Pitt Hosts Expert on Stepfamilies May 10-11

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work will host Elizabeth Einstein-a leading author and educator on stepfamilies-for a two-day event, "The Stepfamily Journey and Strengthening Stepfamilies," for members of stepfamilies as well social service workers who counsel them.

Einstein will conduct an evening seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 10 at 2017 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The event is free for stepfamily members or those with an interest in the topic. Einstein will explore the issues and relationship challenges these families encounter, especially those problems affecting children.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at 2017 Cathedral of Learning, Einstein will host a workshop for social workers, counselors, and other professionals. She will examine how stepfamilies differ from traditional families and will suggest counseling approaches that strengthen couple bonds and clarify family boundaries. The fee is $47.50 for professionals and free to students interested in working in social services.

Einstein, a marriage and family therapist in Ithica, N.Y., is one of the country's leading educators in stepfamily dynamics. Founder of the Stepfamily Association of America and founding editor of its journal, Einstein won an America Media Award from the American Psychological Association for her first book "The Stepfamily: Living, Loving & Learning" (MacMillan Publishing, 1982). Since then, she has written "Strengthening Your Stepfamily" (Impact, 2005) and coauthored a video-based educational program, "Active Parenting for Stepfamilies." Over the past 25 years, she has taught in schools of social work at a number of universities and within the military community through its family advocacy programs.

Other sponsors for "The Stepfamily Journey and Strengthening Stepfamilies" include Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and the Stepfamily Association of America/Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-624-3711.

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