Adoption Text-based Home Course (3 CE) - Printed Version

Therapists who work with adopted children must know the unique needs of these children, and address them sensitively and age-appropriately. They must know the social, familial, and legal context in which the adoption occurred, for the child, adoptive parent(s) and birth parent(s).

This course begins with the history of adoption in the United States and current social changes and beliefs that are affecting the rate, types and families who are adopting children. It addresses the various types of adoption, particularly as it impacts how much contact the child has with his/her biological parent(s). Most importantly for treatment, the core emotional issues surrounding adoption, such as loss, grief, identity and attachment are discussed.

Depending upon the family constellation, the nature of the adoption and the presenting issues at the time of treatment, a range of therapeutic approaches may be used. This presentation focuses upon the role of the therapist in family therapy, for both "traditional" and "non-traditional" families. The objective is to help adoptive parent(s) to improve the child's attachment abilities, take into account any attachment trauma's the child may have experienced, and provide therapists with a range of interventions for the child.

Author: Jane Winslow, M.A., LMFT

Target Audience: Introductory and Intermediate; LMFTs, Social Workers, LPCCs, Nurses, Substance Abuse Counselors, and other mental health clinicians.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the seven core issues related to adoption, as well as the common emotional and attachment disorders that affect these clients.
2. Identify a variety of treatment models that help parents and children strengthen their communication and emotional attunement, and the appropriate mental health provider's role.
3. Describe how psychosocial issues related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, extended or unconventional family constellations, and single parenting affects adoption.
4. List the federal and state laws affecting the families of adoption as well as the mental health provider's role and responsibilities.

Advantages of taking Gerry Grossman Seminars at-home CE courses:

• Online courses offer the post-test online for instant course completion.
• You can repeat the post-test if you don't pass.
• Online courses are available to you immediately after purchase.
• California LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs can fulfill 100% of their CE hours online.