Thriving Adoptees - Let's Thrive

At times our trauma threatens to overwhelm us. To overcome us. But how would it be to see that we are bigger than our trauma? Not just to see that. To feel it. To let go of blame. To be free. Listen in as Cher and I dive deep into understanding, forgiveness and more.Cher became a passionate advocate for children and decided to help children break the cycle of abuse after experiencing a traumatic childhood herself. The neglect and abuse she experienced gave her a compassionate heart towards children in crisis, and ultimately paved the way for the tremendous impact she continues to make within the organisations she runs - Trinity Youth Services and the Children's Foundation of America.Find out more athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cher-ofstedahl-5b952412/https://trinityys.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Are you feeling out of balance? I know I do sometimes. And often because our perspective is to narrow. Listen in as Danny shares a broader, and deeper, perspective on thriving. Powerful and thought provoking.If we want our kids to grow, we need to grow. So how do we do that? Danny shares a wealth of insights into how we can grow based on a lifetime's experience working with kids and parents. It's wide-ranging, fascinating and empowering. Here's a link to Danny's last interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-adopted-kids-growDr. Daniel Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy, resilient children. A bilingual, licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Huerta addresses issues related to parenting such as communication, conflict resolution, spiritual growth, discipline, stress, anxiety, depression, media discernment and healthy sexuality.He has been interviewed by media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and he regularly speaks on Christian radio stations across the United States. He’s also written for publications including The Washington Post on topics related to marriage and parenting.Dr. Huerta earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He’s currently working on his doctorate in psychology at California Southern University. He has maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs since 2003 and served as a board member on the El Paso County Mental Health Association for almost four years. He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and have two children, Alex and Lexi.Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.We’re here to come alongside families with relevance and grace at each stage of their journey. We support families as they seek to teach their children about God and His beautiful design for the family, protect themselves from the harmful influences of culture and equip themselves to make a greater difference in the lives of those around them.No matter who you are, what you’re going through or what challenges your family may be facing, we’re here to help. With practical resources – like our 1-800 Family Help line, counseling and websites – we’re committed to providing trustworthy, biblical guidance and support.https://www.facebook.com/focusonthefamilyhttps://twitter.com/FocusFamilyhttps://www.instagram.com/focusonthefamily/https://www.youtube.com/user/FocusOnTheFamilyUSAhttps://www.focusonthefamily.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

There's no such thing as bad kid. There's no such thing as a bad adult. Although that doesn't stop us feeling bad right? Listen in as Matthew and I dive under our beliefs and trauma to see the inherent goodness at our core.Matthew McCall started at The Home in 1998 as a Child Care Worker. Matthew has held virtually every client serving role at The Home, from counselor, to clinician, program and department director, in both congregate care and community settings. For much of his career at The Home, Matthew served as an internal consultant to all The Home’s programs, providing support and leadership during times of transition, challenge, growth, or reimplementation. In his current role he brings these skills to bear developing and supporting new programs, business lines, and initiatives for The Home. Matthew also oversees The Home’s Family Support Programs, Foster Care and Adoption, Transition Aged Youth, and Therapeutic After-School Programs. Matthew has spent most of his professional career at The Home, working in a variety of their programs. He is a graduate of Curry College and Simmons School of Social Work, and is a professor of Social Work Practice at Simmons University and Bridgewater State University.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmccallmsw/The Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk.Here's some more from their website:As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we have maintained our commitment to children since before the Civil War. Because every child deserves happiness, and no child should go through life alone.Each year, our community-based programs and residences meet the needs of more than 15,000 diverse youngsters and family members. These children are often society’s most vulnerable, victims of trauma, violence or shattered family lives.We ensure their emotional, social, educational and physical well- being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services. As a result, disadvantaged kids have safe surroundings, loving relationships and a secure path toward tomorrow.Find out more athttps://thehome.org/https://www.facebook.com/thehomeforlittlewanderershttps://twitter.com/thehomeorghttps://www.instagram.com/thehomeforlittlewanderers/https://www.youtube.com/user/home271 Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Is trauma getting in the way on your journey to home? To peace? Is your ego pulling you off the path? Adoptive mom Chasity was adopted by her step-father whilst she was in pre-school. Listen in as we explore the journey home, obstacles and more...Connect with Chasity athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chasity-galyon-2b4994250/https://alovingoptionadoption.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

So many of us struggle to see our worth. To feel valid. Listen as we explore safety, connection and purpose before going way deeper into worth. You're going to want to listen right until the end of this when Linda drops a bombshell about her that explains so much of what we discuss. Wow! A truly belief busting episode with breathtaking clarity.Linda Michie has a Graduate Degree in Urban Studies with a focus on Social Organization and Governance. She majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice during her undergraduate studies.Linda has been working with children and families throughout her career; in Private Investigations, Child Protective Services, Therapeutic Foster Care, and in Court Advocacy for abused and neglected children. Although a natural investigator, Linda’s more noteworthy career accomplishments are in child-benefitting curriculum design, and her passion is in training her designs.Linda’s fierce determination to help children achieve safety and permanence is evident in her work every day.Find out more about Linda here:https://www.wishingwellfamilies.com/founder/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Do you want more peace and contentment? Who doesn't? Listen in as Janelle and I dive deep in to being content with who we are, fulfilment and more.Adoptive mom Janelle serves as Program Coordinator at Adoption Network Cleveland and in this position, she is responsible for coordinating programming for Families and Youth. This includes program improvements, development, planning and implementation. In this role, Janelle acts as one of the co-facilitators for the Mediation Program, and facilitates service around the Family Resilience Fund. She is also responsible for organizing and planning special events for families and youth.https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-poskocil-18400343/https://x.com/AdoptionNetCLEhttps://www.instagram.com/adoptionnetcle/https://www.adoptionnetwork.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do we see our wholeness? How do we feel whole? Listen in as we dive deep into life's biggest questions.https://lifesong.orghttps://www.facebook.com/lifesongfororphanshttps://twitter.com/lifesongorphanshttps://www.instagram.com/lifesongfororphans/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What do we need to succeed? What tools do we have already? What tools can we get? Join us for a deep dive with a fellow metaphor lover Amanda into empowerment and thriving.Connect with Amanda here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-angell/https://www.facebook.com/FosterandAdopthttps://mofosteradopt.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

The past is a place of reference not a place of residence. So what drives us forward? What keeps our momentum? Listen is as foster kid David shares his insights on growing forward.How many ex foster kids are professors? How many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children from hard places. Dr David Cross is uniquely placed to support you the adoptive parent and this episode is a gem. The paradox of helping your kids thrive is that it starts with you thriving. Listen in with big ears as David shares succinct and clear insights into how you can make that happen.Here's a link to David's previous inerview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/attaching-securelyHere's some more about David and the Institute he lead from their website:Dr. David Cross was the Rees-Jones Director of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and a Professor in the TCU Department of Psychology. He led the KPICD in its triple mission of research, education, and outreach to improve the lives of children from hard places. Together with the late Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Cross created Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, (TBRI®) a holistic, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and evidence-based intervention for children who have experienced relational trauma. The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development strives to help children suffering from the effects of early trauma, abuse and/or neglect. We conduct research to deepen understanding about the complex needs of these children and how to help them overcome social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Through various outreach initiatives, we train professionals in Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, a research-based, holistic model developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. Please understand that we are not a service provider, and do not provide clinical services of any kind. https://www.facebook.com/child.tcuhttps://twitter.com/Child_TCUhttps://child.tcu.edu/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What's beyond your dreams? Tapping into the dreams beyond our dreams can take us to extraordinary places. Listen in as inspirational leader and adoptive dad Chris shares what he's learned about impact, dreams and much more.Connect with Chris here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertonniges/https://www.onelfs.org/https://www.facebook.com/OneLFShttps://x.com/OneLFS_ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if we were content with being content? OK with feeling OK? Searching for happiness prolongs the search. Listen in as Brett and I dive into the big sea of contentment. The one between the high tide of happiness and the low tide of a low mood.Here's a link to Brett's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/how-adoptees-change-safety-addiction-more-with-dr-brett-furstHere's some info on Brett and the Center he works at from their website.Dr. Brett Furst holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from The University of California, Davis, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has his Doctorate in Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Furst is a fully trained, EMDRIA approved, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Dr. Furst, in addition to his focus on the underlying causes of addiction, specializes in academic and educational difficulties, and provides supportive services to those clients pursuing continuing education at PACE, including managing ADHD symptoms, proper study habits, and processing difficulties, from a therapeutic lens. Therapeutically, Brett comes from a Gestalt perspective, placing emphasis on the exploration of the authentic self and how inauthenticity and the negative personas clients create contribute to their unhealthy habits and the disconnection from themselves through substance. Dr. Furst has worked at several local treatment facilities where he has customized several young adult curriculums. Brett has also developed one of the first experiential poetry groups, and finds group work to be some of the most rewarding he has done. He enjoys spending time with his family and dog, and exploring new parts of his native Orange County.https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfurst/https://fursttherapy.com/At PACE Recovery Center, we believe in empowering our clients to fulfill their own particular dreams. We believe that Positive Attitudes Change Everything. Our trained addiction treatment staff will help our clients identify their specific recovery goals, and help them achieve them. From our home base in Orange County, we also provide in-depth mental health services that address the root issues driving addiction and mental illness. Once men leave our program, they have all the tools they need to thrive in recovery.Giving Men the Skills for SobrietyLong-term sobriety is more than simply not using alcohol or drugs, it is about living life. Helping our clients develop life skills, educational aims, or vocational goals not only teaches them about responsibility and accountability, but also helps improve their self-esteem.https://www.instagram.com/pacerecovery/https://www.facebook.com/PaceRecoveryCenterLLChttps://www.pacerecoverycenter.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What does growth mean to you? How do we grow? Listen in as we dive into this BIG subject. Insights and practical guidance aplenty.Cynthia K. Jensen is a Certified Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin. Cindy graduated Cum Laude from Milton College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. From 1990 to 2009 she was employed by another Wisconsin child placing agency. During that time Cindy placed more than 550 children with adoptive families. Cindy keeps current on adoption practice by obtaining an additional 30 hours (or more) of continuing education every two years as required to maintain state certification. In addition, over the past 28 years Cindy formed strong professional relationships throughout the adoption community as well as with numerous other referral resources. She has excellent working relationships with the various professionals involved in the adoption process in Wisconsin as well as several other states. Cindy served on a legislative task force to create legislation for a birth father registry in the State of Wisconsin. She also spoke at the national convention for the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and has been a presenter regarding the adoption process in many different forums. Cindy is also a past member of the National Association of Social Workers.https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.jensenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-jensen-a2b55555/Adoption Avenues, Inc. strives to provide environments of love and stability for children in need. Education and support is offered for everyone in the adoption process, from the person giving up parental rights to the new loving family. We are a Wisconsin licensed child placing agency offering a full range of adoption services. Our social workers have years of experience. Adoption can be difficult and confusing. We are here to help navigate the process for birth parents who are placing a child for adoption and for adoptive parents trying to choose the best avenue for building a family.The services we offer include birth parent counseling for women experiencing unplanned or crisis pregnancies, home studies for all types of adoption, step-parent screenings, pre-adoptive preparation, foster home licensing and post-placement supervision services. Wisconsin is an "agency" state, thus a private adoption agency must be involved in every adoption.https://www.adoptionave.com/https://www.facebook.com/adoptionave/https://www.instagram.com/adoption_avenues/?hl=en-gb Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Would you like more peace? Does trauma drown out peace for you? Listen in as we dive deep and deeper still to find peace. Perhaps one of the most profound and powerful conversations in 542 episodes. Enjoy.Here's a bit about Elmarie:I WRITE TO BREAK THE SILENCE.I was adopted through the closed adoption system in 1966, just five days after I was born. For decades, my story remained locked away—silent, like so many others. But silence never brings healing. "Un-Adoptically Me — My story. My truth. My voice" is my way of reclaiming my voice, my truth, and my identity.Through 88 vignettes, I share the raw realities of adoption—the love and loss, the trauma and resilience, the search for belonging. My journey has taken me through deep pain and profound joy, and now, nearing my sixth decade, I embrace both. I live a tranquil life in a valley of vineyards, mountains, and open skies, a world away from the chaos of my past. I am happily married, grateful, and now fiercely passionate about the hearts of adoptees.This memoir is just the beginning. I’m listening—to fellow adoptees, to readers, to the conversations sparked by this book. Their voices will help shape what I write next.If you believe in the power of truth, in the courage of speaking out, and in the unbreakable strength of the human spirit, then you’re in the right place. Let’s continue the conversation.https://foreverfree.co.za/elmarie/un-adoptically-me/https://www.facebook.com/unadopticallyhttps://x.com/unadopticallyhttps://www.instagram.com/unadoptically Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

So much of our lives has been based on protecting ourselves. And understandably so when we've felt so vulnerable and insecure. How would shifting our focus move us forward? Listen in as Ryan takes me - and you - on a profound learning journey. A truly mind shifting and belief busting episode.Ryan is adopted. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adopted daughters through kinship care, a son, and two beloved dogs who have yet to realize their own size.Ryan is deeply passionate about loving and serving others, with a heart for making a lasting impact. He was first introduced to Hope’s Closet through its annual gala and was immediately drawn to its mission. Two years later, he joined the board of directors, and his passion for serving others ultimately led him to transition from his facility management career to become Hope’s Closet’s Executive Director.Ryan’s greatest hope is that every child who walks through Hope’s Closet feels loved, supported, and truly valued.Find out more at https://www.hopesclosetohio.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-craig-16a4b8168/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What we resist persists. How about more freedom instead? Listen in as Danielle dives into emotional freedom, what it means and how we enjoy it. Profound and practical. Here are two of Danielle's previous interviews on Thriving Adoptees:https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/upping-our-empathy-gamehttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/seeing-our-untarnished-soulDanielle Gaudette is an emotional healing coach and author of, Healing Tree: An Adoptee’s Story About Hurting, Healing and Letting the Light Shine Through.She is a 24-year Body & Brain trainer and coach, as well as a certified practitioner of Emotional Freedom Techniques. She has dedicated her life to helping others do the work she is committed to doing for herself: the work of transforming their relationship with their emotional suffering and, in doing so, uncovering the innate light of self-love within.Bringing over two decades as a master trainer, she gently guides her clients towards inner healing and self-acceptance with understanding and compassion. Danielle is available to work with anyone in the world through online sessions and you can reach out to her via my website if you'd like to get in touch.https://www.daniellegaudette.com/https://www.facebook.com/danielle.gaudette.33https://www.facebook.com/DGhealingtreehttps://www.instagram.com/danielle.gaudette/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Feeling free to be our authentic selves. Being accepted as we are. What does that mean for you? How can you help the people you love feel that? Listen is as adoptive mom and adoption professional Ligia shares what she's learned - and continues to learn - on two big topics. Especially as they relate to race. An eye opening episode.https://www.instagram.com/ligiaspeaks/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if we were to stop searching for happiness outside us? How would that be? How would that feel? Listen in as Amanda and I dive into what she calls emotional self sufficiency. Have you heard of that? I certainly hadn't. And it lead to a profoundly empowering conversation. We both loved it and hope that you do too.https://www.theanchorfamily.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Truths can be elusive for us adoptees. Fantasies or nightmares may fill in the blanks. And truths can shift when we re-visit the past and ask others for their truth - their versions of events. This can lead to profound realisations. Listen in as Julie and I explore shifting truths, changes of mind and more.Julie Ryan McGue is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.Here are links to previous interviewshttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/julie-i4j2iwqohttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/julieHer new book is Twice The Family:From the award-winning author of Twice a Daughter comes the much- anticipated prequel. In this coming-of-age memoir–set in Chicago’s western suburbs between the 1960s and 80s–adopted twins, Julie and Jenny, provide their parents with an instant family. The twins’ sisterly bond holds tight as the two strive for independence, individuality, and belonging. But as Julie’s parents continue adding children to their family, several painful and tragic experiences test family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds. Faced with these hurdles, Julie questions everything—who she is, how she fits in, and even her adoption circumstances. She understands her adoptive family is held together by love, faith, support, and her parents’ commitment to each other and their children. And yet, the life her parents have constructed is not one Julie wants for herself. As she matures, she chooses her own unique path. In the process, she realizes how the experiences that formed her have provide a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.More at https://juliemcgueauthor.com/twice-the-family/Julie’s debut award winning memoir Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging (She Writes Press) came out in May 2021. It is the story of her five-year search for birth relatives. Her weekly blogs That Girl, This Life and monthly column at The Beacher focus on identity, family, and life’s quirky moments. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Julie received a BA from Indiana University in Psychology. She earned a MM in Marketing from the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University. She has served multiple terms on the Board of the Midwest Adoption Center and is an active member of the American Adoption Congress.Julie splits her time between Northwest Indiana and Sarasota, Florida. She is the mother of four adult children and has three grandsons. If she’s not at her computer, she’s on the tennis court, or out exploring with her Nikon. Julie is currently working on a collection of personal essays.https://juliemcgueauthor.com/https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ryan-mcgue-a246b841/https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/https://twitter.com/juliermcgue Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What helps us blossom? What gets in the way? How do we overcome those obstacles? Listen in as we explore big questions with grace and depth. Brad stretched me out of my comfort zone into new insights. I hope this interview catalyses sparks insights in you.Foster parent Brad Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Southeastern Children’s Home and Counseling Center. Brad is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and a running enthusiast. He has previously served as both a Case Manager, Education Instructor, and Director of Social Services for Southeastern Children’s Home. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University and a Master’s Degree from Converse College. He and his wife, Katie, have four children: Reese, Ellie, Hattie, and Will. Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Shame. Not being enough. Trauma. Listen in as birth mother Janelle shares insights on what helps us thrive and what gets in the way of thriving. She also shares how shifts in perspectives help us overcome those obstacles. Powerful. Impactful. Love this.Connect and find out more at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/https://www.bravelove.org/stories/meet-the-team-janelle-basham/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Born without arms in Romania and unwanted, George went straight from the hospital to an orphanage where he stayed until being adopted at 18 months. Relentlessly bullied at school he felt ashamed, full of resentment, mad at the world and God. Listen in as he shares his insights on the journey to thriving. An incredibly powerful interview. You're going to love this.Find out more:@ThatArmlessGuyWww.thatarmlessguy.com“UndeFEETed” Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Lacking knowledge of our history can impact our confidence. So what do we do? How can we be more confidence whatever the uncertainty of our roots? Listen in as Jen and I dive deep into overcoming some of our essential challenges as adoptees.From Laguna Beach (Orange County), California, Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck is an author, screenwriter, children's novelist, adoption researcher, and adoption columnist. Adopted from Taipei (by an American family from Los Angeles), Jennifer is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and Harvard University, where she was a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Scholar.She is the founder of Chinese Adoptee Links (CAL) International — Global Generations, the first global group created by and for the more than 150,000 Chinese adoptees growing up in 26+ countries around the world. She currently serves as the co-founder of Harvardwood Vancouver-Seattle (for Harvard alumni in the Arts & Entertainment), and is the West Coast Brand Ambassador for Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) Canada.Jennifer has given more than 100+ adoption talks in 8 countries, including several Keynote Speeches, on behalf of the international adoption community. A contributor to St. Martin’s Press, Oxford University Press, MIT Press, Conde Nast and more, Jennifer was recently awarded a runner-up prize by International Thriller Writers (ITW). She won her first writing competition at age 9, and has been writing ever since. The Stepmother's Project is Jennifer's first Canadian global media project ("EVERY MOTHER MATTERS").https://www.gofundme.com/f/Stepmother-Projecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jue-steuck/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Many of us adoptees have been asking questions for as long as we can remember. Who are we? Where did we come from? Why were we adopted? What drives our questions? What drives your questions? Listen in as adoptee and therapist Kim shares the fierce curiosity that drives her, coming through the toughest of times and more. Rich and deep. Just like we love these interviews.Find out about where Kim works here https://www.cffde.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

"The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence." A great quote from Roy T. Bennett. As adoptees we talk a lot about the past, our stories and more. This episode is all about the future. Creating our own future. Listen in as Carol shares insights and learnings on potentiality - unlocking our potential. But it's not all about us, it's about helping others unlock their potential too.Here's the link to listen to the interview I mention. It's with Anthony Lynch and it's called Different, Not Wrong: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/different-not-wrong-with-anthony-lynchConnect with Carol here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carol-homden-cbe-39413918/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.coram.org.uk/https://x.com/Coramhttps://www.facebook.com/Coramsince1739https://www.instagram.com/coram.uk/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Do you yearn to belong? To feel a deeper sense of belonging? To feel you belong with others? With yourself? What would that mean to you? Listen in as Jude and I dive deep into this profound topic.Find out about Jude's book here https://www.amazon.com/Girl-without-Tribe-Between-Adoptees/dp/B0DJK4XS9F/https://www.facebook.com/jude.a.hunghttps://www.instagram.com/finding_home_with_judehttps://fhwithjude.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

So many of us feel broken. And that hurts like hell. How would it feel to be whole? A whole lot better. Listen in as Daryn shares his learnings from a very counter-cultural take on wholeness from adoptee Sydney Banks. Daryn really stretched me - in a good way - and that helped me to new insights. We both hope it catalyzes new insights for you.Here's a bit about Daryn from his website:Hello! My name is Daryn Watson, and I am a reunited adoptee. My adoption reunion journey began in 1995 at the age of twenty-five when I began searching for my maternal family. Less than eight short weeks later, I found my birth/first mother.Our first telephone call was on October 9th, 1995, which happened to be Canadian Thanksgiving Day. I will never forget that phone call. For the first time in my life, I felt truly whole and complete!Despite reading several books on adoption, I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming emotions and experiences reunion encompasses.I would be full of joy one minutes and the next I would feel grief, overwhelmed or angry the next moment. Adoption Reunions are often referred to as riding on an emotional roller coaster. These emotional up and down swings can last for weeks, months or even years.Going through my adoption reunion journey made me realize that it’s too much to deal with it by yourself and too difficult to do it alone. Thankfully, I was able to find a support system to help me navigate the emotional upheaval that occurs within adoption reunions.That is why I started Adoption Reunion Coaching. I really want to be that support system for others who are going through the same journey that I did. I went through this journey, I lived through it, I’ve learned how to navigate the journey and I can teach other people how to do so and make it less traumatic.I am a contributing author to two books. “The Adoptee Survival Guide” and “Adult Adoptees Anthology: Flip the Script” I was also published in an article for “Adoption Today.” I use my experiences as a reunited adoptee to guide others through their Adoption Reunion Journey. https://www.adoptionreunioncoaching.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionReunionCoaching https://www.instagram.com/theadopteemind/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do we feel at our best? Listen in as we explore the mind and body connection together with some simple ways to feel at our best more of the time. I loved this conversation and we both hope you do too.Christine Tangel is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in New York City. She has provided direct service and supervision in various aspects of child welfare, including preventive services and foster care. Currently, Christine is the Director of the Pre & Post Adoption department at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, where she supervises clinical services, home study assessments and community engagement events, as well as, providing therapeutic intervention for members of the adoption constellation, and facilitating trainings on adoption and permanency related themes.Connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-tangel-lcsw-618624162 Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If you're in the muck, keep moving forward. You can move on. Listen in as birth mother Kristy describes how she got inspired and let her inspire you. Great life lessons. Great episode.Connect with Kristy here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-holt-b36873339/https://x.com/KristyAkakrissy Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Where do we find the courage to step up? Listen in as birth father Andy shares where he found the courage to share his story to inspire others. Powerful. Be ready to be up-lifted.Connect with Andy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-coppenhall-2a92b4156/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Sometimes it feels like we are going to drown in our tears. And that's really scary. So we stuff our feelings for fear of being overwhelmed by them. Or we deny them. Or numb them. What if there was another way? What if our trauma didn't bother us? Listen in as transracial and international adoptee Josie shares her liberating take on trauma. Profound lessons. Listen in with big ears. Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Have you found your way to thrive? Could you use some pointers on different ways? Is it about understanding trauma? Moving beyond identifying with trauma? Healing? Something else? Listen in as we discuss different ways to help you find your way.Ty is an adoptee who has been in reunion with her birth family for over 25 years.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-cliffel-748b7ba7/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Did you grow up with a lot on your mind? A lot of questions about you are? Holes in your identity? Molly was born in Thailand and adopted in the US just before the age of 2. She felt holes in her identity and sometimes guilt about the questions she was asking herself. Listen in as she shares how she's grown and come into her identity as an adoptee.https://www.instagram.com/simplymollz/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Anna used to spread hate about herself being adopted and did everything she could to avoid talking about it. Now she runs a podcast and discusses adoption all the time. So what changed? Listen in as we talk identity, transracial adoption and most of all, being authentic.Anna Jinja Mather was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Iowa. Her heart is filled with love for people and their stories. By sharing her adoption story and all that she is learning to help her navigate through personal and professional challenges, she hopes that this will lead us to believe, accept, and value the inherent worthiness of all people.Anna invites you to join her learning adventure by listening to the people and creative content that makes her feel at home in this world.https://www.annajinja.com/Check out her book https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Grace-Anna-Jinja-ebook/dp/B0DJZPQ44Khttps://www.facebook.com/annajinjashowhttps://www.instagram.com/annajinjashow/https://x.com/annajinjashow Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Nancy Verrier (the Primal Wound) says the adoptee's self is wounded. Richard Schwartz (No Bad Parts) says the Self is unwoundable. Do you see a clash? Who do you think is right?Here's the post:https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn/posts/pfbid02vxmVkxqjJAh1FtkcQzaaSKSZ2pykMQf8Js4HEmjTcBiUiWvnexzjZpc1m59uxXiMlMore on Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phd Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Looking for health, happiness and success as you define it? Listen in as Jim dives deep into mental, emotional and relational wellbeing. I loved this and I learned lots from it. Jim and I hope you do too.Connect with Jim at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-clifford-obe-frsa/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Does music lift your spirit? Is it an escape for you? It was for Mj as a chid. It is now. She also uses music with clients in therapy sessions. Listen in as we go deep on escaping, spirit, people pleasing, being accepted and much more....Mj is a music therapist-board certified (MT-BC) and licensed clinical social worker.Find out more about MJ at https://musingsofataiwaneseamericanadoptee.life/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Trauma can seem like a terrifying predator stalking us... Our world is scary and dark. This podcast is fundamentally different because it brings lightness to this darkness.· So you can see a dramatically different, friendlier world. And when you see better, you do better for yourself and loved ones. · So you can forge a peaceful relationship with trauma. Because you see the light of hope as well as the lightness of understanding.· So you can see a brighter way to a better life. Because there’s less fear, grief, shame and anger. Or of any of the other powerful feelings that come with trauma. · So you have the tools to help you along your way. Your wisdom wins out over the tiger. And the tiger becomes a cute and cuddly cub that just wants to play. · So you can restore your connection with yourself and others. Because you’re mastering the trauma that’s been keeping you apart. Click here to find out more about The THRIVE Course that goes deeper into Taming The Tiger and covers 5 more topics: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1054946014929 Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Do adoptees want to heal? Is healing even possible? Listen in as Joyce and I explore rarely asked questions about trauma. Why? To catalyse fresh insights for you on trauma's impact. I learned lots of from this and hope you do too.Here's the link to Joyce's previous interviews:https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joycehttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/theres-nothing-wrong-with-us-with-joyce-maguire-pavaohttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joyce-advocacyHere's a link to a replay of Advancing Your Advocacy For Adoptees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-8Id3NajIDr. Pavao has done extensive training, both nationally and internationally. She is a lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and she has consulted to various public and private child welfare agencies, adoption agencies, schools, and community groups, as well as probate and family court judges, lawyers, and clergy. Additionally, she has worked closely with individuals and families touched by adoption, foster care, and other complex blended family constructions.She has developed models for treatment and for training using her systemic, intergenerational, and developmental framework, The Normative Crises in the Development of the Adoptive Family, and her book, The Family of Adoption (Beacon Press), has received high acclaim.Dr. Pavao has received many awards and honors, including the Children’s Bureau/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Adoption Excellence Award for Family Contribution (2003) and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption award for Angels in Adoption (2000).http://www.pavaoconsulting.com/https://www.facebook.com/Dr.JoyceMaguirePavaohttps://twitter.com/GetKinnectedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kinnect/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Thriving is about who we are as well as how we feel. Listen in as Sherrie and I go deep into identity and healing. Sherrie is a christian - and I'm not - so there's some different views and mutual respect. A particularly powerful episode.For well over two decades, Sherrie Eldridge has offered her unique voice within the adoption community, as an established author and international speaker. An adoptee herself, Eldridge has the ability to see life through the eyes of an adopted child. In her seven published titles, she has shared her passion for validating adoptees’ life experiences and her desire to help adoptive parents better understand and meet their adopted children’s emotional needs. Her best-selling work, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, is considered required reading by many US adoption agencies. In 2010, she was named Indiana’s Congressional Angel of Adoption by the Honorable Dan Burton, Indiana Congressional Representative. Eldridge is widely recognized and respected as a compassionate advocate for adoptees, cultivating understanding about adoption’s challenges and opportunities for all those whose lives have been touched by it.https//:Sherrieeldridgeadoption.bloghttps://www.facebook.com/AdoptionAuthor.SherrieEldridgehttps://x.com/sherrieeldridge Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Has being adopted boxed you in? Do you want to feel free-er? Free? Listen in as Fiona shares her insights on what she's learning about freedom, seeing through imposter syndrome, shaking inadequacy off and more.Find out more about Fiona and her advocacy at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-wells-patch-9064071a5/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.ourpatch.org.uk/https://x.com/PATCH_AdoptCris Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How clear are you on who you are? Identity can confuse the hell out of us. Listen in as Samantha dives deep into finding herself. It may help you on your journey to finding your trues self or living from authenticity.https://www.drsamanthabrooks.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-b-4763a94a/https://x.com/DrSjBrooks Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Who doesn't want a loving, happy and fulfilling life? Do I hear the HOW question? Listen in as Ken shares his learnings for catalyst ideas to help you along your journey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdestefano/https://www.facebook.com/ken.destefano.1https://www.amazon.com/Will-See-You-Again-Hearts/dp/B0C63YSMWH Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Do you wish you were carrying less emotional baggage? Listen in as Craig shares the things that have helped and are helping lighten his load from meeting Nancy Verrier and Ram Dass and much, much more.Find out more about Craig at:https://www.facebook.com/insideoutadoption Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if there's an inherent health within us that drives us? A Self that's untouched by trauma? How would knowing that make a difference to how we feel about ourselves? Listen in as Liam dives into his experience to reveal a finding overflowing with hope.Liam O Mahony is an adoptee, an accredited Psychotherapist and Addiction Counsellor with over nine years of experience working with adults and adolescents. He is associated with the Centre for Self-Leadership Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI). He is a graduate of University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology with particular expertise in areas such as Trauma and Addiction.His main interest is the related fields of Attachment, Neuroscience and Trauma and he is particular passionate about how research from these areas can be integrated into the work of psychotherapists and addiction counsellors.More at:https://pcpsi.ie/our-founders/The book Liam mentioned on generational trauma is The Heart of Trauma by Dr. Bonnie Badenoch Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Have you felt separate? Alone? Elizabeth felt so separate that she thought she was an alien. So how did she get to that visceral feeling of wholeness? A deep dive into healing. Because that's where the gems are.Note from Elizabeth – I want to apologize for the incorrect usage of the phrase trauma bonding near the very end of the episode. I was looking for a way to describe adoptees commiserating with one another about a shared traumatic experience. Simon’s term of validation is more appropriate in this instance.Here's a bit about Elizabeth from her website:I’m an adult adoptee living in reunion with my birth family. Since 1999, I’ve known my birth mom, my birth dad and my eleven (!!!) brothers and sisters. And, in 2011, I adopted our daughter Riley. She is the love of my life.I’m Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed, Life & Business Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Speaker, Retreat Leader, Author and Mom.I see what’s possible for you when you can’t see it for yourself. I see your strengths, your beauty, your gifts, your talents and all that you can possibly be… and I help you step more fully into the truest version of you.As a life and business coach, I help entrepreneurial and professional women find work/life balance–and sanity–in the chaos of daily living. It’s not unusual for clients to cry in their first sessions with me because they are just so relieved to find support.As a shamanic practitioner, I utilize the power of shamanic journey work to access messages and information from the spiritual realms (sometimes referred to as non-ordinary reality) to help my clients cut through the stuck places and gain clarity fast. I’m passionate about helping my clients to design rituals and celebrations when big transitions are afoot (life and death, weddings and divorces, moves, etc.) My first book is tentatively titled Sacred Celebrations.When teaching and speaking, I’m multi-passionate. I’m equally comfortable facilitating a teambuilding session in an corporate environment, inspiring a room full of entrepreneurs to become authentic networkers, preaching the value of self-care to a room full of overworked realtors or leading an intimate women’s retreat through a fire ceremony ritual to release their stress and to reclaim their balance.https://elizabethbarbour.com/https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbarbourhttps://www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Trauma sits frozen in time within the part of us that experienced the trauma. For those relinquished at birth it's newborn who's lost their mother. Parts work (also known as Internal Family Systems IFS) heals those parts. Our Self is untouched by trauma. Our Self heals our parts. It does that by accepting, loving and giving them the recognition that they've never had before. Listen in as adoptee and IFS therapist Kathy shares how we heal all our parts.Here's a bit about Kathy from her website:Long before I became a therapist, I was adopted. My parents had two biological sons and were unable to have a third child and wanted a girl, so they adopted me. Even before then, though, I was relinquished. I make the distinction between relinquishment and adoption, because those are two separate events, and I believe the root of many “adoption issues" lies with relinquishment and the experience of having been separated from one’s original parents, especially one’s first mom/birthmom. I was relinquished at birth, placed in foster care and then placed with my adoptive family when I was 10 weeks old. Even those of us who were relinquished at birth, before we developed conscious memory, lived through the experience, and our bodies remember, which often lead us to respond as though it is happening again—a post-traumatic response.My personal experiences led me to become a therapist who specializes in helping other adoptees, and the people close to them. I work with adult adoptees, adopted children/teens, adoptive parents, first/birth parents, prospective adoptive parents and the partners of adoptees, as well as others who have had similar experiences for other reasons. https://www.instagram.com/adopteetherapyhttps://www.adopteetherapy.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Does healing seem like a journey to you? A long, arduous trip. What if wholeness were closer? Something we can see and feel sooner? Listen in as Yael and dive deep into revealing and reclaiming our wholeness.Here's a bit about Yael:"My personal experience as a bisexual Jewish woman, a practitioner of Mussar, an adoptee, a divorcee, a “bonus mom” and a “career transitionist” have given me a deep repository of strength and skills as well. As a mindfulness-based coach, I help people who are at turning points in life get crystal-clear on who they are, what they need in the next chapter of their lives, and how to create it.I help you develop the confidence to express yourself authentically and bring true closure to past chapters. Together, we discover your inner barriers to fulfillment. With support, you learn to rewrite old programming you didn’t realize you had.My intention is to accompany you on your journey to living a life that is deeply meaningful to you with clarity, confidence, courage, and connection – whatever your identity, whatever your situation."https://www.instagram.com/bechiracoaching/https://www.facebook.com/yael.dennis.817/https://bechiracoaching.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How's your healing evolving? Are we ever whole? Listen in as guest host Jude flips the script on me. Her questions on healing were great! They're well worth you asking yourself. Do my answers bring you an insight or two? There's only one way for you to find out...I was adopted at 5 weeks old and told so young I don’t ever remember not knowing. I didn't experience any conscious adoption trauma until 40 when I found out my childhood teddy bear was a gift from my birth mother.This caused an eruption of anger, feeling rejected and unloved. That kickstarted a healing journey exploring trauma, my roots and who I am.I've spent 16 years doing this and continues to be fascinated by it all and:*working with 2,500 kids and parents in the UK and USA to increase kids’ confidence, self-esteem, resilience and ability to stop bullies upsetting them.*conversations with over 400 global foster and adoptive parents, foster and adoption professionals, social workers and therapists as well as adults who were fostered or adopted. Many of these conversations have been for the Thriving Adoptees podcast https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com*I've also run webinars for adoptees and resource parents in the UK, USA and Australia.More at:https://www.facebook.com/simonjbennhttps://www.facebook.com/thrivingadopteeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjbenn/https://www.instagram.com/simonjbenn/https://www.thrivingadoptees.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

We only have to heal if we've been sick or damaged. But what if this perspective is off? Listen in as therapist and teacher Corie shares a fresh perspective on growth and change.Find out more about Corie and her book at:https://www.facebook.com/corieskolnickhttps://corieskolnick.com/orfan/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Our anger can be explosive, scaring ourselves as well as others. It's often a central part of our trauma as well as coming out of the fog. So how do we find peace? Where do we find peace? Listen in as Quinn shares his insights on finding peace.https://novacatfilms.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-wolverton-4285662b2/https://www.instagram.com/novacatfilms/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.