The Adoption Constellation: New Ways of Thinking About and Practicing Adoption

Grand, Michael Phillip

ISBN 10: 1452886903 / ISBN 13: 9781452886909

Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1452886903I4N00

Synopsis:

Clinical psychologist, Michael Grand, brings a compassionate understanding to all members of the adoption constellation. Drawing upon a lifetime of personal experience, research and clinical practice, he challenges conventional ways of thinking about adoption. The limitations of attachment theory as an explanation of adoption outcome are presented. In its place, he suggests a narrative understanding of adoption. Core themes of identity, grief, mattering and trust, permeate these narratives and shape the experience of members of the constellation. As a passionate advocate for openness, Grand explores the psychological costs of denying identifying information to adopted individuals and their birth kin. Parallels are also drawn to an impending crisis as offspring of assisted reproduction seek answers to their identity questions. The book concludes with a consideration of alternative permanency arrangements and a primer for opening closed adoption records. This book will change how we approach adoption in all of its manifestations. Adoptees, birth and adoptive kin, social workers, clergy, teachers, therapists, and legislators alike will find meaning within these pages.

About the Author: Michael Grand obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is a Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Graduate Program in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario. He co-directed the National Adoption Study of Canada, and has published on such diverse topics as search and reunion, family and personal identity, adoption demographics, and paths to open facilitation. He received the David Kirk award for outstanding contributions to research in adoption and has been a board member of the Adoption Councils of Ontario and Canada. As a founding member of the coordinating committee of the Coalition for Open Adoption Records, he works for access for identifying information for all. Dr Grand has a private practice serving the adoption constellation.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Adoption Constellation: New Ways of ...
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: 2011
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket