What is an Adoption-Competent Therapist?

According to experts in the field of adoption, the following characteristics are necessary to be considered an "adoption competent mental health professional"; Joan Normandy-Dolberg meets all these criteria and is happy to help your family become the best it can be!

1. I have a MS in Special Education and an MEd in Counseling and Development; I am both a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. In addition I have significant post-graduate training in adoption.

2. I work with adoptive families and adopted persons using a family-based, strengths-based, and evidence-based approach. I work with family as a whole and consider you the expert because you live with your children every day.

3. I have a clear understanding of individual and family development; I work from the perspective that adoption is a developmental process that changes throughout a family’s history. I work as a member of a team with your doctor, special education teachers and (if necessary) the juvenile justice system.

 4. I understand that all adoptive family members have experienced losses, whether the loss of a birth family due to adoption or the loss of a dream family due to infertility. Many adopted individuals experience early trauma in addition to their losses, and this requires specialized treatment.

 5. I have studied the dynamics and special issues of adoption and have worked with adoptive parents, birth parents and adopted children in a variety of capacities since 1971. In addition I am the mother of three adopted children.

6. I understand and respect the various ways that adoptive families are formed, through public and private adoptions, foreign adoptions, kinship adoption, step parent adoption, adoption from foster care, and infant adoption.

7. I understand the impact of separation and loss on individuals and families and the importance of attachment in creating healthy relationships. I am able to provide guidance on how to foster healthy attachment.

8. I understand and work effectively with adoptive families and adopted persons throughout the lifespan.  I realize that adopted children and adoptive families may experience sadness, anger, and feelings of abandonment in different ways throughout their lives, depending on their developmental level.

9. I respect the racial and cultural heritage of all children and families and I enjoy learning as I work with families and individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

10. I employ a variety of therapeutic techniques that are effective in helping adoptive parents feel entitled to parent their adoptive children and to help all members of the adoptive family to heal.

 11. I am knowledgeable about a variety of parenting techniques that help strengthen, develop and support healthy family relationships.

12. I am knowledgeable about school and community resources and work collaboratively with a variety of support systems including Community Mental Health, psychiatrists, alcohol and drug services. When appropriate I make referrals to additional therapies and services.

 13. I will advocate for your child and will accompany your family to school meetings, CST hearings, court appearances, and treatment facilities.