Susan Lancaster is a trained psychotherapist as well as a mediator focusing on stepfamily issues based in Sydney, Australia. Her goal is to help families, couples, individuals, and children manage the dynamics involved with stepfamilies.

With 43 years as a stepmother and 34 as a mom, Susan feels strongly about raising awareness and understanding of the dynamics involved in stepfamilies.

Susan established a private practice in Sydney in 2014, assisting families in addressing the often complex issues in stepfamily relationships. She realized how few resources there were available specifically for stepfamilies and the genuine need for so many families trying to cope in combining families in today’s world.

website: stepfamilycounselling.com.au

Session Title: Considered Listening - From ‘Spousal’ Mindset To ‘Parent’ Mindset

Here are some of the main points from Susan's interview:

• How the mindset of being a spouse differs from the mindset of being a single parent
• The importance of active listening in effective communication and how to practice active listening in our own relationships
• What the kids in this stepfamily go through and how to talk to them in a way they can hear us
•  We dig deeper in the concept of Considered Listening and way to apply in our lives

(the full version of this session runs 0:39:19 )