ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the kinds of intervention that exist, issues of evaluation, and we will focus on a few major models of intervention that have been evaluated. The earliest writing about stepfamilies was done mainly by clinicians, who were aware from their clinical work that the stepfamilies in their offices were facing difficulties somewhat different from those of couples in first families. The benefits of self-directed intervention programs are primarily in the saving of resources. The main example of this kind of intervention is the SmartSteps Couple Relationship Education program. Although others have been developed, most have focused on White middle-class (re)married couples. Stepfamilies may present with problems they see as being those of an ‘ordinary’ family, and will approach therapists who may not have the knowledge and skills to work with the unique challenges faced by step-family members.
