The great American statesman, Frederick Douglass, once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men [and women].” What did he mean by that? We believe he meant that by building a strong and stable foundation, our children will have something solid to stand on as they grow into young men and women. For certain vulnerable groups, like children of adoption, this is especially true. This is why adoption group therapy can be so critical in promoting healthy growth and inner strength in adopted children.
One should not minimize anyone’s mental health struggles, and this is especially true with children. However, there are certain populations of children that have a significantly greater prevalence of mental health issues. These populations, including adopted children, require a specific approach and focus. For adopted children, this approach may include adoption group therapy, which is particularly effective in their program of recovery.
Many students at Clearview Girls Academy who are adopted suffer from some form of childhood trauma. They need to process that trauma to better find a sense of self, serenity, and peace. Adoption group therapy can be a considerably effective way to get there.
Understanding Adoption Group Therapy
According to Children’s Bureau, “Experienced therapists who have a working understanding of loss, attachment, trauma, and brain development, as well as knowledge of issues associated with adoption, are best suited to help address the concerns of adoptive parents and effectively treat their children.” At Clearview Girls Academy, we have the specialists, therapists, tools, and resources that can aid in adopted children’s mental health recovery. This includes adoption group therapy.
Adoption group therapy is a focused therapy with the primary purpose of creating and repairing the connection between the child and the adoptive parents or caretakers (and biological parents if possible). These groups connect individuals with similar stories and experiences to create better reliability and open dialogue.
The group aspect of adoption therapy allows for multiple connections, which creates an opportunity for better healing. This aspect also allows the children to gain multiple perspectives on similar issues as well as real-time discussion and feedback regarding their individual trauma.
While adoption group therapy can be critical for trauma recovery, it is even more effective when administered alongside other therapeutic tools, including those we offer at our center.
Combining Adoption Group Therapy With Other Offerings
Here at Clearview Girls Academy, we take an individual approach to all of our students, whether they come from a particularly vulnerable population or not. Of course, this applies to our adopted students and parents.
In addition to adoption group therapy, we have numerous other modalities of therapy that can reinforce its effectiveness. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be critical in helping uncover some of the trauma that children of adoption hold.
Equine Therapy
We also have some therapies that are specific to our beautiful Montana mountain surroundings. One, in particular, is equine therapy, which helps our students form a deep connection with a horse that is reliant upon them. Equine therapy also helps with discipline and self-confidence.
Spiritual Growth
Another integral part of our recovery program is spiritual growth. In the Bible, Psalm 127:3 tells us, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” We do not take that reward lightly.
Here at Clearview Girls Academy, we focus on the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We feel that his universal teachings help our students understand that they are loved, they are worthy, and they deserve to flourish. However, while we promote the teachings of Jesus, we do not attempt any conversion. We simply encourage a spiritual life, whatever that may mean to the individual student.
Adoption Group Therapy for Recovery
The great Native American leader, Sitting Bull, once said, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” This is our sentiment as well.
Adoption group therapy is but a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of recovery. This specific therapy can help build that foundation not just as a momentary exercise but as a tool that can be utilized throughout our students’ lives long after they have left Clearview Girls Academy.
Our Mission to Light the Path
Our mission statement is: “Light her path.” We are here partly to illuminate the path, but we also offer the tools that will help our students continue to walk the path in the future. For our adopted population, this may include adoption group therapy.
There is no greater joy for us than seeing our students succeed in recovery and healing. We know that this success is going to change not only our students’ lives but the greater world around them as well. We are creating the leaders of the next generation, and from what we’ve seen thus far, we will all be in good hands.
While adopting a child is one of the biggest acts of love a person can commit, it still comes with certain complexities that are best addressed earlier rather than later. Adoption group therapy can help an adopted child work through some of the complicated emotions that often arise out of their complex situation. If possible, this therapy utilizes the adoption triad, which is the adoptive parents, the biological parents, and the adopted child, to heal any adoption-related issues that arise. When these issues are addressed early, it can help everyone involved, especially the child. It allows her to become the healthy, well-rounded young woman she deserves to be. For more information, call Clearview Girls Academy at (888) 796-5484.
