Many of us face ambiguity and we’re often spread apart throughout geography. Here’s a way for adoptees to connect despite those realities that separate us.
NEW FOR SPRING 2024: Each group member will receive a complimentary physical copy of When We Become Ours (thanks to a generous gift from WWBO authors!) which will be discussed throughout our time together (content note: parents are welcomed to preview the book in advance; mailed to you after registration). While the process and overall content of this teen group is not based on WWBO, there will be space provided to explore the unique Discussion Guide provided by WWBO contributors/authors (again, with many thanks to the wonderful folks at WWBO!!).
Right now, the biggest challenges teen adoptees are thinking about are:
- Not fitting in at school
- Getting asked difficult questions
- Unsure how to make new friends
- Unsure how to maintain boundaries with current friends
- Imagining a future after school
Those normal and common concerns sit on top of their separation from:
- Birth/first family; birth culture
- Education about their experiences
- Relationships with other adoptees
- Adoptee-centered support and guidance
When adoptees miss out on being able to share their stories and hear from the others… they miss out on key factors that support their health and wellbeing.
It’s not because people are intentionally blocking them from these resources (mostly!). It’s because spaces like these are just not as openly available as we’d like them to be.
That’s why I created these seasonal* virtual teen adoptee groups.
Adoptees will get:
- Refreshing, invitational environment
- Space to ask questions
- Time to hear from others
- Six weekly themes* that guide our discussion
- FREE access to online course for teen adoptees ($79 value) and adoptee workbook ($19.99 value)
- Co-created strategies and skills to apply personally and immediately
- New peers and community, along with a place to share from their specific lived experience
- *Curriculum is always evolving, so this group is a robust, dynamic resource for new folks as well as teen adoptees who’ve been a part of previous cohorts!
We’ll gather weekly and virtually on Zoom. Thursdays at 4:15pm-5:00pm central time, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14.
*Weekly topics include: adoption story, emotional literacy, identity development, finding your voice, friendship dynamics, relationship patterns, social media engagement, exploring and establishing boundaries, responding to questions in public, coping skills, mental health awareness, how to use community resources, feeling confident at school, envisioning the future, personal and community empowerment.
Facilitated by adoptee and therapist Cam Lee Small, MS, LPCC
“In the classroom he blends a depth of clinical experience with firsthand perspective to draw meaningful connections between mental health and the lived experience of adoptees in a way that is applicable and engaging.” –Elizabeth Keely Vandre, MSW, LGSW | University of Minnesota Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Access Eco-friendly
These days it’s hard to get teen adoptees connected in spaces built for them. Either access in your area is limited (or doesn’t exist) or they just might not be interested in these conversations yet. Here, they can eliminate travel time and connect from the comfort of their own home (or anywhere with Wifi!).
This is a place where their voice counts, and they get to practice using it in a context designed with their unique stories in mind.
What an honor and thrill it is to be able to offer this kind of space for adoptees. I can’t wait to work together with you and your family this next season!! -Cam
Cam’s Story
Cam’s personal experience as an international adoptee from Korea informs and inspires his current professional work. He formed his own private practice, Therapy Redeemed, in 2018, to raise awareness and respond to the mental health needs of adoptees and their families wherever they may be in their adoption journey. Cam’s vision for adoptee-centered advocacy is evident through his 1:1 counseling services, live workshops and support groups, Masterclass trainings, and his active content creation/collaboration in and through various media platforms. His work has been featured in National Council for Adoption, Christianity Today, University Minnesota School of Social Work, and Center for Adoption Support and Education. His book The Adoptee’s Journey: From Loss and Trauma to Healing and Empowerment (forthcoming through InterVarsity Press June 2024) will address the intersection of adoption, mental health, and social justice. Cam brings value and much needed perspective to the adoption community, personally and professionally. Learn more about Cam’s summer camp experience here.
Professional Feedback RE: Group Facilitation at an Adoptee Camp
“The calm of Cameron’s presence allowed everyone to feel confident in moving forward in the conversation, knowing Cameron would keep them safe despite the challenging material. The skills and knowledge from his graduate education paired with his natural abilities provided cutting edge post adoption programming that we continue to benefit from today.”
A Message for Future Teen Adoptees
By Teen Adoptee from Fall 2022 Virtual Cohort:
“You are never alone in this situation and believe that you have a purpose and worth no matter what. Life will throw obstacles at you but don’t let that hold you back from being the person you wanna be :)”
Created by and for Adoptees
Through our virtual adoptee group, teens will find a refreshing, invitational environment in which they’re free to ask questions, listen to others, and enjoy meeting new peers who share this connection point in our experience of adoption.
Cam Lee Small, MS, LPCC 