A discussion group for anyone challenged by their in-laws, parenting, grand parenting, or ex’s, around difficult issues, including our recent election.

There isn’t a family in America that isn’t challenged today by the upcoming holidays. Many are even cancelling Easter, Passover or that long-awaited family reunion over divergent political views. As family holidays and events approach, we are both thrilled and fearful of the potential emotional hot mess or happiness that may ensue. At times a funny, but thoughtful exploration of how we get caught in damaging inter-relational loops and how we can back out and find new ways of connecting.

Science is showing us that our emotional bonds are as important to us as food and water (John Bowlby). When we feel our closest relationships are under threat, we react in a physical and emotional way: we fight, freeze or flee, known as a polyvagal response (Steven Porges). Our response is deeply connected to our attachment styles (Mary Ainsworth) that we developed as children and we carry into our adult relationships (Dr Sue Johnson).

By understanding our own attachment styles, our reactivity to those who are closest to us, we can step out of negatives cycles and rewire our neurological pathways. Through group discussion, role play, reading and experiential interaction, as well as delving into mindfulness, Trevor Mullineaux, LMFT, author, Therapist, Supervisor and Blended Family Expert will lead the exploration of attachment styles to facilitate a deeper understanding of long standing thorny family issues.

The goal being clarity of self, freedom from the family dynamics at the root of never ending negative cycles of interaction that keeps us stuck and frustrated, allowing us to connect to our loved ones with softer understanding and love.

The group will take a field trip to Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT at the end of the course. We will have two special invited guest speakers to add wider personal and professional views.

TREVOR MULLINEAUX, LMFT is a blended family expert, and Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor based in Southport, CT. Trevor has extensive experience with helping families through difficult and emotionally challenging times. Her therapy is based in attachment theory; that our emotional bonds are the key to our well-being. Mrs. Mullineaux’s ability to facilitate a families’ shift towards safety and healthy communication in the system leads to resilient children and happier couples.

Trevor works with couples, blended families and individuals. She treats adolescents as well. Her books Blending Families: Merging Households with Kids 8-18 was published by Littlefield and Roman, 2016 and Forging Healthy Connections: How Relationships Fight Aging, Illness and Depression, published by New Horizon Press, 2013.

Trevor has been featured in Fairfield Living Magazine, has appeared on Anderson Cooper’s talk show, The Bill Cunningham Show and NBC CT with Kerri-Lee Mayland regarding relationships and blended families.