Cohesion in Blended Families with a Blended Concept for Clinical Practice

Abstract

The blended family has become increasingly prevalent in our society. It has transitioned from an alternative family type to one of common occurrence. A review of pertinent literature has been assembled to examine the conditions that are conducive to the cohesion of blended families. Two types of models for understanding blended family formation are considered as a prelude to a discussion of the various trajectories blended family formation can take. The review is synthesized by combining a research methodology with counseling theory for a conceptualized clinical practice approach. The fusion of ethnographic interviewing with structural family therapy represents a means of integrating research and theory into clinical practice. The result allows for the application of two approaches simultaneously for support of clinical work with blended families or other populations as well.

KEYWORDS: blended families, trajectories of blended family development, ethnography, structural family therapy