Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Adoption issues are the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that can come up for adoptees, birth parents, or adoptive families—things like identity struggles, grief, questions about belonging, or difficulty with trust and attachment. These feelings might show up at different points in life, especially during big transitions like starting school or becoming a parent. Some kids may wonder why they were adopted or feel a sense of loss, even in loving homes. Others might face challenges with cultural identity or feel unsure how to talk about their adoption story. Support for adoption issues can be really helpful—chatting to a psychologist who understands adoption can make a big difference in working through tricky feelings, improving relationships, and building a strong sense of self.
These signs don’t always mean something’s wrong, but if they stick around or cause distress, it’s worth seeking support for adoption issues from a psychologist who understands.
Questions like "Who am I?" or "Where do I really belong?"
Feeling "not good enough" or worrying they were unwanted
Being overly clingy, distant, or having trouble forming close relationships
Getting easily upset when people pull away or show disapproval
Especially when adoption is brought up or during major life changes
Wanting to know more about their birth family, even if they don't say it out loud
Changes in mood, behaviour, or school performance that seem to come out of the blue
Nearly 70% of adult adoptees in Australia say adoption impacted their childhood wellbeing
Past forced adoption in Australia has left many with lasting grief, trauma, and identity struggles
Domestic adoption in Australia have dropped by about 98% since the 1970s
Up to one in three Indigenous children were forcibly removed during the Stolen Generations, with ongoing mental health impacts.
When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of adoption, research consistently shows that having the right kind of support makes all the difference. Families don’t just need general parenting advice—they need access to adoption-specific, evidence-based care that recognises the unique experiences of adoptees and their caregivers.
Studies from the American Psychological Association (APA) highlight the importance of adoption-competent therapy—that is, therapy delivered by clinicians trained to understand the emotional, relational and identity-based challenges that come with adoption. This kind of support helps families make sense of complex emotions like grief, loss, or confusion about identity, which might otherwise be difficult to unpack in standard counselling settings.
Adoption-competent therapists can guide parents in how to talk openly with their child about adoption, support attachment and trust-building, and tailor strategies to suit the family’s needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about recognising each person’s unique story.
Research also show that attachment-focused and trauma-informed models—such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy or Theraplay—are especially effective in supporting adopted children. These approaches help children feel safe, rebuild trust, and regulate big emotions. They’re particularly useful for children who have experienced early separation, neglect, or disruptions in care.
Therapies that prioritise connection and emotional safety not only help the child feel more secure—they also help parents better understand their child’s behaviours and build stronger relationships.
Another important finding? Support for adoption issues shouldn’t stop once a child joins a family. Ongoing therapy, peer support, and guidance through key developmental stages (like starting school or entering adolescence) help families stay connected and resilient.
Research shows that families who continue to access adoption-specific support—especially during times of transition—are better able to manage challenges and reduce emotional distress. Regular check-ins with an adoption-informed psychologist can make a huge difference over time.
So, what works best according to the research? Here’s what the evidence tells us:
In short, support for adoption issues works best when it’s specialised, long-term and rooted in evidence-based care.
*Source: Helping adoptive families thrive – American Psychological Association (APA)
Keep adoption part of everyday conversations—it helps normalise it and supports healthy identity development.
Encourage questions and be honest, even if the answers are tricky—kids benefit from knowing their story matters.
Respond with empathy, stick to routines, and help your child feel safe—especially if they've experienced early loss.
Sharing experiences with other adoptive parents can make you feel less alone and more supported.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to provide tailored support for children navigating adoption-related challenges.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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