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!

We are accepting new clients in my therapy practice (for those located in Maryland). Learn more via our website: https://bahealing.com

Find a trauma therapist near you via https://traumatherapistnetwork.com ! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Check out these great learning opportunities through our friends at the Academy of Therapy Wisdom:

Working With Complex Trauma: Innovative Approaches for Restoring Mind-Body Integration with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Linda Thai, LMSW.

The Neurobiology of Feeling Safe - Working With Boundaries Inside and Out with Jules Taylor Shore, LPC, LMFT, SEP

Neurobiology with Heart - Partnering With Your Client's Brain to Make Sessions Easier and Deeper - with Jules Taylor Shore, LPC, LMFT, SEP

Living With the Legacy Of Loss - A Somatic Approach for Working With Grief with Dr. Janina Fisher

Thank you to TherapyNotes for sponsoring this week’s episode! TherapyNotes makes billing, scheduling,notetaking, and telehealth incredibly easy. And now, for all you prescribers out there, TherapyNotes is proudly introducing E-prescribe! Try it today with no strings attached, and see why everyone is switching toTherapyNotes, now featuring E-prescribe! Use promo code “chat” at www.therapynotes.com to receive 2 FREE months of TherapyNotes!!

Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here – includes recommended books and trainings.

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415: What Therapists Don't Know About Adoption Can Hurt Their Clients - With Brooke Randolph

Therapy Chat