Bringing An Adoption Lens to Clinical Teams
Adoptees are significantly overrepresented in residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and group care settings — yet it’s not easy to effectively incorporate adoption into the treatment.
But, adoption is part of the clinical picture.
And, when it’s missing from the clinical work, it can hinder progress.
Why?
Because the experience of adoption isn’t just about attachment, trauma, and loss. It reflects a lack of safety, security, and stability. It’s not just situational — it’s foundational.
Bringing an adoption lens into the clinical work moves beyond being adoption-informed. It allows therapists process issues pertaining to adoption — even when talking about adoption directly, isn’t an option.
I work with clinical and residential teams to bring that lens into case conceptualization, treatment planning, and staff training.
An adoption lens gives clinical teams a way to incorporate adoption into the treatment, in the context of presenting mental health concerns. Bringing an adoption lens to the work does not replace diagnosis, risk assessment, family work. It makes that work even more effective.
My Background
As a psychotherapist, I’ve seen hundreds of adopted clients and families over the past twenty years. I also understand that therapy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. My career began in residential programs, such as the Charlton School for Adolescent Girls, Wediko Children’s Services, and the Vinfen Crisis Stabilization Unit. Currently, along with my private practice, I’m a consultant for A Home Within, a national organization that offers psychotherapy for current and former foster care youth. My lived experience as an adoptee deepens and enriches my work.
“Katie skillfully held the group together as it moved with the process. I walked away drained by the conversation and impressed by Katie’s skill.”— Steve Kalb, LMSW, Director of Adoptee Services ·
To learn more about the clinical training for organizations, please click here.