We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Natapov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I’m an immigrant, domestic abuse survivor and a divorcee myself, and I became a stepparent about 10+ years ago when my now husband and I got more serious. Five years into my stepparenting journey, my stepdaughter told us that she was being abused and neglected by her bio-mom and stepdad, that it had been going on for years, and that she was being silenced. We acted quickly, my husband got full physical custody, and overnight I became a full-time mom while holding space for the fact that I’m not her mom.

Six months later, the honeymoon period was over as she faced Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Suicidality, and food restriction head-on. As luck would have it, my company re-structured, and my job was eliminated. This turn of events is what helped me learn the lessons in my rearview mirror that are the foundation of the rock-solid relationships I have in my blended family. And this is the core of what I help clients find as well during our work together. While job-hunting, I stumbled on a trauma-informed parent coaching program and was enrolled within one day, which was the start of my coaching journey.

When I joined blended family support groups, I quickly learned how overwhelmed and isolated stepparents felt. Many of them were depressed, some suicidal, and often relying on substances just to cope. I realized I’d acquired useful skills and strategies that have been instrumental for myself and my family and that I can, as I said before, help stepparents and parents in blended families transform family chaos into harmonious co-parenting too. Which is how Synergistic Stepparenting was born.

Today I feel privileged to help stepparents and parents in blended families create more ease, peace, and joy in their blended families.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

In the world of blended families, where unity and understanding can sometimes seem elusive, Synergistic Stepparenting offers hope, guidance, and effective solutions for those navigating blended family life. With a passion that fuels transformation, I guide stepparents and divorced parents towards meaningful and harmonious co-parenting.

At the heart of Synergistic Stepparenting is my personal mission to empower those navigating the complexities of blended families. Drawing from personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges, we rewrite the narrative, turning chaos into harmony.

A Unique Approach: Crafting Unity from Chaos

In the realm of Stepparenting and Co-Parenting, I weave a unique blend of coaching and Rapid Resolution Therapy sessions. This powerful approach rests on four pillars:

Strengthening Boundaries and Values: By helping individuals define their boundaries and values, I guide them to create a foundation for a thriving family dynamic.

Aligning with Partners: I empower couples to align their visions, turning partnership into a powerful force within the blended family.

Creating Family Community: Through nurturing open communication and shared experiences, I transform blended families into cohesive units.

Building Trust and Connection: The heart of my strategy lies in building trust and fostering connections, bridging gaps between stepchildren and children and he caregivers.

Beyond Coaching: The Power of Rapid Resolution

What distinguishes Synergistic Stepparenting approach is the inclusion of Rapid Resolution Sessions, a catalyst for transformation. These sessions enable individuals to effortlessly overcome obstacles, reshaping thought patterns, and fostering personal growth, while creating lasting change.

A Life Devoted to Transformation

What truly sets me apart is the depth of personal experience. Having navigated the intricacies of blending cultures, families, and roles, I stand in empathy as I guide individuals to a brighter future. This firsthand understanding fuels my dedication to helping others navigate similar journeys.

For me, this journey is far more than a profession; it’s a purpose. Drawing from a lifetime of personal growth and transformation, I offer not just guidance but a hand to hold through the challenges of blended families.

As I continue to reshape the landscape of blended families, you’re invited to be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re a stepparent, a divorced parent, or simply seeking harmony within your family, I’m here to guide you.

Connect with me to schedule a transformative call that could reshape your blended family dynamics.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would make sure that we stroll through the financial district and Beacon Hill. Then head to the Seaport area; visit the ICA and walk around enjoying the wonderful communal hangout spots, sitting to chat, people watch and enjoy harbor views and grab dinner at Del Frisco’s.

The next day, I would take them to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which has some of the world’s most famous art pieces and home of one of the biggest unsolved art heists in history. Then we’d stroll by and through the MFA and grab a bite at the Salty Pig.

The following day, I’d take them to the Museum of Science then meander through the Financial District on our way to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for some food and souvenir shopping.

The next day, we would start off at the Boston Common walking through the gardens and up Newbury Street ending off in the back bay. We’d stop off at the Observatory at Prudential Center to give them an idea of the city and its different neighborhoods as well as their history. Then we’d walk around the Prudential Center go through the skywalk to Copley Place grabbing dinner at Salty Girl or Grille 23.

Finally, I would encourage them to take a day trip with me to Gloucester to visit the Hammond Castle. Which was the private home, lab, and now a museum of an eccentric inventor who held more than 400 patents including pioneering invention of technology we use to this day. Briefly stopping by Rockport to enjoy some boutique shopping by the water. Stopping of to grab some food at the Clam Box of Ipswich.

The 2nd to last day we’d take a trip spending a day in Salem taking a historical tour, visiting the house of the 7 gables, The Salem Witch Museum, and the Salem Wax Museum grabbing dinner at Finz.

And finally, I would end of the trip by spending a day in Marblehead. Drive out to the tip of Marblehead neck to see the lighthouse driving by the beautiful homes. Take a walk along Devereux beach then walk around old town stopping by Crocker Park and take in stunning harbor views. Then go to Fort Sewall, one of the oldest forts in the US, and end the day with dinner at The Landing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing husband, John Swain, and my stepdaughter, Lilah Swain. They have been incredible supporters of my journey and my work, always giving me grace, encouraging words, and a warm embrace.

I’m also very grateful to my grandparents and parents for leaving behind their motherland and established life to roll the die on a hope and dream across the world in order to give me a chance at a better and bigger future.

Finally, I am grateful for the relationships that I’ve had that were painful and even unhealthy because it helped me recognize that there is an alternative way to engage with people and to make that other choice. Additionally, these interactions have given me lots of rich experience, perspective, compassion and understanding enabling me to better serve my clients.

Website: https://synergisticstepparenting.com/work

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/synergisticstepparenting

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaNatapov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.natapov

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@synergisticstepparenting4139

Other: My podcast is called Synergistic Stepparenting podcast and it’s available on all main streaming platforms. Here’s the link: https://synergisticstepparenting.com/podcast

Image Credits
Cait Costa of Cait Costa Photography

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