2025
Past and ongoing events and training
Parents as partners
I am currently in the process of becoming an accredited Parents as Partners facilitator and am pleased to share that I have successfully completed Phase 1 of the training. This journey is being undertaken in collaboration with the University of Malta and the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, reinforcing the national commitment to strengthening families.
Working alongside like-minded professionals who deeply value the importance of the couple’s relationship and its impact on parenting has been a rewarding experience. The shared commitment within this group highlights the vital role that strong, supportive co-parenting plays in a child’s development. I look forward to the next phase of accreditation, eager to continue growing in this role and supporting parents on their journey.
The Parents as Partners programme is a 16-week, evidence-based group intervention designed to help couples strengthen their relationship and co-parenting dynamics for the benefit of their children. Developed with research by Philip and Carolyn Cowan, this programme is grounded in decades of studies demonstrating that the quality of the parental relationship significantly influences child well-being (Cowan & Cowan, 2002). (Tavistock Relationships)
By addressing factors such as communication, conflict resolution, and shared parenting responsibilities, the programme fosters a collaborative and nurturing family environment. Sessions incorporate a mix of creative activities, video clips, discussions, and input from group leaders, providing a safe space to explore both the challenges and joys of family life.
Research highlights that when parents work together effectively, children benefit emotionally, socially, and academically. The Parents as Partners approach ensures that families receive the support they need to navigate challenges and create a stable, loving foundation for their children.
Blended Families Conference
I’m excited to share that I recently attended the 1st International Conference on Strong Blended Families in Malta on 6-7 February 2025. This event was an essential gathering for professionals working with stepfamilies, co-parenting dynamics, and blended family relationships, and I’ve returned with valuable insights to enhance my practice.
Blended families face unique challenges, from navigating co-parenting to fostering strong bonds within stepfamilies. As practitioners, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but this conference brought together some of the leading experts in the field to share practical strategies, research, and real-world solutions.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
Some of the most impactful insights for me included:
✔ Gaining insight from Dr Angela Abela’s presentation on Maltese blended families who are thriving. Her study explored the various factors that contribute to these families’ resilience, highlighting that success in blended families is not only possible but achievable. This research sends a powerful message of hope, demonstrating that with the right support and strategies, blended families can flourish.
✔ Learning from Dawn O. Braithwaite, a leading expert on communication within blended families. She provided practical strategies for fostering stronger, more resilient relationships, reinforcing the idea that communication is at the heart of everything.
✔ Gaining insights from Lawrence Ganong, whose research focuses on effective parenting within stepfamilies. His findings provided evidence-based approaches to raising children in blended families, addressing many of the common struggles families face.
✔ Exploring clinical perspectives from Patricia L. Papernow, a renowned stepfamily therapist. She shared actionable strategies for supporting blended families in navigating complex emotional and relational challenges.
✔ Learning from Drs Tara Santens, Leen Van Vlierberghe, and Barbara Lavrysen, who discussed how Attachment-Based Family Therapy is applied in cases where family conflict is central to the presenting problem. This trust-based, emotion-focused approach seeks to repair interpersonal ruptures and rebuild a secure, emotionally protective parent–child relationship.
Why This Matters for My Work
This conference was not just about theory – it was about practical tools and strategies that can help blended families navigate challenges and build stronger relationships. Whether it’s addressing loyalty conflicts, improving step-parenting dynamics, or facilitating more effective co-parenting, the knowledge gained from this event is invaluable for the families I support.
