With Dr. Rachel's guidance, they started to work on a new co-parenting agreement. They established clear boundaries and communication channels, and began to develop a more collaborative approach to decision-making. Victoria and June even started to find ways to work together, whether it was planning family events or supporting each other through the ups and downs of parenting.
“The ‘New Deal’ I proposed? It wasn’t about control. It was because I’m terrified.” Victoria’s voice cracked. “I know how to fix spreadsheets and broken sales teams. I don’t know how to fix a girl who lost her mom and got stuck with me. I wrote the schedule because I didn’t know how else to matter. I thought if I could make your life ‘work,’ you might stop hating me. But you don’t need a project manager. You need someone to sit in the mess with you.” familytherapy victoria june step moms new deal work
Dr. Rachel worked with them to establish a safe and respectful dialogue. She encouraged them to share their feelings, needs, and concerns, and helped them to listen actively to one another. It wasn't easy, but slowly, they began to make progress. With Dr