SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY THERAPY - CLIENTS PERSPECTIVES

This study examined responses from 267 adults who sought therapy becau se of stepfamily issues. Concerns identified at the initiation of ther apy and those aspects of therapy found to be helpful or unhelpful to s tepfamily adjustment were investigated. Results indicated that issues around parenting/stepparenting and stepfamily functioning were of grea test concern at the initiation of therapy. Affective support, clarific ation of issues, and the process and structure of therapy were most fr equently reported as helpful. The therapist's perceived lack of traini ng and skill in treating stepfamily issues was reported most frequentl y as unhelpful in therapy.