Adoption Psychotherapy - Wendy Freund MSEd., LCSW

A psychotherapist in private practice since 1987, I see people who are at crossroads of their lives. Perhaps they are having trouble forming or maintaining meaningful relationships or are unsatisfied with their careers, or they seek clearer insight into themselves. Many of my clients are establishing careers in the arts, including film and theater, and I am especially attentive to their unique needs. I work with individuals, couples, and families.

I have particular expertise in adoption issues, including search and reunion. I am familiar with the needs and concerns of all members of the "triad". I supervise and educate other clinicians and professionals on adoption-related issues.

As an expert on the long terms effects of adoption and foster care, in conjunction with the NY Foundling's 140th Homecoming, Joe Donahue interviewed me for his show, The Roundtable on WAMC, on September 2nd, 2009. On Friday, October 9, 2009 I was interviewed for WNYC's Morning Edition by Soterios Johnson. Also, Charles Wilson interviewed me for "Orphan Homecoming: 140 Years in the Making" which appeared in the AARP Bulletin Today on October 19, 2009. On January 21, 2010 I led a conference call dedicated to search and reunion issues for the NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children.

Home for the Holidays
Just the mention of "home" brings to mind returning to oneís loved parents in time to drink eggnog and open presents under the tree with
"Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas" blaring in the background. While many adopted people have had wonderful homes with the joys of
being loved by family members, they are often still missing that first chapter of their lives. New York State has yet to unseal birth certificates and with two bills on the table, 2012 looks like the year to take action! Adopted people over the age of 18 need to be able to obtain their original birth certificates.

Support A8910 Weprin which enacts adoptee rights clarifying language and procedures for obtaining birth certificates and medical histories for adoptees or S5783 LANZA to establish the Bill of Adoptee Rights.

These are some direct questions that members of the triad raise and that I address in therapy:

PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ADOPTED: Should I search? How should I search? How do I talk to my adoptive family about searching? What should I do if I find my birth relatives? What are the ways to make a successful reunion?
PARENTS WHO ADOPT Should I adopt? What does adoption mean to my current situation? What avenues are open for adoption? What makes an adoption work? What makes an adoption difficult? What can I do when problems come up?	BIRTH PARENTS WHO DON'T RAISE THEIR CHILD How will my child feel about meeting me? How will her/his parents react? What should I tell my children? What should I tell my spouse? What are the ways to make a successful reunion?

Adoption is a deep and powerful experience for all involved in the triad. Psychotherapy with an adoption-sensitive therapist provides special opportunities for growth and understanding.