Patricia L. Papernow, EdD, is a nationally recognized expert on stepfamilies, couples in "blended family" systems, and parenting after divorce. She also provides training and consultation throughout the US. Since 1981, she has been in private practice focusing on clinical supervision, and individual and couple therapy with adults.

The Families Key to Genograms List of Figures Acknowledgements Part I: Laying the Foundation for Stepfamily Architecture 1. A Map for Stepfamilies 2. What Makes Stepfamilies Different? Part II: The Five Challenges 3. The First Challenge: Insider/Outsider Positions are Intense and Stuck 4. The Second Challenge: Children Struggle With Losses, Loyalty Binds, and Too Much Change 5. The Third Challenge: Parenting Tasks Polarize the Adults 6. The Fourth Challenge: Creating a New Family Culture 7. The Fifth Challenge: Ex-Spouses are Part of the Family Part III: Four "Diverse" Stepfamilies 8. Stepfamilies Headed by Lesbian and Gay Couples 9. African American Stepfamilies: Strengths We Can Learn From 10. The Challenges for Latino Stepfamilies 11. New Wrinkles: Later Life Cycle Stepfamilies Part IV: Stepfamilies Over Time 12. The Stepfamily Cycle: Normal Stages of Stepfamily Development 13. Six Patterns of Becoming a Stepfamily Part V: Helping Stepfamilies Thrive 14. Level I: A Tool Box for Psychoeducation 15. Level II: A Tool Box for Interpersonal Skills 16. Level III: A Tool Box for Intrapsychic Work Becoming a Stepfamily is a Process, Not an Event Working with Stepfamily Members Over Time Conclusion Endnotes References