Betwixt and between:

Ann Nation

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2001.10

Ann Nation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2001.10

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to help therapists to increase their understanding of the powerful psychological underpinnings of adoption reunions. It outlines significant psychological and interactional issues for people searching and engaged in reunion as they attempt to weave new relationships with one another against the background of their genetic, adoptive and relinquishment histories. Altering expectations and relinquishing long-held fantasies can be a very difficult task for all members of the adoption triangle. The paper argues that a lack of psychological understanding of adoption realities, combined with superficial therapeutic practice in supporting those involved in reunions, have been significant factors in many unsatisfactory reunion outcomes in New Zealand.

Author Biography

Ann Nation

As recorded in 2001.

Ann Nation, BA, DipSocWk, CertSocSt, CertClinSup, MNZAP, NMZAC, is a psychotherapist, family therapist, and counsellor in the Hutt Valley. She has worked as a social worker and family therapist in child and family mental health agencies and in a DSW Adoptions Department as a Social Work supervisor. In the last 10 years Ann has focused more on adult psychotherapy, specialising in abuse and adoption issues. She currently works part-time in private practice and part-time in a community child and family agency. She is also a supervisor, a tutor in family therapy, and a presenter of workshops and seminars on adoption. She brings her personal and professional experiences together in her w·orkin adoption.

Betwixt and between

An exploration of adoption reunion realities following New Zealand non-Maori adoptions, from a psychodynamic perspective

Abstract

Author Biography