PITT TO HOLD LECTURE AND WORKSHOP ON STEPFAMILIES

PITTSBURGH, April 21 -- The University of Pittsburgh will host Elizabeth Einstein, one of the country's noted educators in the dynamics of stepfamily relationships, for a two-day event on Monday, April 26 and Tuesday April 27.

"The Stepfamily Journey -- an Evening for Stepfamilies" takes place Monday, April 26 from 7 - 9 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room. This program, for both families and helping professionals, explores the stages and stumbling blocks a stepfamily can expect, including resentment, guilt, conflicting parenting styles, the "couple" relationship and children's issues. Admission is $10 per person, $15 for couples or stepfamilies.

On Tuesday, April 27, Einstein conducts "Strengthening Stepfamilies," an all-day workshop for social workers, psychologists, counselors, clergy and other human service professionals from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Room 244 of the Cathedral of Learning. The fee is $95; there is a 50 percent discount for Pitt students, faculty and staff.

Approximately 12,000 stepchildren currently live in Allegheny County. With high rates of remarriage following divorce, some 1,300 new stepfamilies are formed daily across the country. The National Center for Health Statistics predicts by next year, the stepfamily will be the norm.

Elizabeth Einstein, M.A., is a marriage and family therapist, author and lecturer. Her first book, The Stepfamily: Living, Loving & Learning, won a National Media Award from the American Psychological Association. Her books and education programs have been used throughout the country by single parents, remarried couples and professionals. She herself is a stepchild, a stepmother, and a biological mother.

Einstein's appearance is being sponsored by Pitt's School of Social Work and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. For more information, please call (412) 624-3711.

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