What we think you should know about Intercountry adoption:

1. What we think you should know about Intercountry adoption: Counseling Intercountry Adoptive Families An International Forum: Intercountry Adoption April 16, 2011 Susan Branco Alvarado, Licensed Professional Counselor

2. Progress Typical, healthy, and normal adjustment versus pathological perspective Breadth of knowledge and relevant research that addresses the effects of trauma, early deprivation and neglect. Increased training for the helping professions: Counseling, Psychology, Social Work Overall increased awareness among families

3. Counseling Families with Young Children Family Constellation Pre Adoptive Histories: Parent(s) and Child Treatment Issues Treatment Approaches

4. Jose, 6, Guatemala • Presenting Problem • Learning Disability • Insecure / Anxious Attachment to Primary Caregiver • Grief and Loss: Aggressive Behaviors • Racial Insecurity / Confusion • Pre Adoptive Histories

5. Treatment Approaches Adult Attachment Interview with the mother Structured, directive play therapy: Theraplay ® to enhance the relationship Individual expressive therapy Family Psychodrama

6. Insecure Attachment & Grief and Loss Individual Expressive Therapy & Family Psychodrama To: Maria, Birth Mom to Jose, Jose is angry because you did not keep him. “I am mad at her because I came out of her tummy.” He wishes he came out of his forever mom’s tummy. Jose is angry because she didn’t have a place to live, because she didn’t buy a house. “Because I hate the way she gave me away.” From: Jose

7. Addressing Race & Identity I Am Latino, Sandra Pinckney W.I.S.E. Up! Understanding and responding to racism Mother’s experience of racial differences Theraplay “same and different” game

8. Lina, 10, China • Presenting Problem • Insecure Attachment • Grief and Loss: Depressive Symptoms • Racial and Cultural Identity Development • Pre Adoptive Histories

9. Treatment Approaches Structured Directive Play Therapy: Theraplay ® Narrative Therapy Expressive Therapy

10. Grief and Loss I worry for them. They are so close yet so far away from me.

11. Addressing Racial & Cultural Identity Chinese New Year Meltdowns Teasing Lack of Teacher Sensitivity: Dear Ms. _______, Punky Brewster bothers me because her story is all joyous. Being homeless, no food, isn’t a joyous feeling (How did she live?!) Losing your parents is not a good feeling either. I hope this letter helps you understand why this show bothers me.

12. Where we need to go Increased clinical training for the helping professions: psychology, counseling, social work, and family therapy fields Increased funding for post adoption services and resources for intercountry adoptive families