Why It Matters for Adoptive, Foster and Kinship Families
Seeking therapy can be daunting, especially for those with past negative experiences. For adoptive, foster and kinship care families, adoption-competent therapy offers a tailored approach to meet their unique needs, fostering understanding, healing and growth.
What Is Adoption-Competent Therapy?
At the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), our therapists receive specialized adoption-competent training through the nationally accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Program. This training specifically addresses the challenges faced by members of the adoption, foster and kinship care constellation, including adoptees, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, adult adoptees and adoptive families. These challenges can include mood disorders, anxiety, depression, identity challenges, struggles with grief and loss, behavioral challenges, poor school performance and family conflict.
With adoption-competent expertise, our therapists:
- Understand the impact of pre-placement history, loss, grief, and complex trauma on a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development.
- Recognize that behaviors often viewed as problematic—such as defiance or emotional outbursts—may stem from fears of rejection, loss, or a lack of trust.
- Collaborate with families to uncover the roots of a child’s behaviors and promote healing through compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Our Strengths-Based, Family-Oriented Approach
Adoption-competent therapy emphasizes a strengths-based, inclusive approach. Unlike traditional therapy, which some families report left them feeling blamed or excluded, this model emphasizes partnership and empowerment. Parents are integral to the therapeutic process and receive psychoeducation to better understand their child’s behaviors and challenges.
Families often learn that traditional parenting strategies or behavioral interventions, which may work for some children, can be ineffective or even harmful for children with histories of trauma. Understanding the neurological impact of early neglect or loss, parents gain insights into behaviors like tantrums or emotional dysregulation. Armed with this knowledge, they are more receptive to trauma- and attachment-focused parenting techniques that build trust and promote healing.
Supporting Adolescents Through Identity and Self-Esteem Challenges
Adolescence can be especially challenging for adoptees and youth in foster or kinship care as they navigate identity and the unique losses tied to their histories. Adoption-competent therapy equips parents and caregivers with a deep understanding of these experiences, fostering stronger connections within families and across the systems that shape their lives. Therapists help families create supportive environments where youth can process their feelings and thrive.
The Power of Early Intervention
Addressing concerns early is a game changer in adoption-competent therapy. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek support at the first signs of difficulty, such as a child struggling with friendships or exhibiting behavioral changes. Early intervention can prevent these challenges from worsening as the child grows older.
For example, a child who struggles to form lasting friendships may benefit from targeted support in developing social skills and understanding boundaries. Without this intervention, these difficulties could lead to isolation, depression or risky behaviors in adolescence. By being proactive, families can tackle potential challenges head-on, reducing stress and preventing crises.
Moving Toward Healing and Growth
Adoption-competent therapy offers a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of adoption, foster or kinship care. For parents and caregivers, it provides the tools and confidence to address their child’s needs with compassion and understanding. For children and teens, it creates a safe space to explore their feelings, feel validated and develop a stronger sense of self.
While the journey may feel overwhelming, the right support can make all the difference. It’s never too late to seek therapy tailored to the unique experiences of adoption, foster, or kinship care – and the rewards of healing and connection are well worth the effort.
If you are ready to take the next step on your family’s healing journey, we are here to help you get started. Contact our caring intake team for an initial appointment today by visiting adoptionsupport.org/washparent.
Avi Burstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor and chief operating officer at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). C.A.S.E. is national leader transforming the mental health of the adoption, foster, and kinship community. Learn more at adoptionsupport.org.
