Therapists’ Perspectives of the Therapeutic Needs of Stepfamilies in New Zealand

Abstract

In light of research evidence and therapists’ views of the unique challenges experienced by stepfamilies, educational programmes and therapeutic interventions have been developed specifically to help meet the needs of these families. However, little research attention has been given to the difficulties stepfamilies present with to therapeutic services and the approaches adopted by therapists to address these difficulties, particularly in the New Zealand context. This qualitative study aimed to investigate therapists’ perspectives of the therapeutic needs of New Zealand stepfamilies. In particular, it sought to provide insight into the difficulties New Zealand stepfamilies present with to therapeutic services, the therapeutic interventions therapists adopt to assist with these difficulties, and how these findings compare to the existing international literature and clinical writings. Finally, this study aimed to understand the therapeutic and support service needs of stepfamilies in New Zealand. This appears to be the first study to explore these aims. Twelve therapists with experience working therapeutically with stepfamilies were interviewed in this thesis study. The therapists had worked with stepfamilies for an average of 18.5 years, providing services to predominantly European stepfamilies across New Zealand. Four of the therapists were male and eight were female. The therapists participated in semi-structured interviews focussed on exploring their views of the therapeutic needs of New Zealand stepfamilies. Qualitative methodology was adopted, guided by an interpretive approach. Thematic analysis was conducted on two data-sets: the difficulties stepfamilies present with; and the main therapeutic interventions adopted by therapists. The results of the thematic analyses indicated that therapists view stepfamilies as presenting to therapeutic services with difficulties related to four main areas: unrealistic expectations; the ongoing impact of the original family; stepparent difficulties; and parenting the children together. These difficulties appeared to be influenced by the complexity of stepfamily living and individual and family differences. The therapeutic interventions adopted by therapists to assist with these difficulties largely centred on increasing awareness and insight; working with unrealistic beliefs and expectations; and assisting with skill development. While implementing these interventions, the therapists spoke about integrating psychoeducation and adopting an individualised approach to their work, as well as being mindful of nuclear family models and ideology. Finally, the results indicate that there are limited stepfamily-specific services in New Zealand and that stepfamilies face a number of barriers in accessing available services. The therapists provided a range of suggestions for how the service needs for New Zealand stepfamilies could be met. The findings of this thesis study are discussed in relation to the existing international literature and the interventions recommended for stepfamilies. The study also considers implications for clinical practice and future research directions. This study contributes to the existing body of stepfamily research, helping to inform the provision of therapeutic services provided to stepfamilies, both nationally and internationally, in order to enhance outcomes for these families.