This book has its roots in the authors' 16 years of direct clinical experience with almost 500 stepfamilies, as well as their own personal experience as a stepfamily. In response to the dearth of resources for stepfamilies in the therapeutic community, the Burts have created an intervention that addresses the specific concerns and challenges of the stepfamily: the Step By Step Model of Brief Therapy. This important book outlines the model and its applications.The strengths of the Step By Step Model are in its simplicity and flexibility, and in the collaborative process between client and therapist. The authors' discussion highlights the necessity of providing clients with realistic perspectives, strategies, and tools that help them to be more in control of the stepfamily process.Whether related to interactions, adjustments, or developmental stages, the Step By Step Model is designed to accommodate the many forces at work both inside and outside the therapy room. This perspective will help any clinician, regardless of specific orientation, to bring into focus therapeutic strategies that help these families move forward. Read Less