Kim & Justin

Therapy

Puberty, changing schools, foster kids moving in and out, and just growing up all bring on big feelings for our kids.  Sometimes we can manage these feelings and sometimes we need more help.

All of our kids have been in therapy at one point or another.  Some regularly see a therapist, school counselor, and/or psychologist.  Growing up today is hard and acknowledging that you need help managing stress, anxiety, and worry is a big first step. 

A few weeks ago, one of our children asked to see a therapist.  It is amazing that we’ve taught them that asking for help is healthy, but also painful to hear that our child is struggling.  We were able to get them in with someone quickly.  It’s taken some time, but they are starting to feel better.  Therapy takes time, it takes time understand feelings, and learn new coping skills. 

Mental health is just as important as physical health.  We talk a lot as a family about all feelings be valid, how we can cope with those feelings, and how to ask for help when needed.  Adoption is a complicated process with lots of emotions.  We are preparing ourselves for all the ups and downs.  I encourage everyone in the adoption process (expectant parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children) to seek our a mental health professional.  Being prepared for all the possible feelings that occur before, during, and after adoption is the first step for accepting and dealing with those feelings when they do occur.