae’ Carey and her Cary, NC based practice, Strong Stepfamilies, you can visit their website at or call (919) 454-7857 for an appointment. Click here for your free download of Dr. Carey’s 70 Terrific Tried-and-True Tips for New Stepparents.
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How far will you go to please your partner?
No one likes peering into a schoolyard and seeing a bully. Bullies are mean and manipulative, but they exist. What many people don’t know is the secret ingredient that gives bullies power. It’s submission. It’s very hard to have someone push you around if that is something that you are unwilling accept. It’s time to be heard and start speaking up for what you want.
Many marriages are filled with “people pleasers”. These are the people that will do anything for their spouse, should they ask. Whether it be picking up milk on the way home or climbing Mount Everest. While many people don’t like bullies, people pleasers are the ones who break up marriages. Is your eagerness to please splitting your marriage apart?
Dr. Julia Messer is a former high school English teacher turned Psychologist. Attending West Virginia University she received her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Julia is one of those people that has really seen and done it all. Since graduating Julia has worked as a psychology teacher at UNC Chapel Hill, in a psychiatric hospital, within the criminal court system, and even in a forensic setting. Dr. Messer currently practices at Orenstein Solutions in Cary, NC, specializing in areas of anger management, substance abuse, depression and anxiety. To find out more about Dr. Julia Messer and Orenstein Solutions visit them online or call 919-428-2766 for an appointment.
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Is your hectic schedule damaging your relationship? We all have busy schedules filled with work, appointments, children’s activities, and family events. No matter how much we seem to get done we can’t seem to muster any more free time. This lack of time can begin to affect our families, and even our spouse. Dr. Kristen Wynns joins us to discuss why you should always make time to do three things with your spouse: eat, sleep and play.
Dr. Kristen Wynns holds a Doctorate and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Psychologist. She is founder and owner of Wynns Family Psychology, is a therapy and testing specialist for children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Wynns is experienced in individual, family, group, play, and couples therapy. To find out more about Dr. Wynn you can visit www.wynnsfamilypsychology.com or call 919-467-7777 for an appointment.
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