Finding an Adoption Therapist
Although Birthmother’s Choice primarily works with the birthmother, many adoptive parents visit our site for resources and additional information. This blog post is speaking directly to the adoptive parents in addition to helping birth parents understand some of the future obstacles the adoptive family may face.
As the adoptive parent, sometimes you will need a family therapist that is experienced in issues unique to adoption. It is important that you find someone who is qualified in working with adoptive parents to deal with these specific issues and someone you feel comfortable with. The therapist should also be licensed.
Some issues a therapist may be beneficial for are:
- Open adoption: explaining and processing the fact the child is adopted as he comes of age to share that he was adopted.
- Developmental issues: sometimes an adopted child can have developmental issues due to the birth mother using drugs while pregnant or simply because there was a defect at birth.
- Transracial identity: perhaps the child is a different race than the adoptive parents. This can cause stress in the child during the elementary years.
- International adoption: the result of an international adoption may include transracial issues; but, can also bring to light cultural differences that must be navigated.
Adoption can be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made; but, like all things in life, just because it’s a happy occasion doesn’t mean you won’t encounter some challenges. Every family faces challenges; your adoptive family may face challenges unique to adoption.
Resources exist for each stage of the adoption process. Birthmother’s Choice encourages you to find and use those resources.