Renowned Expert on Stepfamilies to Hold Workshops for Professionals and Families

PITTSBURGH—Elizabeth Einstein, one of the country's noted educators in the dynamics of stepfamily relationships, will address families, professionals, and individuals Nov. 13 and 14 in the Lower Lounge of the William Pitt Union.

"The Stepfamily Journey," for families, couples or individuals, will explore the various stages and stumbling blocks a stepfamily can expect. It will take place on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family.

On Friday, Einstein will host "Strengthening Stepfamilies," an all-day workshop for social workers, psychologists, educators and other human service professionals, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $95 and continuing education credits are available.

It has been estimated that more than 12,000 stepchildren live in Allegheny County. With the high rate of remarriage following divorce, approximately 1,300 new stepfamilies are formed daily across the country. These workshops help blended families better understand the resentment, guilt, and conflicting parenting styles that may occur with remarriage.

Elizabeth Einstein is a marriage and family therapist, author, and lecturer. Her first book, Stepfamily: Living, Loving, and Learning (Macmillan Publishing Company, 1994), won a National Media Award from the American Psychological Association. Her books and education programs have been used throughout the country by single parents, remarried couples, and professionals. A stepchild herself, she is also a stepmother and a biological mother.

Einstein's appearance is being sponsored by Pitt's School of Social Work, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and the Pittsburgh chapters of the Stepfamily Association of America. For more information, call 412-624-3711.

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11/11/03/mgc