Adoption Competent Therapy for Children
Helping Children Feel Heard and Supported
Children don’t always have the words to explain how they’re feeling. But their behavior, moods, or even silence can speak volumes.
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, family transitions, or challenges related to adoption or early life experiences, adoption competent therapy for children offers a supportive and understanding space to explore what’s going on and to help them grow, connect, and thrive.
At Adoption Center of Illinois, we offer specialized, developmentally appropriate therapy that meets children where they are. We offer adoption-competent therapy, which is trauma-focused, relationally driven, and utilizes play and art.
Why Families Seek Adoption Competent Therapy for Children With Us
You might be noticing:
- Difficult questions about adoption, identity, or belonging
- Increased anxiety, anger, fear, or sadness
- Withdrawal, shutdown, or refusal to talk
- Trouble sleeping or regressing in behavior
- Difficulty forming attachments with adoptive parents or siblings
- Struggles at school or with relationships
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in their environment
Or maybe something just feels… off. You’re not sure how serious it is, but you know your child needs more support than you can give alone.
That’s where we come in.
Adopted children may experience emotional or behavioral difficulties stemming from their early life experiences, such as abandonment, neglect, or separation from their birth families. Traditional therapy may not always address these specific concerns. Adoption-competent therapy ensures that adopted children are provided with the right tools and support to heal and thrive.
How We Work With Children
Our work is relationally driven. We seek to build a relationship with your child first and foremost. Then we tailor our therapeutic work to meet their needs in a way that is supportive.
We understand adoption, its depth of complexity, and its impact on a child’s and a family’s life. Our therapists address the unique emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of adopted children and their families. Our therapy takes into account the complexities and challenges that may arise from adoption, including the child’s early history, attachment issues, trauma, loss, and identity struggles.
Play is an important part of therapy with kids, as play is their language. Especially for younger kids, therapy will involve games and art, and playing with toys like dolls, a dollhouse, and sand. These are all tools to aid children in expressing themselves, exploring their emotions, and processing whatever is happening and has happened in their lives.
What about the Parents?
Parents are a vital part of this work. As therapists, we are only with your child for a short time per week, but you are the ones there day in and day out. We want you to be involved.
Our therapists work with parents to support their children. We provide guidance and strategies to adoptive parents to help them manage specific behavioral challenges that might arise and support the child’s emotional development.
Questions You Might Have About Adoption Competent Therapy for Children
You don’t have to be sure. We can help you assess whether therapy would be helpful and how best to support your child, even if you don’t proceed with treatment. We can also provide external referrals if we are not the right fit.
Only if and when they’re ready. And when they do, they’ll be with someone who can empathize with and support them. Also, it’s not always necessary for them to talk to heal; we often utilize play and art as a way to help children express emotions and process difficulties.
It’s important to approach them with empathy, honesty, and reassurance. Therapy should never be about them being “in trouble” or being “broken.” Instead, talk to them about therapy as a place where they can go to get help with big feelings or worries. Always assure them they don’t have to talk about something they don’t want to, and it’s ok if they feel nervous or unsure.
Feel free to reach out to us for help on how to talk to your child about therapy.
The Sooner, the Better
Waiting doesn’t always make things better. Early support can stop emotional challenges from turning into lifelong patterns. And it can restore calm and confidence for your child, and for you. If you want to explore options more, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact
Claire Dixon, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services
Feel free to contact Claire by email, phone, or via the contact form below to discuss if this program is a good fit for you and your family.
Email: cdixon@adoptillinois.org
Phone: 773-321-0309