A JOURNEY DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

What You Don’t Know About Being Adopted : An Educational Zoom Meeting for Therapists

Adopted individuals will tell you that finding a therapist who is aware of the complexities of adoption is difficult - let’s change that!

Did you know adopted individuals show up in therapy at higher numbers than non-adopted individuals? Though no adoption story is the same, there are a collection of core challenges that adoption sets in motion. Since most graduate programs teach little to nothing about the impact of adoption, skilled clinicians often don’t recognize adoption as a factor in their clients’ struggles or the impact on treatment.

Hidden In Plain Site

  • Whether or not your adopted clients have openly discussed their adoption in session, it’s likely that it impacts their identity, relationships, and emotional well-being, often times in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.

  • Adoption-related issues often show up as attachment issues, struggles with identity, or difficulties in relationships. You may already be working with adoptees without knowing it, as many clients don’t volunteer this information upfront and many clinicians have no training or familiarity with it’s impact.

  • Clients may be experiencing deep-seated issues around belonging, trust, and family dynamics that stem from early adoption experiences, even if these challenges aren’t immediately connected to adoption in their presenting problems.

In This Introductory Zoom Meeting, You’ll Learn:

  • An overview of the 7 core challenges adopted individuals face and how these challenges continue into adult relationship with themselves and others.

  • How every adoption experience, regardless if it’s “good” or “bad”, impacts treatment

  • 3 key things you can start doing to move towards being an adoption competent therapist

Who Should Attend?

  • New and experienced therapists and mental health professionals are welcome

  • Those who have clients who are adopted - and I know you do

  • This in not for those wishing to learn about parenting adopted children or working with young children.

About Kimberley
A graduate of St. Edward's University, Kimberley is a seasoned grief and trauma therapist with over 14 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 will be offering an 8-session workshop on the Complexities of Adoption, followed by a consultation group where we can dive deep into your cases.

Details:

  • Cost: $30

  • March 13, 2025 via Zoom

  • 1.5 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 round the lived experience and needs of those who are adopted.

  • 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.