Adoption is the legal process through which a person or couple becomes the legal parent(s) of a child who is not biologically related to them. Adoption typically involves terminating the parental rights of the child’s biological parents and transferring those rights to the adoptive parents. Adoption is often pursued by individuals or couples who are unable to conceive children on their own or who want to provide a stable and loving home for a child in need. There are many different types of adoption, including domestic adoption, international adoption, foster care adoption, and open adoption, and each type has its own unique requirements and procedures. Adoption is a complex process that requires careful consideration, planning, and legal guidance to ensure that the best interests of the child and all parties involved are protected.
Therapists can play an important role in helping individuals and families navigate the complex emotions and challenges that can arise during the adoption process. Here are some ways therapists can help with adoption:
Pre-adoption counseling: Therapists can provide counseling to individuals and couples who are considering adoption. This can involve helping them explore their motivations for adoption, prepare for the challenges of parenting, and evaluate their readiness to become adoptive parents.
Support during the adoption process: Therapists can provide emotional support to individuals and families as they navigate the adoption process. This can include helping them manage stress and anxiety, cope with disappointment or rejection, and prepare for the arrival of a new child.
Post-adoption counseling: Therapists can provide counseling to adoptive families after the adoption has been finalized. This can involve helping them adjust to their new roles as parents, address any attachment or bonding issues with their child, and navigate any challenges that arise in the relationship with the child’s birth family.
Therapy for adopted children: Therapists can provide therapy to children who have been adopted. This can involve helping them process their experiences and emotions related to adoption, address any behavioral or emotional challenges, and develop healthy coping skills.
Support for birth parents: Therapists can also provide support to birth parents who have placed their child for adoption. This can include helping them process their emotions and grief, providing support as they consider their options for contact with their child and the adoptive family, and connecting them with resources for ongoing support.
Therapists also often work with adults around having been adopted as children, or adults having relinquished children.
There are a myriad of feelings around these occurrences that can be helped by exploration, support and therapeutic intervention.
The Psychotherapy and Training Collective of New York (PTCNY) is an alliance of mental health professionals licensed for independent private practice in New York and other states.
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Find a PTCNY Therapist to help with adoption
PTCNY offers a broad range of therapists with many specialties. Below is a curated list of PTCNY therapists who specialize in helping individuals facing adoption challenges.