adoption therapy
Parenthood is often a winding path. Adoption adds additional complexity.
considering adoption?
I offer guidance in exploring the possibility of adoption. Whether you are considering making an adoption plan or becoming adoptive parents, it is my honor to join families approaching this pivotal life experience. My work and support is completely independent of any adoption placements.
I offer opportunities for self-reflection, tailored resources to support your values and vision for your family, as well as information to help you be critical thinkers and conscientious participants in the process, should you decide to move forward with adoption.
We’ll identify your wishes and worries related to the process, consider different paths and types of adoption, and explore how adoption dynamics can shift as kids grow. I’ll help you identify the best sources of information for your questions and help discern how adoption might become part of your family story.
Post-Adoption Support
Strengthening your connection with your child builds a foundation of trust and safety you can each feel. Families who feel connected can build resilience and positive bonds, even through storms and challenges.
With a focus on child development, attachment, trauma and brain science, I help clarify the WHY behind behavior challenges, unpack sensory sensitivities, and ease transitions. Kids can build resilience as they grow; it’s an important part of navigating life and relationships.
When adoption is part of the story, regular growing up tasks can feel a little more 'sticky' and take time to settle into. These are some dynamics I see often and have experience helping with:
easing fears + building self-esteem
lying + stealing
grieving death of a loved one or other separations
weathering rejection + shame + perfectionism
exploring identity + belonging
sensory sensitivities + regulation issues
sibling conflict
defiance + aggression
neuro-developmental differences (FASE, ASD, ADHD to name a few)
talking about adoption with kids + telling tough truths
off-track behaviors related to early trauma, including neglect and abuse
building trust + healthy attachment relationships
We can help kids tap into resilience
Parenting with a focus on tuning-in before teaching, and supporting safety before skills, brings a new perspective: Decoding off-track behavior is deep communication.
Kids will show us their needs. They are brilliant that way. Some behaviors take more effort to decipher. We’ll figure it out together.
You are invited to read a few of my articles on talking with kids about adoption.
