Adoptive families utilize clinical service at triple the rate reported by families formed by birth. (Howard, Smith & Ryan, 2004); Vandivere, Malm & Radel, 2009)
Parenting an adoptive child can be a roller coaster ride at times. Adoptive parents, foster parents or guardians intentionally choose a ride of elevated railways with steep inclines and descents that carry you through sharp curves with sudden speed changes and directions. I understand at some point in your family's adoption journey, the need for seeking support from a mental health professional is a strong probability. As an adoptive mom of four uniquely made children, my parenting has endured many thrills- exciting, frustrating, scary and loving.
Results from two surveys by the Center for Adoption Support & Education (C.A.S.E.) (Atkinson et al., 2013) reported :
81% of adoptive families reported seeking support from at least 1 mental health professional 25% noted their therapist had a lack of knowledge about trauma, attachment, loss, adoption language, or any real understanding of adoption
Therapy can help the adoptee and their families:
*exploring one's’ identity
*telling child they are adopted
*processing trauma, PTSD, abuse
*Addressing behavioral disorders in adopted or foster children
*working through anxiety, depression, addiction, or another mental health issue
*healing attachment issues experienced by children or adults who were adopted and/or in foster care
*supporting adoptive parents, caregivers, guardians in the adoption life cycle
The Vine Wellness Groups hope is to make parenting more enjoyable and offer some healing and understanding with a family systems approach. As an adoption competent counselor, I understand the unique challenges your home may be experiencing with trauma, attachment and loss. Treatment modalities like trauma focused therapy, talk therapy, play therapy including filial and theraplay, EMDR & play EMDR may help with many of the mental health and psychological needs your adoptive family may be experiencing.
If you are looking for guidance in the area of pre-adoption/post-adoption care, reach out to Denise (supervised by Celeste Inman, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S) to add to your support team. To learn more about Denise, CLICK HERE.
To Schedule with Denise: 210-490-4419 or www.thevinewellness.com/contact
Knowledge in attachment -specific therapy,
Skills in family therapy
Trauma-focused modality (TF-CBT, DBT)