Understanding the challenges adopted children may have

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Transcription:

I work a lot with families who have adopted children. Sometimes domestically and sometimes foreign adoptions. A lot of times, these children have had significant and early losses and traumas. One of the things that's most important in helping the children deal in ways that are sensitive and responsive, while attending to their needs. Also, to help them understand that their child brings a history with them to the family. Part of that experience is loss. A lot of children will push their parents, despite how loving their are, will push them away, repeatedly. I think that what they are doing is trying to make sure that this family is not going to leave them like other caregivers have in the past. Helping parents to understand this and not take it too personally, to realize that it's really a test to make sure that you are going to be there in the long run. The way you pass that test is to accept that difficult and challenging behavior and love them, no matter what.

Video Categories: ADOPTION, Parenting Adopted Children, Common Adoption Challenges

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Expert Bio

John Grienenberger, PhD

Family Psychologist

John Grienenberger, PhD, is a psychologist, attachment researcher, and Co-Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Reflective Communities in Los Angeles. He is also a Founder, Executive Director and Clinical Director of Community West, a psychological treatment center for adolescents and young adults in Los Angeles. He has extensive experience in family work, and has trained hundreds of therapists in his mentalization-based approach to working with families. He has authored numerous papers, presentations, and training programs in the areas of psychotherapy, attachment, mentalization, and parenting, and has conducted trainings and presentations both nationally and internationally. He has a part-time private practice in West Los Angeles conducting psychological and psychoeducational testing as well as providing psychotherapy to children, adults, families, and couples. Along with spending time with his children, John also enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.