Couples with children from previous relationships often come together hoping for "blended bliss." However, daily living finds them immersed in chronic, low-level tension and even intrafamily warfare sparked by conflicting parenting styles, "resistant" or unhappy children, uncooperative ex-spouses, and differing values on everything from what constitutes cereal to the definition of a "loud" noise. In this workshop, we'll explore therapeutic approaches that help these couples build and maintain a vital connection in the face of the divisive forces of "stepfamily architecture." We'll look at how adults can help children handle the losses and emotional binds that stepfamily living creates, discuss how successful step-parenting differs from primary parenting, and review strategies for coexisting amicably with an ex-spouse. You'll leave with a workable model for how to help stepfamilies overcome their challenges and forge vital, nourishing connections.