Lea Choi
 

Specialties 

• Blended Family & Step-Parenting Support

• Co-Parenting & Divorce Recovery

• Parent-Child Relationship Challenges

• Couples Therapy for Blended Families

• Emotional Regulation & Conflict Resolution

• Neurodivergence in Blended Families
   

My Personal Experience: Growing Up in a Blended Family

I don’t just understand blended families professionally—I’ve lived it.

When my parents divorced, I was 13. Overnight, my world changed. I suddenly had two stepmothers and extended families that I had to integrate into my life.

Each household had different rules, expectations, and traditions, and I often felt like I was bouncing between two worlds, trying to figure out where I truly belonged.

I remember the loyalty struggles, the tension at family gatherings, and the moments of feeling like I had to navigate two completely different realities.

But I also remember the moments of connection, the unexpected bonds, and the realization that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the relationships you choose to build.

That experience shaped how I approach therapy with blended families today. I know firsthand how difficult it can be, but I also know that with the right communication, understanding, and boundaries, blended families can become strong, resilient, and deeply connected.

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Blending Families: Love, Loyalty, and the Learning Curve

Merging families isn’t just about logistics—it’s about emotions, expectations, and relationships.

Every blended family has its own story, shaped by past experiences, co-parenting agreements, and the hopes and fears of each family member. It’s a process that requires patience, clear communication, and a willingness to grow together.
 

Some common challenges I help families navigate include:
 

• Different Parenting Styles & Discipline Approaches – Finding common ground in how to parent and discipline without undermining each other.
   

• Co-Parenting & Ex-Partner Dynamics – Managing communication, boundaries, and conflict while keeping the focus on the children’s well-being.
   

• Loyalty Conflicts & Feelings of Exclusion – Supporting children as they balance relationships with both biological and stepparents.
   

• Adjusting to New Routines & Household Rules – Creating a home environment that feels safe, structured, and inclusive for everyone.
   

• Couple Connection in the Midst of Family Stress – Strengthening the relationship between partners so they don’t lose sight of their own bond amid the pressures of blending families.
   

• Emotions Like Grief, Resentment & Frustration – Addressing the complex feelings that arise when past losses, unmet expectations, or family tensions make blending difficult.
   

Many families come to therapy thinking they just need a "better plan," but what they really need is a space to understand, validate, and communicate their emotions in a way that leads to healing—not more conflict.

 

Let's Build a Family That Works for You

Blending families is not about forcing instant harmony—it’s about creating a dynamic where each family member feels valued, heard, and included.

Therapy can provide the tools and guidance to help your family navigate challenges, set realistic expectations, and build relationships based on respect and love.
 

Whether you’re struggling with stepfamily conflict, co-parenting stress, or simply trying to adjust to a new family structure, I’m here to help.
 

Approaches & Modalities

• Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2)

• Narrative Therapy

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Attachment-Based Therapy
   

Education & Credentials

• Touro University Worldwide – M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

• University of Vermont – M.A. in English Literature

• University of Cincinnati – B.A. in English Literature

• Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #151193

• Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452

• Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc.