Support Groups

“When we share our stories, and when we own the dark as well as
the light parts of our journey, we then help other people find their voice.
When we dig deep and find the courage to heal and move forward, when
we create healing spaces for others to tell their truth, we help other
hurting people heal their trauma so that they can move forward as well.”

– Mari Lee, Family Therapist

There are 3 support groups starting this fall, 2024. All are for those impacted by Adoption.

T.H.R.I.V.E. = (Trust, Heal, Restore, Integrate, Validate, Emerge)
A 12-phase healing program for adult adoptees over the age of 22, no matter when you were given up for adoption.

G.R.A.C.E. = (Growth, Release, Acceptance, Connection, Emergence)
for Birth Parents

L.O.T.U.S. = (Love, Openness, Trust, Understanding, Sanctuary)
for Adoptive and Foster Parents

These groups are for any member of the adoption family constellation, seeking support, community, and a safe place to explore the challenges, trauma and impact on relationships, identity, family, profession, spiritual life and more.

The concept of group therapy:
By meeting others who are also in the same life situation as an adoptee, or an adoptive / foster parent, or a birth parent, we find a safe space to share our experiences in an atmosphere of complete respect, understanding, mutual support, and confidentiality. By hearing others’ stories, it becomes crystal clear we are not alone, and our feelings are not unreasonable; neither are they a prison of our own making. We can explore together.

Each group is designed to bring its members through a journey of self-exploration, inner growth, and release from the anguish each part of this adoption triangle is caught in.

Twice each month, as participants we will share our personal life experiences and share in the process of: grieving, reclaiming origin stories, understanding ourselves and others.

We will learn new emotional skills, how to build strong relationships, and develop resilience and a deeper insight into what our path in life can be, not in spite of, but because of our extraordinary journey.

While the system of adoption is far from ideal, each person touched by these forged families has an opportunity to make a difference. Where there has been confusion, stigmas, deception, and ignorance, as a group, we can create beauty, fulfillment, and deep meaning in our own lives and in the lives of those around us in our shared experience.

Sharing with others can provide not only support, insight, and comfort during this journey, but also laughter, life-long friendships, and deep satisfaction.

Details:

People wishing to take part will be interviewed and placed in a group that is most appropriate to their needs and goals.

All groups will be limited to 8-10 people, with a minimum of 5 to be formed.

All participants will be grouped with others who share their position in the family constellation (adoptees together, birth parents together, adoptive/foster parents together).

Because this program offers far more than group therapy, it is structured to continue on a monthly basis, twice per month, in a chronological order to cover the material in an emotionally supported way. It encapsulates the research of thousands of families, the important emotional, legal, practical, social and psychological issues facing members of the adoption constellation.

Participation only asks a commitment to a 3-month session at a time. Taken in sequence, members of a group set the pace with the material and form a bond of trust, respect and understanding.

Each session is 1-1/2 hours, bi-weekly at a designated time.

Current Available slots:
TBD by accepted applicants

Minimum of 5 people, Maximum of 10 people per group.

For more information and to schedule a placement assessment, please contact me at:
Email: hello@janiceshaynetherapy.com
Phone: 619-738-3768
Click on the “Book a Free Intro Call” button below, to send me a direct message.