Improv-ing Clinical Work with Stepfamilies

ABSTRACT

Stepfamilies are the most common family structure in the United States. Many graduate and professional training programs provide little attention to the unique stressors that stepfamilies face, as well as the therapeutic interventions most appropriate for these clients. As a result, clinicians working with stepfamilies may apply interventions more appropriate to first marriage families, which may be to the detriment of stepfamily systems. Processes critical to stepfamily development may be optimally supported using creative interventions, such as theatrical improvisation (improv). The current article provides a brief historical overview of stepfamily research and practice, including contemporary models of stepfamily development and structure. Major principles of improv and how these intersect with clinical practice with stepfamilies are provided. Finally, instructions, process questions, and considerations for five improv-based creative interventions that may be integrated into work with stepfamilies are delineated.

KEYWORDS:

• Stepfamilies
• improv
• creativity
• clinical practice
• creativity in counseling