Support Groups for Step-Parents

1 parent question ▼
Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Current Step-Parent Groups

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    Dec 2, 2018

    I'm the father of a 14 year old from my previous marriage. My wife and I have a 1 year old now, and there are obvious challenges we are experiencing. Are there any step parent support groups happening in the Berkeley area right now that my wife and I can attend?

    Dec 2, 2018

    We’d like to hear about any support/groups as well! In a similar boat, sending you warm wishes...

    Dec 5, 2018

    I did a search and found this Meetup in Berkeley. I haven’t attended, so don’t know more about it.

     https://www.meetup.com/Berkeley-Step-Parents-Meetup/

    If that doesn’t work for you or you want more than once/month, I would highly recommend starting your own group.  I’m guessing there are a number of folks on BPN who would be interested.  I found it extremely valuable to have other stepparents/parents to talk to when my stepkids (now 34 and 31) and kids (now 21 and 18) were younger.  Unfortunately, the groups I went to no longer exist.

    Dec 12, 2018

    I recommend Sevgi Fernandez. She’s a life coach who specializes in blended families. She’s got an office in Berkeley and has been invaluable for my family over the past 5 years. 

     

    Dec 17, 2018

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Feb 1999

Re: Therapist for Step parenting issues

There is a drop-in stepparent support group that meets the first Thursday of every month 7:30-9:00 pm at Bananas on Claremont in Oakland. I believe the phone number is 433-9404, but check a Parents' Press to be sure. The moderator, Anthony, is a stepfather, father, and professional counselor. He is very knowledgeable and does a good job of running the group. I attended for about a year until my son was born. I haven't been able to make it back since (he's 15 months old now). One drawback to the group is that attendance was very irregular. Only three people came on a regular basis, me and a couple (who also now have a toddler and aren't able to make it).

And, yes, being a stepparent can be very hard. I've been one for about 5 years now. If you want to talk more about it, please feel free to send me e-mail. Lucy

Yes there are very unique and challenging aspects of Step parenting. There are two wonderful people who I can recommend in this area.
Anthony Carpentieri, MFCC 5335 College Ave. #21 Oakland, Ca. 94618 849-1626

Step Family groups and Family / Couple / Individual Counseling
Sherry

Yes - stepparenting is incredibly hard work - and with such young people. My husband and I are learning lots of lessons. We did see a local therapist who specializes in stepparenting and runs a support group at Bananas . His name is Anthony Carpentieri. The support group is the first Thursday evening of each month at Bananas. I don't know the protocol of giving phone numbers over this site, but he is listed in Berkeley. Good luck.

Feb 1999

Re: Therapist for Step parenting issues
Yes there are very unique and challenging aspects of Step parenting. There are two wonderful people who I can recommend in this area. Miriam Levine- Alcala , LCSW 510-849-1295 mlapsychotherapy.com Step Parenting Groups and Family/ Couple / Individual Counseling