Episode Details

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we have a returning guest, Brooke Randolph, LPC, LMHC, LPCC-S, an adoptive parent, therapist and advocate for the members of the adoption constellation, who is also the author of several books and a Brainspotting trainer. This conversation explores the complex and often overlooked aspects of adoption, focusing on the experiences of adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. I talk about my journey of learning about adoption as a therapist, and we talk about the need for a deeper understanding of the subject. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by adoptees and the impact of adoption on identity and mental health. It also highlights the role of colonization, patriarchy, classism, and racism in the Western adoption system. The episode emphasizes the importance for therapists to educate themselves about adoption to better support their clients. Resources and related episodes are provided for further exploration. Here's some of what we covered:

• Adoption is a complex topic that requires a deeper understanding and exploration of its various aspects.
• Adoptees often face unique challenges, including higher rates of suicide and the conflicting feelings about searching for their birth parents.
• The experiences and perspectives of adoptive parents and birth parents can differ significantly, leading to confusion and distress for adoptees.
• Colonization, patriarchy, classism, and racism play a role in the Western adoption system and should be considered when discussing adoption.

Follow Brooke on Social Media here: Instagram, Facebook + LinkedIn

Visit Brooke's website to purchase her books and learn more about her work here: https://brooke-randolph.com/

Learn more about the upcoming training 2/29/24-3/2/24 with Brooke Randolph and Dr. Abby Hasberry, a transracial adoptee and birth mother, therapist, educator and author, and register here (I'll be there all 3 days!):

for days 1-2 only: https://brooke-randolph.com/consultation-training/adoption-competency-training/

for days 1-3: https://brooke-randolph.com/consultation-training/brainspotting-training/brainspotting-with-adoption-specialty-training/

Listen to previous Therapy Chat Episodes on adoption/attachment trauma here:

Episode 303 - combining two past episodes with Amy Sugeno

Episode 414 - Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Trauma with Dr. Mariel Buqué

Episode 351 - Family Secrets + Intergenerational Trauma with Dr. Galit Atlas

Episode 257 - Inherited Family Trauma with Mark Wolyn

Join my e-mail list to learn what's coming up in 2024 with Therapy Chat and Trauma Therapist Network and get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here!

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