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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Can your marriage benefit from the scandalous downfalls of politicians?
The media is overwhelmed with stories of celebrity divorces and politicians in the middle of shocking affairs. Unknowingly, these public figures are conveying a messages to the masses…give in to temptation.
When news breaks of a politician having a secretive and scandalous affair, we’re shocked. Shortly after these news leaks, we see a devoted first spouse standing by their partner declaring the strength of their marriage. What message is this sending to the public? That it’s okay to cheat because your loyal spouse isn’t going to leave? Wrong!
Real life doesn’t conform to the “Lewinsky” rules of the political sphere. Dr. Don Azevedo tells listeners what they can learn from the unseemly politicians and how to resist temptation from outside of the marriage.
Dr. Don Azevedo left graduate school with a strong desire to strengthen marriages and families. He received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Don’s work has taken him to a variety of locations from war zones in Desert Storm, corporate settings, hospitals and finally private practice. Don is the Director of 3-C Family Services in Cary, NC where he provides help to individuals, couples and families. To find out more about Dr. Don Azevedo and 3-C Family Services, you can visit them online or call 919-677-0101 for an appointment.
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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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