New Beginnings Online Resource Library

POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT
compiled by Carolyn Cain, MSW, TBRI® Practitioner, Social Work Supervisor

Post-adoption support is an important part of the journey for both adoptees and their parents. Long after the excitement of finalization, families can face new emotions or challenges as children grow and their understanding of adoption deepens.

These resources are offered to support continued learning and reflection throughout the adoption journey. Some of the resources included are directly related to adoption, while others offer valuable insight into child development, attachment, relationships, and/or family dynamics. We recognize that each family’s experience is unique and encourage parents and adoptees to use their discernment in selecting what is most helpful and relevant to their individual circumstances.

Inclusion on this list does not imply New Beginning’s endorsement nor agreement with all viewpoints expressed in the materials.

*denotes resource has a (Christian) faith element

Parenting Adopted Children
Books:
The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross
The Connected Parent by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls
The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child by Nancy Verrier
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk
Securely Attached by Mike & Kristin Berry
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge

Podcasts:
Empowered to Connect Podcast*
Creating a Family Podcast
Unraveling Adoption

Understanding Brain Development and Parenting
Books:
Beyond Behaviors by Dr. Mona Delahooke
Brain-Body Parenting by Dr. Mona Delahooke
The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
No Drama Discipline by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
The Power of Showing Up by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
The Yes Brain by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Understanding Behaviors
Books:
The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross
The Connected Parent by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls
Brain-Body Parenting by Dr. Mona Delahooke
Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors by Robyn Gobbel
The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene
For Fear to Love: Parenting Difficult Adopted Children by Bryan Post
Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control: A Love Based Approach to Helping Children With Severe Behaviors by Heather Forbes, LCSW and Bryan Post
Podcast:
The Big Baffling Behavior Show – Robyn Gobbel, LCSW

Understanding Trauma
Books:
What Happened to You by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce Perry & Maia Szalavitz
Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dan

Understanding Your Role In the Parenting Process
Books:
Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children who Thrive by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell
The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT
Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake*

Transracial Adoption
Books:
It Takes More than Love: A Christian Guide to Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Adoption by Brittany Salmon*

For Parents of Younger Children
Books:
Attaching Through Love, Hugs and Play by Deborah Gray
I Love You Rituals by Dr. Becky A Bailey

For Parents of Teens
Books:
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Daniel Siegel
Parenting in the Eye of the Storm: The Adoptive Parents Guide to Navigating the Teen Years by Katie Naftzger
Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens by Debbie Riley, LCMFT with John Meeks (C.A.S.E.)

For Parents of Young Adults/Adults
Books:
Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns*
Leveling Up: Adoptive Parent and Adult Adoptees Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr. Christina Reese and Elain Shenk*
Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict by Joshua Colemen

Extended Family
Books:
In on It: What Adoptive Parents Would Like You to Know About Adoption by Elisabeth O’Toole

Adoptee Created Resources
Books:
You Should be Grateful by Angela Tucker (adoptee)
The Adoptee’s Journey by Cam Lee Small (adoptee)*
Parenting in the Eye of the Storm: The Adoptive Parents Guide to Navigating the Teen Years by Katie Naftzger
All You Can Ever Know (A Memoir) by Nicole Chung
Podcast:
Adoptee On

For Parents Who Are Struggling
Books:
Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent’s Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith by Lisa C. Qualls and Melissa Corkum*
Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors by Robyn Gobbel
Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict by Joshua Colemen

Websites:
The Resilient Caregiver
Lisa Qualls – hope and encouragement for adoptive and foster moms*

For Teens and Young Adult Adoptees
Books:
We’ve Been There: True Stories, Surprising Insights, and Aha Moments for Adopted Teens by Susan TeBos*
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by  Dr. Daniel Siegel (non-adoption)
Twenty Life Transforming Choices Adoptees Need to Make by Sherrie Eldridge
Beneath the Mask: For Teen Adoptees: Teens and Young Adults Share Their Stories by Debbie Riley

Parenting Siblings
Books:
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham

Parenting a Child With FAS/FASD
Books:
Born Broken: An Adoptive Journey by Kristin Berry
Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders by Diane Malbin

General Parenting Info (not adoption related)
Books:
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell*
The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
No Drama Discipline by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
The Power of Showing Up by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
The Yes Brain by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

For Adult Adoptees
Books:
Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens – Debbie Riley
Searching For a Past: The Adopted Adult’s Unique Process of Finding Identity – Jayne Schooler
Mother Me: An Adopted Woman’s Journey to Parenthood – Zarah Phillips
It’s Not About You: Understanding Adoptee Search, Reunion and Open Adoption – Brooke Randolph
Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents – Jean A.S. Strauss and Clarissa Pinkola Este
A Single Square Picture – Kathy Robinson
All There is to Know – Nicole Chung
Once They Hear My Name – Ellen Lee, Marilyn Lammert and Mary Ann Hess

GENERAL RESOURCES
C.A.S.E.
NCFA
Postadoption Support Center

PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS

Lisa Qualls
Melissa Corkum
Robyn Gobbel – The Club
New Beginnings Drop-in Support

FINDING PROFESSIONALS SUPPORT
Having adoption-competent, trauma-informed professionals to turn to makes a big difference! People who understand the unique layers of adoption and how early experiences can shape behavior and relationships is crucial. It’s best not to wait until there’s a crisis to reach out for help, just think of it like going to the dentist for regular checkups rather than waiting until you have a cavity or major problem. Seeking support early can help the adoptee process their life story, families stay connected, build resilience, and continue growing together in healthy ways.

I Spy Helpful Help: How to Find an Adoption-Competent Therapist – NCFA

Post-Adoption Support – National Council For Adoption – overview and resources

Therapists

Adoptee Therapist Directory (listed by state)
This directory includes licensed U.S. mental health professionals who identify as adoptees and work with adoptees / adoptive families in a variety of public and private settings. Only providers who have voluntarily submitted their information have been listed. When looking for a therapist who is an adoptee, it can be valuable to find someone who personally understands the complexities of adoption through their lived experiences. However, it’s important to carefully vet potential therapists, since adoptee perspectives vary widely, and some may hold views that are not supportive of adoption or that don’t align with your family’s values and goals. Ask thoughtful questions about their approach to adoption and how their own experience informs their work, to ensure it’s a good fit for your needs.

National Adoption Competence Therapist Directory (listed by state)
The therapists listed in this Directory have completed training in either or both of the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) training programs described below. Explore their national database to find therapists in your area trained in adoption competence. *

*The individuals listed in this Directory have successfully completed the training required by TAC and/or NTI. TAC indicates individuals who have successfully completed the 72-hour instructor-led Training for Adoption Competency (TAC™), which is the only accredited, evidence-based, assessment-based adoption competency training in the country. NTI indicates individuals who have completed the 30-hour web-based National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI™). The completion of this training reflects their commitment to learning and growth within the specialization of adoption competence.

TBRI® Practitioners –This is a list of those who have gone through TBRI® training and are not necessarily all direct service workers.

Parent Coaching – TBRI® focused (virtual)

Heard Culture
Melody Aguayo: Trauma-informed Coaching for Parents
My Healing Home – Family, Tbri, Trust Based Relational Intervention
Made 4 Connection
CareEQUIP
Chosen Care: Support Services for Adoption, Kinship, Foster Parents
Pathway TBRI Family Training Program | Pathway Family Services (intensive in-home, California)
Mending Families

 Residential Facilities – TBRI® focused
TBRI®-Informed Residential & Treatment Programs in the U.S.
(Compiled from TBRI® Practitioners Group Responses, October 2025)