Richard and Jo, a married couple in their early 40’s, sought adoption counseling at Sage Clinics as they embarked on their journey to adopt a child. Having struggled with infertility for several years, Richard and Jo made the decision to explore adoption as a path to parenthood. During their initial assessment at Sage Clinics, Richard and Jo shared their personal histories, experiences with infertility, and motivations for pursuing adoption. They expressed a mix of excitement, hope, and anxiety about the adoption process and acknowledged the need for support in navigating the emotional ups and downs that come with adoption.

Their primary goals for adoption counseling were to process their feelings of grief and loss associated with infertility, address concerns and fears about the adoption process, including attachment and bonding, identity issues, and the uncertainty of the future, and develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and expectations throughout the adoption journey. They also wanted to strengthen their relationship as a couple and prepare emotionally and psychologically for parenthood.

In subsequent counseling sessions, Richard and Jo had the opportunity to explore their emotions, hopes, and fears related to adoption in a safe and supportive environment. They discussed their expectations about parenthood, fears about attachment and bonding with an adopted child, and concerns about navigating relationships with birth parents or navigating an open adoption. Their therapist provided them with psychoeducation about the adoption process, including the legal and logistical aspects, and facilitated discussions about their preferences and values regarding adoption. Richard and Jo also learned about the importance of self-care and stress management techniques to maintain their emotional well-being throughout the adoption process.

As Richard and Jo progressed in their adoption counseling journey, they worked on building resilience and support networks to help them cope with the challenges and uncertainties they faced. They connected with other prospective adoptive parents through support groups and online forums, finding comfort and solidarity in sharing their experiences and learning from others who had walked a similar path. Richard and Jo also strengthened their relationship as a couple, prioritizing open communication, empathy, and mutual support as they navigated the highs and lows of the adoption process together. They found strength in their shared commitment to building a loving and supportive family, regardless of the challenges they encountered along the way.

As Richard and Jo approached the final stages of the adoption process, they felt more prepared and empowered to become parents through adoption. They had developed a deeper understanding of their own emotions and motivations, as well as the unique needs and experiences of adopted children and birth families. Their therapist helped them create a post-adoption support plan, including strategies for supporting their child's emotional and psychological well-being, navigating adoption-related conversations, and fostering healthy attachment and bonding as a family. Richard and Jo reported they felt more confident and excited as they awaited the arrival of their adopted child, knowing that they had the knowledge, skills, and support they needed to embark on this new chapter of their lives.