Constellation Conversations: Adoption, Adoptee Voices, and Trauma-Informed Care

Sarah Harper and Brenda Chapel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Adoption is complex, and understanding its impact begins with centering adoptee voices. Join Sarah Harper, a trauma therapist and adoptee, and Brenda Chapel, an open-adoption adoptive parent, as they explore adoption’s nuances with guests from across the adoption constellation—including adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and professionals. Together, they facilitate meaningful conversations that uncover adoption truths, promote trauma-informed care, and inspire a more compassionate and equitable world for adoptees.

Episodes

  1. Episode 7: More Than a Flower Transplanted: An Adoptee's Perspective on Roots and Growth

    01/15/2025

    Episode 7: More Than a Flower Transplanted: An Adoptee's Perspective on Roots and Growth

    Join us for Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Liliana, an international and transracial adoptee, as she continues to share her journey of self-discovery, cultural reconnection, and healing. In this episode of Constellation Conversations, Liliana dives deeper into the complexities of navigating identity and belonging as an adoptee. She opens up about the challenges of feeling caught between two worlds, the importance of acknowledging and processing grief and loss, and the lifelong impact of adoption on her sense of self. Liliana also shares her inspiring story of reconnecting with her Ecuadorian heritage and the profound impact it has had on her healing and self-acceptance. Her experiences shed light on the importance of cultural connection for adoptees and the need for greater understanding and support within the adoption constellation. Are you learning and processing the adoptee experience? Click this link 🔗 to access this episode's Guided Reflection, designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your trauma informed awareness. #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoption #adoptioncompetency #traumainformedcare #adoptiveparent #adoptivemom #podcast #constellationconversations

    29 min

  2. 01/01/2025

    Episode 6: Liliana's Journey: Unveiling the Complexities of Transracial Adoption

    Join us for a powerful conversation with Liliana, an international and transracial adoptee from the indigenous community of Ecuador, as she shares her journey of complexity, self-discovery, and cultural reconnection. In this first part of a two-part episode of Constellation Conversations, Liliana opens up about the complexities of growing up adopted without knowledge of her birth or early life history. She speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating identity, loss, and the lifelong impact of adoption, including the ripple effects on her children and the generations to come. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Liliana's powerful story and gain valuable insights into the adoptee experience. ➡️  Are you learning and processing the adoptee experience? Click this link 🔗 to access this episode's Guided Reflection, designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your learning journey. #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoption #adoptioncompetency #traumainformedcare #adoptiveparent #adoptivemom #podcast #constellationconversations

    24 min
  3. Episode 5: Holiday Reflections for Adult Adoptees and First Families

    12/23/2024

    Episode 5: Holiday Reflections for Adult Adoptees and First Families

    The holidays can be a time of joy, but also a time of complex emotions for those touched by adoption. In this episode of Constellation Conversations, we shift our focus to the adults in the adoption constellation – adult adoptees and first families. Join Sarah, an adult adoptee and trauma therapist and Brenda, an adoptive parent in an open adoption, as they explore the unique challenges and opportunities that the holidays can bring. Many assume that adoption means a "forever family," but the reality is more nuanced. We discuss the longing for connection that many adoptees experience, especially during the holidays, and how this can be amplified for those who may not have a strong family connection. We also explore the complex emotions that first families navigate as they approach traditional family events with a non-traditional family structure, whether they have an open adoption or not. ➡️ Holiday Tips for Adoptees and First Families: Click Here to Access this Free Resource  This week, we offer some guidance for navigating the complexities of the holiday season. #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoption #adoptioncompetency #traumainformedcare #adoptiveparent #adoptivemom #podcast #constellationconversations

    16 min
  4. Episode 4: Unwrapping Adoption- Supporting Adoptees During the Holidays

    12/18/2024

    Episode 4: Unwrapping Adoption- Supporting Adoptees During the Holidays

    In this episode, Sarah, an adoptee and trauma therapist, shares her unique perspective on how the holidays can bring up a mix of emotions for adoptees. Brenda and Sarah discuss practical tips and insights on creating a supportive holiday experience for adoptees. Guided Learning: Want to dive deeper? We've created a set of reflection questions based on this episode to help you process the information and apply it to your own life. ➡️ Visit this link for the Guided Learning questions:  How to Use the Guided Learning Questions: Find a quiet space where you can reflect without distractions.Read through each quote and question carefully.Journal your thoughts and responses. Be honest and open with yourself.Consider discussing your reflections with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist.#adoptee #adopteevoices #adoptioncompetency #traumainformedcare #adoptiveparent #adoptivemom #podcast #constellationconversations

    35 min
  5. Episode 3: Bridging Two Worlds: Open Adoption and Family Connections

    12/11/2024

    Episode 3: Bridging Two Worlds: Open Adoption and Family Connections

    Description: In this episode of Constellation Conversations, Sarah and Brenda explore the complex dynamics of open adoptions, focusing on the challenges of reunion and the critical importance of biological family connections. Brenda shares her personal experiences navigating open adoption and reaching out to biological family, while Sarah provides insights into the emotional and developmental impacts of these connections from both an adoptee and professional perspective. Together, they discuss how fear—whether for the adoptee or themselves—can influence decisions, and they emphasize the importance of centering adoptee needs while supporting all members of the adoption constellation. Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoptee, or part of the broader constellation, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable steps for fostering healthy and meaningful relationships. Guided Learning: For those learning and processing the adoptee experience, click here to access this Episode's Guided Learning and reflection questions to deeper your understanding of the adoptee experience and to assist you in providing adoption competent support and care.

    27 min
  6. Episode 2: Adoption is an Existential Trauma: Living a Story Written By Others

    11/29/2024

    Episode 2: Adoption is an Existential Trauma: Living a Story Written By Others

    Description: In this episode, we explore the unique and often misunderstood trauma of adoption and its impact on identity. Sarah Harper, an adoptee and trauma therapist, shares her personal and professional insights on how adoption can shape one’s sense of self through narratives crafted by others. We discuss the existential loss adoptees experience, the challenges of reclaiming identity, and why listening to adoptee voices is essential for understanding the complexities of adoption. Show Notes Guided Learning: For those learning and processing the adoptee experience, please open this link for guided journal questions to enhance your understanding and assist you in a deeper understanding of the topics covered today.  Origin of FOG The concept of FOG was first introduced by psychotherapist Susan Forward and Donna Frazier in their 1997 book, Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You. The authors describe how individuals use these emotions to exert control and create confusion in relationships. While originally developed to address emotional manipulation, the FOG framework has been adapted to explore the unique experiences of adoptees, especially as they navigate complex emotions and societal expectations surrounding adoption. FOG in the Context of Adoption For adoptees, FOG often manifests in the intricate emotional dynamics and societal narratives surrounding adoption. Here’s how FOG can relate to adoptees: FearFear of being perceived as ungrateful for their adoption.Fear of abandonment or rejection, often rooted in early maternal separation trauma.Fear of speaking out about adoption-related pain due to societal glorification of adoption as a “beautiful gift.”ObligationA sense of duty to meet the expectations of adoptive parents or to align with societal narratives.Pressure to protect the feelings of adoptive parents by not expressing curiosity or grief about birth parents.Obligation to conform to the “happy adoptee” trope to avoid discomfort in others.GuiltGuilt for wanting to know or search for birth family members.Guilt for struggling with feelings of loss or dissatisfaction, despite being told they were “chosen.”Guilt for questioning the ethics of their adoption or the adoption system as a whole.How FOG Impacts Adoptees Adoptees living in the FOG may feel silenced, conflicted, or misunderstood. They may struggle to reconcile their authentic feelings with the expectations placed upon them by society, family, or even themselves. The FOG can prevent adoptees from processing their adoption journey fully and honestly. Further Reading and References Adoptee-Specific Adaptations:"The Adoptee FOG: Fear, Obligation, Guilt and the Journey to Clarity" (Commonly discussed in adoptee advocacy communities).Adoptee Rights Campaign – For insights on societal expectations and adoptee rights.Online Resources:Out of the FOG – A general discussion of FOG, with adaptable insights for adoptees.Adoptee Voices on Social Media (e.g., Adoptee Advocacy TikTok and Instagram communities).

    29 min

  7. 11/19/2024

    Episode 1: We Didn't Know

    In this debut episode, we introduce ourselves—Sarah Harper, a trauma therapist and adoptee, and Brenda Chapel, an adoptive parent in an open adoption—and share the inspiration behind launching Harper-Chapel: The Constellation of Adoption. We explore how our personal experiences within the adoption constellation have shaped our perspectives and strengthened our mission to create a more compassionate and equitable world for adoptees. From centering adoptee voices to fostering trauma-informed care, we discuss why these conversations are essential and how they’ve influenced our own journeys. Join us as we lay the foundation for what’s to come and invite you to be part of the constellation.

    17 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Adoption is complex, and understanding its impact begins with centering adoptee voices. Join Sarah Harper, a trauma therapist and adoptee, and Brenda Chapel, an open-adoption adoptive parent, as they explore adoption’s nuances with guests from across the adoption constellation—including adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and professionals. Together, they facilitate meaningful conversations that uncover adoption truths, promote trauma-informed care, and inspire a more compassionate and equitable world for adoptees.

Information