Clinical Training

Working with adopted clients is complicated, in that, although adoption and mental health are inextricably intertwined, it can be difficult to integrate adoption into the therapeutic work.

Therapists say:

• “It feels like I’m missing something.”
• “It feels like we take two steps forward and three steps back.”
• “It feels like they're going through the motions.”

Two-Part Training: 

Part 1: Moving Beyond Survival Mode: 

Narratives are a huge part of identity development. But when clients’ narratives don’t reflect them—and are saturated with harm and loss—clients can reach an impasse. This session introduces The Centered Identity Model, a clinical framework for identity formation for those whose narratives reflect a lack of safety, security, and stability, organized in three phases: Survival Mode, Identity Bridge, and Empowered Path. This session focuses on Survival Mode as a significant clinical theme, and the therapist’s role of locating narratives and starting “identity from scratch.” As identity becomes more centered, the task of claiming identity will be explored, including how the therapist can support identity as a new reference point.

Part 2: Identity in Motion - Centered Identity Model

After clients move from claiming identity in the Identity Bridge of the Centered Identity Model, comes the challenge of maintaining identity in relation to others. Participants will learn how therapists can support clients in the context of attachment fears and old survival narratives, with particular attention to needs, boundaries, and communication.

In the Empowered Path, adopted clients make meaningful decisions that impact their work, life and relationships, in service of aligning life with identity. The training will also explore empowerment as a clinically meaningful experience that can be recognized and reflected on, inside and outside of the therapy room. 

Follow-up Case Consultation:

Bi-weekly or monthly case consultation is available after the training to help teams apply the adoption lens to current cases and treatment plans.

To discuss your organizational needs and availability, please reach out via email at katiejae35@gmail.com or phone at 617-448-4252.