HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

An Introduction to What Therapists Need to Know About Adoption

Though no adoption story is the same, there are a collection of core challenges that adoption sets in motion. Sadly, most graduate programs offer little to no education on the impact of adoption, which leaves many skilled clinicians to work with adopted clients while not making space for how adoption may be a central organizing experience in their client’s identity, attachment patterns, and relational world.

Did you know adopted individuals show up in therapy at higher numbers than non-adopted individuals?

Whether or not adoption is initially disclosed, it often shows up indirectly in the therapy room: in struggles with identity, attachment, trust, belonging, and family relationships. In addition, adopted individuals are linked to unusually high rates of eating disorders, addiction, and sadly suicide. Without training on the impact of adoption, these patterns may be understood through other frameworks, without ever connecting back to adoption as a foundational experience.

Many adopted individuals report that finding a therapist who understands this complexity is rare. This training is the first step to helping you change that.

In This Introduction You’ll Learn:

  • The core developmental and relational themes that commonly emerge in adoption experiences across the lifespan

  • Why adoption impacts clinical work regardless of whether it is framed as “good,” “bad,” or “neutral”

  • How to begin shifting into a more adoption-aware and clinically attuned practice with adopted clients

Who Should Attend

  • New and experienced therapists who want a deeper understanding of the life long impact of adoption

  • Clinicians who may already be working with adopted clients—whether or not it has been discussed in treatment
    (spoiler, it’s likely at least one of your clients in adopted even if you didn’t know to ask)

  • Therapists who recognize that adoption may be present in more cases than they were trained to see

About Kimberley

A graduate of St. Edward's University, Kimberley is a seasoned grief and trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience working with adults of adoption, as well as lived experience as an adoptee, Kimberley has dedicated her professional life seeking a deeper understanding how to work with developmental trauma, grief, attachment, and relational injuries. She offers a trauma-informed relational approach and, though not modality focused, she is a NARM certified therapist and has in-depth training in Attachment, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and IPNB and draws from parts work and other approaches to help clients heal.

Kimberley leads a consultation group for therapists working with adopted clients, offering a deeper dive into case material and the nuanced clinical realities of adoption in therapy.

Details:

  • Cost: $50

  • August 2026 via Zoom

  • 2 CEUs are available for LPC, LMFT, and Social Workers. Please inquire regarding other licenses of if you are outside of Texas.

Notes About This Presentation

  • Focused on the lasting impact of adoption and centers on the lived experience and needs of adults who were adopted. It will not cover parenting adopted children or working with young children.

  • This brief introduction is neither pro nor anti adoption. However, some topics may cause you to question your feelings, stories, and beliefs about adoption. I ask that you be willing to reflect on and allow growth and compassion to the topics presented.