Adoption
Adoption can have a huge impact on the lives of everyone involved. Whether you are an adoptee, part of an adoptive family, or the birth parent of a child who was adopted, the emotional impact of the adoption process is likely to be lifelong and might involve: feeling loss or rejection; being confused/ having split loyalties; feeling disappointed and depressed.
Child-related issues
Children and young people, and their families, can sometimes need extra support if they are finding it difficult to deal with or understand their emotions or behaviour. Therapy gives the child the opportunity to talk about how they feel without the fear of judgement. Speaking to a therapist, away from their home and school life, can take away some of the pressure, offering a safe environment for children to express their feelings and understand what may have caused them to feel this way.
Parenting/step-parenting issues
Parenting can be satisfying and fulfilling. But it can also be difficult and time-consuming and bring with it a lot of messages and beliefs about what “ideal” parenting looks like. As well as the new demands and responsibilities that come with the role, it can also stimulate painful memories of our own childhoods as we see our children going through particular phases. In addition, becoming a step-parent can bring its own set of challenges, particularly around the area of discipline. If you are a new parent, a step-parent, or an overwhelmed parent, you may benefit from the support of a therapist who can help through specific difficulties and behavioral concerns.