Adoption specific therapeutic services: advocating the need for neuro-informed work with intercountry adoptees

Topic: Best practices healthcare providers and professionals

Author

Anneke J.G. Vinke, Adoptiepraktijk Vinke, Adoptiepraktijk Vinke, Bilthoven, Netherlands (Presenting Author)
 1 Adoptiepraktijk Vinke, Bilthoven, Netherlands
 2 Leiden University, Forensic Family and Youth Care Studies, Netherlands Guest Lec, Leiden, Netherlands

Background/significance

Adoption specific therapeutic services are called for worldwide. Really making a difference in providing adoption specific care needs not be too difficult. Studies in affective neurobiology, trauma and attachment research next to adoption studies and lived experiences have given practitioners many tools to provide interventions that bring a sustainable therapeutical practice for both adoption aware assessment as well as adoption aware treatment. I argue the need to apply a neuro-sequential assessment (Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics – NMT/ dr.BD Perry)and plan interventions accordingly.

Aim

Introducing a neuro-informed approach to treatment when intercountry adoptees present developmental or other mental health problems.

Project description or research methods

Theoretical insights are combined with clinical experience in Adoptiepraktijk Vinke, a private, specialized mental health practice. Here I will focus on using a neurosequential informed approach: a full NMT-assessment for each client, choosing and planning interventions accordingly. Theory will be illustrated by examples from clinical practice.

Results

The NMT as a starting point for adoptionspecifc therapy, gives a sturdy framework to really make the difference by working neurosequentially informed (NMT model and brainmaps). Based on the maps a tailor made treatment plan, combining interventions from e.g. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Polyvagal Theory is designed. This is elaborated upon in the talk and illustrated by examples from clinical practice.

Discussion and implications

When looking at services to help adoptees overcome early adversity, using the here proposed theoretical and practical tools in order to design personalized treatment, is a helpful way to help clients grow, find a safe space, connect with self, origins and the world.
Awareness of adoption and adoption related topics, is important but even more thorough knowledge and understandig of affective neurobiology, trauma, polyvagal theory and attachmenttheory, is what makes for adoption competent therapy.

More information

Listen to the podcast: Seeing Our Potential.


Workshop details

15:15

16:00

Woensdag

Workshop

Sprekers:

Anneke Vinke

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