The Primal Wound


Book Description

Originally published in 1993, this classic piece of literature on adoption has revolutionised the way people think about adopted children. Nancy Verrier examines the life-long consequences of the 'primal wound' - the wound that is caused when a child is separated from its mother - for adopted people. Her argument is supported by thorough research in pre- and perinatal psychology, attachment, bonding and the effects of loss.




Adoption and Loss


Book Description

Evelyn Robinson, OAM, has written four books about adoption separation and reunion. This is her first book. What becomes of women who are separated from their children by adoption? Why do so many adopted people feel such a strong desire to seek out their families of origin? In what ways are families with adopted children different from other families? This book by Evelyn Robinson provides the answers to these questions and many others.'Adoption and Loss - The Hidden Grief' was first published in 2000. A revised edition was published in 2003 and the 21st Century edition was published in 2018.




Being Adopted


Book Description

Like Passages, this groundbreaking book uses the poignant, powerful voices of adoptees and adoptive parents to explore the experience of adoption and its lifelong effects. A major work, filled with astute analysis and moving truths.




The Emotional Impact of Adoption on Birth Parents


Book Description

The Emotional Impact of Adoption on Birth Parents is a powerful and insightful short read that delves into the complex emotions experienced by birth parents throughout the adoption process. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the various stages and aspects of the emotional journey, providing valuable guidance and support for those who have been touched by adoption. In the first chapter, "Pre-Adoption Decision," readers are introduced to the initial considerations and emotions that birth parents face when contemplating adoption. The author explores the range of emotions, from uncertainty to hope, and provides practical advice for making this life-altering decision. "Loss and Grief" delves into the profound sense of loss experienced by birth parents after placing their child for adoption. The chapter explores the grieving process and offers strategies for coping with this emotional turmoil. "Unresolved Feelings" delves into the lingering emotions that birth parents may experience long after the adoption has taken place. The author provides insights into the complex mix of emotions, such as guilt, regret, and longing, and offers guidance on how to navigate these feelings. The emotional journey of birth parents is often likened to a rollercoaster, and "Emotional Rollercoaster" explores the ups and downs that birth parents may experience throughout the adoption process. This chapter offers practical tips for managing these emotional fluctuations and finding stability amidst the chaos. "Stigma and Shame" tackles the societal stigma and shame that birth parents may encounter. The author sheds light on the importance of breaking down these barriers and offers strategies for overcoming the negative perceptions associated with adoption. "Healing and Coping" provides a roadmap for healing and finding inner peace after the adoption process. The author explores various healing modalities and coping mechanisms that birth parents can utilize to navigate their emotional journey. "Therapy and Counseling" and "Support Groups" delve into the importance of seeking professional help and finding a supportive community. The author provides resources and guidance for birth parents to access therapy, counseling, and support groups tailored to their unique needs. "Self-Care Practices" emphasizes the importance of self-care in the emotional healing process. The author offers practical self-care strategies and encourages birth parents to prioritize their own well-being. "Open Adoption Communication" explores the benefits and challenges of open adoption and provides guidance on effective communication between birth parents and adoptive families. "Long-Term Effects" delves into the lasting impact of adoption on birth parents' lives. The author explores how adoption can shape one's identity and self-worth and offers This title is a short read. A Short Read is a type of book that is designed to be read in one quick sitting. These no fluff books are perfect for people who want an overview about a subject in a short period of time. Table of Contents The Emotional Impact of Adoption on Birth Parents Pre-Adoption Decision Loss and Grief Unresolved Feelings Emotional Rollercoaster Stigma and Shame Healing and Coping Therapy and Counseling Support Groups Self-Care Practices Open Adoption Communication Long-Term Effects Identity and Self-Worth Future Relationships Reunion and Reconnection Seeking Closure Acceptance and Forgiveness Creating a New Narrative Advocacy and Support Education and Awareness Access to Resources Frequently Asked Questions Have Questions / Comments?




Magnetic Partners


Book Description

Do you and your partner argue about the same things over and over again? Are you often confused about why your partner is so angry with you? Are things getting worse and worse even though you’ve tried everything you can think of to make them better? In this breakthrough guide to repairing romantic relationships, therapist and marriage researcher Dr. Stephen Betchen presents a powerful new explanation of what leads to this kind of escalating conflict in couples and how you can repair your relationship and find a whole new level of happiness. Based on his extensive experience as a couples’ therapist, Dr. Betchen has discovered that the prevailing idea that opposites attract is wrong. Instead, one of the strongest forces that attracts people to one another is that they share a hidden, inner conflict in their lives—an unconscious struggle within themselves that each of them developed growing up—which he calls a "master conflict." The fact that a couple shares a master conflict acts as an almost magnetic force of attraction, but, over time, master conflicts often begin to push a pair apart—many of the very things you most appreciated about each other start to grate on you, producing increasing hostility. The good news is that by identifying the master conflict that you share, you and your partner can take the steps to break the cycle of fighting and come to a new place of understanding and happiness in your relationship. Often, just the realization that you have this hidden conflict acts as a powerful cure, allowing you to appreciate each other once again and to be empathetic about the things that have been irritating you both. From his years of work with couples, Betchen has identified the nineteen most common master conflicts—such as getting your needs met vs. caretaking; giving vs. withholding; commitment vs. freedom; power vs. passivity—and for each he provides vivid stories of couples who have struggled with them, as well as simple tests that help you to: • Identify the core master conflict that is causing your relationship problems • Understand the origins of your conflict and how it drew you to your partner • Diagnose how the conflict is now pushing you apart • Come to new terms with the conflict to save your relationship As Dr. Betchen writes, knowledge of a master conflict is power, and Magnetic Partners is an empowering guide that will help you not only to identify and control your master conflict, but also to bring your relationship to a new level based on deeper understanding, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and long-term resilience. Partners




Adopted Territory


Book Description

An ethnography examining the history of Korean adoption to West, the emergence of a distinctive adoptee collective identity, and adoptee returns to Korea in relation to South Korean modernity and globalization.




A Guide to Magical Creatures Around Your Home


Book Description

RECOVER WHAT TRAUMA HAS STOLEN FROM YOUR CHILD Children from traumatic backgrounds (including foster and adoptive children) have often been asked to give up pretend, play, and childhood in order to survive in an adult world. This is unfortunate as we tend to learn crucial lessons about the world and ourselves within the confines of childhood play. While children might be removed from the cause of chronic trauma, the concept of play will not come naturally for them. This book (along with the complimentary parent activity guide) will help you and your child to discover a world of pretend where your child can also conquer issues in relationship.




Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency


Book Description

Based on a hugely successful US model, the Seven Core Issues in Adoption is the first conceptual framework of its kind to offer a unifying lens that was inclusive of all individuals touched by the adoption experience. The Seven Core Issues are Loss, Rejection, Shame/Guilt, Grief, Identity, Intimacy, and Mastery/Control. The book expands the model to be inclusive of adoption and all forms of permanency: adoption, foster care, kinship care, donor insemination and surrogacy. Attachment and trauma are integrated with the Seven Core Issues model to address and normalize the additional tasks individuals and families will encounter. The book views the Seven Core Issues from a range of perspectives including: multi-racial, LGBTQ, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, African-American, International, openness, search and reunion, and others. This essential guide introduces each Core Issue, its impact on individuals, offering techniques for growth and healing.




The Girls Who Went Away


Book Description

The astonishing untold history of the million and a half women who surrendered children for adoption due to enormous family and social pressure in the decades before Roe v. Wade. “It would take a heart of stone not to be moved by the oral histories of these women and by the courage and candor with which they express themselves.” —The Washington Post “A remarkably well-researched and accomplished book.” —The New York Times Book Review “A wrenching, riveting book.” —Chicago Tribune In this deeply moving and myth-shattering work, Ann Fessler brings out into the open for the first time the hidden social history of adoption before Roe v. Wade - and its lasting legacy. An adoptee who was herself surrendered during those years and recently made contact with her mother, Ann Fessler brilliantly brings to life the voices of more than a hundred women, as well as the spirit of those times, allowing the women to tell their stories in gripping and intimate detail.