Iishana Artra, PhD, CPC
Events Details and Registration
Events Details and Registration
Please scroll to see all Winter 2015/16 events.
How Much Do You Want a Stable, Enjoyable Stepfamily?
Free Weekly Open House by Phone
In this free 20 minute conference call, you will receive support and learn about how Stepfamily Services can help. We have chosen to use conference calling to make it easier for you to attend. Please contact us to register. We will then send a conference call number and access code.
For Stepfamily Members: Wednesdays at 12:00 EST
For Providers: Wednesdays at 12:30 EST
Holiday Hope StepUp Workshop
Learn the 4 Habits of Successful Stepfamilies
"Life Changing"
"This is Stepfamily Strength Training"
Free Introductory Session
November 17, Tuesday 6-8PM
Your Guide
Iishana Artra, PhD, CPC, CNLP, Certified Stepfamily Foundations Coach, Director of Stepfamily Services, Master Trainer, and StepMom
Supriya Shanti, LICSW, Clinical Services Director, StepMom, and Parent-In-Step will help guide you in this Holiday Hope StepUp Workshop
Stepfamily life has hard built right in. Holidays are infamous for ratcheting up the pressure in any type of family. Combine the two and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years can bring stepfamily members closer to the end of their rope.
Imagine feeling supported and more confident during the holidays. What difference would that make in your mood and health? You can get there from here. The Holiday Hope StepUp Workshop is a powerful mix of emotional support from peers, expert presentations about what works in stepfamilies, and hands-on activities. (Fun is also included).
The 4 Habits of Success
Millions of stepfamilies have figured out how to be more relaxed. Many even have fun during the holidays. How do successful stepfamilies handle the challenges? They are resilient. This means they have developed the ability to adapt and respond to challenges in ways that strengthen the stepfamily.
To reduce stress, you will build your resilience by mastering the four habits of successful stepcouples:
- Get expert help
- Manage the stepfamily with realistic expectations
- Create a more balanced life
- Work together as a team
In other words, you will get help for real life together.
What you learn in this workshop can strengthen your stepfamily year round.
Can Stepfamilies Really Beat the Odds?
Yes. Research tells us that when insightful emotional support is combined with expert teachings the odds of success can more than double (from 34% to 84%). Clinical evidence tells us that when stepcouples learn what is realistic and how to function well as a team, then they can plan, adapt, and respond effectively to stepfamily dynamics. There are even certain body movements and breathing practices that can make a difference.
Check It Out
We get it. Joining us for this class is a big step. First of all, it is six weeks in a row. For some, this may mean arranging a baby sitter. That is why we meet by tele/videoconference for two of the sessions. The research is clear though, stepparents and their partners dramatically increase their odds of success by taking this leap.
You can join us for the free introductory session on November 17. Check us out. See if this class is a good fit for you. Register below to receive details about the location.
Nov 17 - Dec 22, 2015.
Tuesdays 6-8PM. Brattleboro, VT
Sessions 3 and 5 by
telephone/video conference.
Insights and Skills You Will Have Under Your Belt in Six Weeks
- Holiday strategies that have worked for other stepfamilies.
- The Steps-4-Steps strategy for stepfamily success
- Managing the 8 stepfamily hotspots
- Stepfamily myths that hurt stepfamilies
- Realistic expectations for adults and children
- Stages of stepfamily development
- Handling "Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen", "Fragile Connections", and "Power Outages"
- Financial agreements that strengthen stepfamilies
- Defining roles and rules to increase stability, safety, and fun
- Using body movements and breathing to improve dynamics
- Handling anxiety, depression, and other stress responses
- Stepparent-stepchild relationships -- how they function
- Communicating effectively with the non-resident parent
- Building respectful and caring relationships
Tuition Includes the Following Support
- 12 hours of group workshop sessions (6 sessions - 4 in-person, 2 by phone/video conference)
- The Steps-4-Stepsâ„¢ workbook
- One follow-up group session before Valentines Day (February, 2016)
- A certificate of completion
Register
Register for the Free Introductory Session (November 17 - 6-8PM) by completing the form below.
Receive the early bird discount by paying below.
Select from the drop down list below to register as an individual or couple.
Select from the drop down list below to register as an individual or couple.
Workshop Early Bird Special Ends November 10
Tuition
Most Major Insurance and Government Purchasing Cards Accepted.
$145 per individual. $125 if register by November 10.
$245 per couple. $225 if register by November 10.
Provider Open House Lunch
December 2, 2015. Wednesday
Drop In 11:30-1:30 Brattleboro, VT
Get to know StepFamily Services and tell us about the services you offer. We will provide a warm lunch, lively discussion, and some evidence informed tips for working with stepfamilies.
Location and other details will be sent to those who RSVP using the form shown here.
Please Let us Know You Plan to Attend.
We Want to Be Sure to Have Enough
Delicious Food For Everyone.
Thank You.
A listing of prior events is available upon request.