WE ARE A UNIQUE RESOURCE FOR ACCESSIBLE THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE PLACED THEIR CHILD FOR ADOPTION
WE PROVIDE TRAINING AND CONSULTATION FOR THERAPISTS AND ADOPTION PROFESSIONALS IN THE COMPETENT TREATMENT OF BIRTH MOTHERS
Women who have placed children for adoption are significantly unrecognized and underserved in the United States and around the world. Whether they are called birth mothers, biological mothers, first mothers, or simply, mothers, they are often individuals who face significant emotional, familial, community, and economic stressors. In addition, the crisis of the unplanned pregnancy, and the loss of their child in the course of the adoption combined with the lack of recognition of their needs leave many of these women at risk for significantly high anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and future relational and parenting problems. (see research).
The professional education most therapists receive does not include any training in crisis pregnancies, adoption practices, adoption politics, or clinical issues associated with adoption. Even programs offering advanced certificates in adoption competence offer little education about the history, politics, and psycho-emotional consequences for women who place. Untrained therapists can compound birth mothers’ sense of suffering and shame, especially when the therapists’ own assumptions and unconscious biases enter the work.
We advocate for respect, equity, social justice, and the empowerment of birth mothers in all aspects of adoption.
We are committed to educating mental health professionals to foster skills, depth of understanding, and humility in the service of birth mothers.
We value and affirm the health, resilience and vibrancy of birth mothers with appreciation of the complexities of their lives, including socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, ability and religious identities.
We recognize that trauma is inherent in the experiences of most birth mothers and commit to incorporating this reality in all our education and advocacy work.
We value and affirm the fundamental and lifelong connections of birth mothers and their children.
801 Portola Drive, Suite 203
San Frnacisco, CA 94127