The spotlight has been rightfully focused on the dire predicament of migrant children separated from their families: #keepfamiliestogether #familesbelongtogether. This situation has brought attention to the potential long-lasting psychological effects of this traumatic event. There are parallels to the adoption experience that adoptees, adoptive families and clinicians may connect to. Adoption research has shown that separation from an original/first family is a loss that is not always recognized by society as a whole. The authentic love of an adoptive family is not a replacement for the bereavement of that loss. I am hopeful the significant voices of adoptee professionals like Janet Nordine, LMFT  can help reify the narrative for adoptive families and move to resolve these complex feelings for adoptees and others affected by the trauma of separation.… Read the rest “Also Known As”

KAAN’s 20th annual conference (Korean American Adoptive Family Network) was my first, and filled with every emotion, from robust laughter to tears. Attendees and presenters brought expertise and authentic testimony to the complexities of our community. Glen and Julie Morey’s documentary project, SidexSide is but one example.

Robyn Joy Park and I presented a session to illustrate how the Adoptee Identity Development Workshops provide an energetic and safe space to empower emerging adoptee identities. We described the workshops’ use of creative arts, movement, and interactive activities to encourage child and adolescent adoptees to identify their thoughts and feelings about relevant themes, within the greater context of their unique experience as adoptees.

Indeed, it was thought-provoking to listen as adoptee scholars, advocates and activists discussed the current status of transnational and transracial adoption, the future work for these communities, and to imagine the emergence of the new voice of the adoption diaspora, Chinese transnational adoptees. The discussants expressed support and solidarity for all families experiencing separation, including the experience of adoption. I am excited to imagine the pursuit of solidarity with other communities of adoption as KAAN moves into its third decade.… Read the rest “KAAN 2018”

The 2018 series of adoptee identity development workshops were inspiring! Our multi-generational adoptee facilitators led the Spring workshops for kids, tweens and teens to highlight ongoing adoption themes. Kumbi Butler, longtime yoga teacher, owner of The Heartbeat House and a Korean adoptee, led the stress reduction and relaxation module for each group. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Michaela Dietz, AKA the voice of Amethyst from the hit animated series Steven Universe to the Tween workshop. She shared the show’s themes of adoption, diversity and community with the group as they envisioned their own gem stone identities and super powers. The workshops addressed age-appropriate adoptee-centered themes including social skills & challenges, diversity in families, grief and loss, living in the digital world, bullying and stress management. It’s transformative for kids to both share their thoughts and feelings about adoption, and to hear perspectives from their peers.… Read the rest “Spring 2018 Adoptee Identity Workshops . . . They ROCKED!”