Adoptee-only virtual retreat for National Adoption Week 2022: what to expect
We can’t wait to see you at our adoptees-only event on 15th October! Claire had the idea for this event when she recalled how dysregulated adopted people can get during National Adoption Week. This yummy event should ground us and set us up nicely before the week, which can be problematic for some.
Originally Claire had the idea of doing the event in person in London, but logistically it wasn’t possible for 2022. The event is kindly sponsored by PAC-UK who have also provided some subsidised places. These have not yet been snapped up, so please email hello@howtobeadopted.com to get your code to book, no questions about your finances will be asked.
So let’s see what’s in store for you lucky adoptees:
Gentle grounding yoga session with Claire
Claire qualified in Kundalini Global Yoga this year and is excited to bring the benefits to adoptees - it’s a new form of Kundalini which is more accessible and inclusive and it’s been shown to help the nervous system.
Adoptee guilt with Lara Leon, adoptee and therapist
Many adoptees suffer in silence, not understanding why they feel so confused, sad, or lonely. Until recently, the plight of adoptees wasn’t well understood, and so open communication about these feelings wasn’t (still isn’t) something that is openly encouraged in families and peer groups.
As if this weren’t enough to contend with, the inability to bond or form strong loving attachments to adoptive family members may result in further feelings that the adoptee may have to cope with alone. Many adoptees experience a sense of guilt as they try to navigate and understand their feelings (or lack thereof) towards their caregivers and siblings. They often end up overcompensating, acting out or distancing themselves, causing further hurt to all involved.
This talk will highlight some of the key points about adoptee guilt, and how to go about tackling it.
‘Life Story’ with Gilli Bruce, adoptee and counsellor
We know from the world of psychology, that everyone forms a sub-conscious story by the time they reach the age of 7. This ‘story’ is about ourselves - and may include aspects of our worth, how we must behave and where we belong in the scheme of things. Most of us are unaware that we have this story hidden within our sub-conscious, but it’s there – operating behind the scenes and having a significant impact on our lives.
Naturally, adoptees have a story too and being adopted can lead to particular kinds of story that our young selves concocted to make sense of this confusing childhood experience. We will explore the concept of Life Story, the impacts it has on our lives and how we might want to change our story into an adult’s version that will serve us better.
You might want to have pen and paper to hand for this section of the day.
Breakout sessions: connect with other adopted people
After lunch, it’s your time to gather in breakout rooms (supported by the HTBA team) to share thoughts on the day so far and connect with other adopted people. We know so many of you contact us asking to be put in touch with other adoptees so here’s your chance. This is the only section of the day that will NOT be recorded.
Anne Heffron joins us from the States
The author of You Don’t Look Adopted is joining us for a. motivational speech on the power of writing your story even if no one else reads it. If you’ve never heard Anne speak before, get ready for a treat!
Postcard to myself
Lovely exercise to end the day.
The day runs 10am-3.30pm GMT with plenty of breaks
All sessions will be recorded with the exception of the breakout rooms
Cost: £29 Book now
Member price: £19 (find out about becoming a member)
Subsidised places are available, please get in touch on hello@howtobeadopted.com if you’re financially challenged - no questions asked.
Any questions about the day, email hello@howtobeadopted.com
