We've tried family counseling before, but husband has Borderline (BPD) traits (testing was inconclusive). Part of step-difficult child problems stem from husband (in the words of 1 counselor) wearing the biggest blinders he'd ever seen. Step-difficult child 1 hung step-difficult child 2 and husband insisted it was just a joke and difficult child 1 would have released his younger brother before he died. The fact that I had to release the rope while difficult child 1 stood there laughing didn't trouble husband at all. husband treats my daughter as if she's his own when she's not having issues, but he can't seem to deal with her when she becomes self-destructive. husband can be most supportive spouse you could ask for unless you step on one of his triggers, like his kids. He can launch into a verbally abusive and irrational assault.
On a positive note, my difficult child showed up at my house and called the county atty and district clerk to try and get a new court date. When no one returned her call she used my computer and asked for my help in writing letters. She faxed them asking for a new court date and told them she was ready to cooperate. She did this all on her own, not a single prompt from me. :dance:
