Navigating the Complexities of
Stepfamily Life:
Tools for Conflict Resolution and Harmony
Michaela Bucchianeri, PhD is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and coach specializing in stepmom emotional wellness. Blending the science of psychology and the art of stepmom-ing, Michaela helps women in this unique role create a stepmom identity they love— so they can worry less, shift their energy to whatever lights them up, and start having (way) more fun.
When she's not coaching clients, Michaela's passionate about sharing honest reflections from her own stepfamily experience, and translating what mental health research has to say about thriving in this unique role.
Her mental health research and insights have been featured in 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 200 thought leadership pieces for education, government, healthcare, and popular media outlets, including StepMom Magazine, The Everygirl, VerywellHealth, HuffPost, and The New York Times.
A stepmom for over a decade, Michaela lives in Minnesota with her husband and two teen stepsons.
website: www.theanxiousstepmom.com
Session Title: "How to Chill Out When Things Heat Up" - Simple practices to help regulate your nervous system in the midst of conflict
Here are some of the main points from Michaela's presentation:
- "Choose Your Own Adventure" Concept Applied to Stepfamily Conflict
- Overview of the Nervous System and Its Role in Conflict
- In-Depth Look at Stress Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
- Strategies for Emotional Balance and Communication During Conflict
- Post-Conflict Recovery, Repair, and Pre-Conflict Preparation
(the full version of this session runs 0:23:44 )