Family Dynamics: Therapist Jeanette Yoffe on the unique needs of adopted children

Jeanette Yoffe dives deep into the complexities of foster care and adoption in this enlightening chat. As an adult adoptee, she shares her personal experiences, revealing how her journey through the foster system shaped her career as a psychotherapist advocating for children in similar situations. We discuss the crucial role of emotional support for kids grappling with grief and loss, emphasizing that they can't always piece together their stories alone—sometimes, they need a little help from the adults around them. Jeannette stresses the importance of finding an adoption-competent therapist and also introduces some unique interventions for parents, like creating a question box to encourage open dialogue about adoption. She recommends many free resources on her youtube page, as well.

Takeaways:

• Jeanette Yoffe shares her own personal journey through foster care and adoption, highlighting the importance of understanding a child's emotional experiences.
• She emphasizes the need for open conversations about adoption to help children process their feelings of loss and identity.
• The concept of genetic mirroring is crucial for adoptees as it helps them understand their identity and where they come from.
• Jeanette discusses the significance of therapeutic parenting, encouraging parents to validate their child's feelings and foster open communication about their past.
• She introduces the idea of a question box for adopted children, allowing them to express their curiosities and concerns in a safe space.
• The episode stresses the need for foster and adoptive families to embrace cultural differences, promoting a sense of belonging and identity within the family.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Celia Center
• Yoffe Therapy
• Pesi
• Jeanette-ically Speaking (Jeanette's Youtube)