Stepparent Support Group

Stepparenting was never meant to be figured out alone.

Small circle of women with view of their shoes

Stepping into a family that's already in motion asks a lot of you. You're expected to care deeply and hold back at the same time, to parent without quite being "the parent," to build closeness on someone else's timeline, often with little acknowledgment of how much it takes. Whether you're newly partnered, years into a blended family, or somewhere in between, this group is a space where you don't have to carry it by yourself.

This therapist-facilitated support group is for stepparents who want honest conversation, practical support, and genuine connection with others who understand the specific weight of this role. Blended families take many shapes — including same-sex and LGBTQ+ families, co-parents, and chosen family — and every one of them is welcome here.

Together we’ll explore topics such as:

  • Finding and defining your role in a blended family

  • Discipline, boundaries, and where you fit with the kids

  • Loyalty binds and children caught between two homes

  • Co-parenting and the parts of your family you don't control

  • Strengthening your relationship with your partner

  • The outsider feeling, and the guilt and resentment that can come with it

This is a 8 week group, beginning in September. Two virtual options are available. This group offers a confidential, affirming environment where stepparents can show up honestly, learn from one another, and realize they don't have to hold it all alone.

Group Details

  • $75 per group session - We operate on a subscription model, where you are committing to pay for the entire 8 weeks whether or not you attend them all.

  • Participation will be capped at 8 group members

GROUPS OFFERED

  • MONDAY GROUP: Facilitated by Leila Savage, AMFT and Melissa Tucker, MATS.

    • Mondays, 5:00-6:30pm PDT

    • Offered Virtually

    • 8 weeks: September 28 through November 16

    • All stepparents welcome

  • THURSDAY GROUP: Facilitated by Leila Savage, AMFT and Molly Downs, LMFT.

    • Thursdays, 5:00-6:30pm PDT

    • Offered Virtually

    • 8 weeks: October 1 through November 19

    • This group is designed for queer-identifying individuals

Want to Learn More?

This is just an expression of interest — not a registration or commitment. Leave your info below and Leila will follow up to answer your questions and share further details. *Please don't include any personal health details in this form — we'll cover that privately when we connect.

Group FAQ

  • The goal iof this group is to create a supportive, affirming community for stepparents who often feel unseen and unsupported in their role. We discussed offering both virtual and in-person opportunities to foster connection, normalize the complexities of stepparenting, and provide practical tools for navigating challenges. There are 2 different groups being offered:

    • MONDAYS: This group will be co-facilitated by Leila Savage, AMFT and Melissa Tucker, MATS.

      • Mondays, 5:00pm-6:30pm, PDT

      • Virtual format

      • September 28-November 16, 2026

      • Maximum of 8 participants

      • $75 per group session (participants commit to pay for all 8 sessions)

    • THURSDAYS: This group will be co-facilitated by Leila Savage, AMFT and Molly Downs, LMFT. Group details:

      • Thursdays, 5pm - 6:30pm, PDT

      • Virtual format

      • 8 weeks: October 1 - November 19, 2026

      • Maximum of 8 participants

      • $75 per group session

  • This group is private pay only and does not accept insurance. We operate on a subscription model, where you are committing to pay for the entire 8 weeks whether or not you attend them all.

    Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy

    • The group meets as scheduled regardless of individual absences.

    • Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the session will not be charged (or will receive a full refund if prepaid).

    • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session, or no-shows, are charged the full session fee. Missed sessions are not refunded or rescheduled.

    • If the facilitator cancels a session, participants will receive a full refund.

  • Attendance

    • While this is an open group, consistent attendance is encouraged, as trust and connection grow over time.

    • Sessions begin promptly. A 5-minute grace period is allowed. Participants arriving later are welcome to join but may not receive a recap.

    • New members complete a brief consultation to ensure the group is an appropriate fit. If the group reaches capacity, a waitlist will be maintained.

    Confidentiality

    What is shared in the group stays in the group. Every member agrees to protect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow participants, creating a safe space for honest conversations.

    As an associate marriage and family therapist, Leila Savage is a mandated reporter and may be required by law to break confidentiality in limited circumstances, including risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult, or when required by court order or other legal obligation.