The Teenage Years: A Crucial Time for Identity
Adoption can be a beautiful life-changing experience as well as create a unique set of challenges for many adoptive families. The teenage years are when we begin to figure out our identities. For adopted adolescents, these complicated years can create confusing feelings around identity and family dynamics.
The Unique Challenge of Belonging for Adopted Teens
One of the most profound issues for adopted teens is a sense of belonging. Adolescence is already a time when teens question "Who am I?" and "Where do I fit in?" For adopted teens, these questions can feel even more pronounced, as they try to discern their true identity in light of both their biological roots commingling with their lived experience with their adoptive family.
When Signs of Struggle Begin to Show
A teen presents as depressed, withdrawn and isolating. Their parents may observe a change in behavior, a teacher may notice shifts in academic performance or the teen may reach out and express their discontent. Hopefully the family will pursue therapy for the teen where they can get an accurate assessment and appropriate recommendations for treatment.
Why Adoption-Competent Therapy Matters
Too often an adopted adolescent seeks treatment from a general therapist, is misdiagnosed and does not receive appropriate treatment for the specific nuanced needs of an adopted person. Adoption Competent Therapists have been trained to view the individual via an adoption lens; yes many teens are depressed and withdrawn, but the root cause of the depression for an adopted teen is often different than that of a non-adopted teen.
A therapist who has been thoroughly trained in all developmental aspects of the adoption person as well as the wider scope to include the entire adoption kinship network (birth parent, adoptive parent, child) will be able to properly assess and treat an adopted teen presenting with depression, anxiety, anger and any other distressing symptoms.
The Core Issues Adopted Teens Face
Core issues such as identity and belonging, attachment and trust and grief and loss are just a few of the many difficulties an adopted person can encounter. A therapist trained specifically in these adoption topics can make a tremendous impact in the overall therapeutic experience.
Finding the Right Support
If you or a family member are seeking services for an adoptive person, please contact me or this helpful reference list to find someone who can provide the best professional services for the person in need.