[Perrier]

Just wondering if anyone has had counseling re adoptive issues, family issues resulting from adoption, etc. Did it help? Positive results? I'm sure it depends on the counselor or therapist you see. I NEED IT, but don't really know where to go or where to start.

[BrandyHagz]

Its fairly difficult to find a therapist or counselor that specializes or deals with (and understands) adoptee issues.

I’ve found that most professionals that deal with adoption related issues are child psychologists or therapists…their patients tend to be children.

You might start with just finding a really good therapist or counselor in your area, and going from there…it may be that your issue isn’t adoption related at all…but if it is, then maybe the person you are seeing can refer you to someone locally who works with and is familiar with adoptee needs.

[uniqueone]

Since I can remember, my family has been in family therapy, and the three adopted children (including me) in my family has been in and out of counseling our entire lives. BUT- never once in any of our therapy sessions did the adoption issue come about. I am hoping to find a new psychologist for myself and i am hoping that it will help me with my issues. I believe in therapy because theses professionals can always give you an unbiased opinion and real advise.

[Jackiejdajda]

Perrier wrote...I NEED IT, but don't really know where to go or where to start.

I needed it.. I am a birthmom not an adoptee..
What I did was I started reading books.. Self searching books.. I then asked my doctor for help in finding a therapist.. I knew I needed help because I was locked in my home.. Well almost locked in my home

I now know that I trusted the journey. I think that is very important.

The first woman who helped me was a student.. I love her to this day.. She heard me.. Just knowing that she heard me was very healing.. I went on to other therapists when I felt the need.. The ones I got always recommended books.. I read those books for knowledge.. I wanted to get better.. I wanted to be 'normal' when my bson found me.. Or I found him.

So I say.. Reach out and try.. If you don't like the therapist you can change..

Good luck

Jackie

[antdano]

ive been getting counselling since the start of this year at a post adoption centre, and found it to be a good experience, I think all adoptees need someone to understand them. At this place all the counsellors are adoptees and you feel really at ease as they know what your talking about. It started a bit shaky tho, my adoptive mother ran out of the sessions twice and refused to go back, but im enjoying going on my own, I would say give it a go! tho try find someone that specialises with adoption I found a physc who didnt think adoptees had any pain(hah), so do some research and find someone who deals with adoptees

good luck mate

[79nic]

Perrier,

Just a thought... if you can't find someone who specializes in adoption-related issues (which would be best), you might then try to find a good grief/loss counselor (there are more of those).

Good luck!

Nicole

[Nicole28]

I think counseling would be a good idea for me, too, but I have no idea of where to start.