Ask Adoption

There is still time! Registration for this session of Come Out of the Fog and Into Your Life: Rewire Your Brain for Resilience and Joy ends this Saturday and the course begins Monday September 27th! I'm offering two complimentary spots for adult adoptees. If you're interested, comment below and follow. I'll copy the names onto slips of paper and draw two from a hat tomorrow afternoon - old school raffle style! (I just had a great memory of a grade school cake walk!) Feel free... to share with anyone who may be interested! https://leslijohnson.mn.co . . . #adoption #adoptee #adopteejourney #healing #adopteecommunity #outofthefog #askadoption See more

It arrived! What a beautiful, powerful inspiration. Thank you @amandascgorman and @thelorenlong . . #changesings #teachchange #changetheworld

There are just a few more days left to register for this session of "Come Out of the Fog and Into Your Life: Rewire Your Brain for Resilience and Joy." . So far it looks like we have a great group and I am looking forward to our start date next Monday, September 27th. Are you thinking about participating and have a question for me? Some of you have reached out but if you have not, please feel free to ask away. You can comment, DM or email me at [email protected]... . I'll do my best to answer your questions! You can also register for the course here: https://leslijohnson.mn.co/ . . . . . . #adoption #adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteejourney #healingtrauma #resilience #neuroplasticity #selfcompassion #adopteecommunity #askadoption

If you’re thinking about registering for my upcoming virtual course there are just a few hours left to grab the Early Bird discount. Tomorrow the course returns to full price. . The course begins September 27th. Much of the course is self-study and self-paced with the option of joining weekly live zoom calls. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with other members of the cohort as much or as little as you like during the course and you can continue the conversations e...ven after the course is over! . The days/times of the live calls are: #1 Wednesday September 29th 4-5pm pst . #2 Saturday October 9th 9-10am pst . #3 Wednesday October 13th 4-5pm pst . #4 Saturday October 23rd 9-10am pst . #5 Wednesday October 27th 4-5pm pst . #6 Saturday November 6th 9-10am pst Register here: https://leslijohnson.mn.co/ . . . . . #adoption #adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #healingtrauma #neuroplasticity #healingtogether #outofthefog #selfcompassion #adopteereunion #askadoption

https://mailchi.mp//come-out-of-the-fog-and-into-your-life

Adult adoptees, please join me and other members of our community on Septemeber 27th for my 6-week virtual course -Come Out of the Fog and Into Your Life: Rewire Your Brain for Resilience and Joy. I created this healing course for adoptees in part, because of my own desire for something like it when I was coming out of the fogresources, practical tools for managing difficult feelings and the reassurance that I was not alone. I created this course for the younger me and I cre...ated this course for YOU. Wherever you are on your healing journey, know that change is possible. I would be doing this work if I didn’t whole-heartedly believe this to be true! During this 6-week course you’ll begin to connect the dots of your story and develop a coherent narrative, integrating past experiences into present day life. You’ll learn powerful ways to transform and rewire your brain toward a calmer, more resilient state. You’ll learn empowering ways to have more control of your thoughts and feelings as opposed to being controlled by them. The worst has already happened you lost your original mother at birth, you were separated from your biology as a child. And you're still here. You are resilient. Perhaps you spent time in foster care or an orphanage before you were adopted. Maybe you were adopted into a family that wasn't a good fit for you. Maybe you love your adopted family and still have feelings of confusion and pain. Perhaps you've known you were adopted from a young age or maybe you just found out. It’s possible you're in reunion or thinking about searching. Maybe you are just realizing the impact of your early experiences or perhaps you've explored more deeply how adoption has shaped you. This course is for you. Join us on September 27th. Link to register: leslijohnson.mn.co/ . . . . . . . . #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #adopteesconnect #grief #trauma #healingtrauma #implicitmemory #neuroplasticity #selfcompassion #mindfulness #whathappenedtoyou #adopteevoices #emdr #emdrtherapy #brainspottingtherapy #yourmindfulbrain #askadoption #primalwound #outofthefog

We will never forget. Never. . . . #911 #neverforget #neverforgotten

Are you or someone you know in crisis? We can all take actions to prevent suicide. Let’s talk about suicide, mental health and promote healing. You are not alone. . www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.findahelpline.com www.bethe1to.com... . . . . #adoption #healingtrauma #adoptee #adoptees #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionmonth #bethe1to #nami #thisismybrave #askadoption #youarenotalone See more

Thank you @adopteelorakjoy !! What a wonderful surprise! . . .... . #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteeauthors #healingtrauma #adoptionbooks #adoptioncommunity #adopteecommunity #askadoption See more

Early bird registration is now open! . Please join me on September 27th. This 6 week virtual course provides a unique opportunity for you to connect with members of our adoptee community as we explore aspects of grief, separation loss, self, and identity and discover powerful ways to heal. . Link to register: https://leslijohnson.mn.co/... . . . . #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #neuroplasticity #healingtrauma #selfcompassion #emdr #brainspotting #traumainformed #adoptiontrauma #outofthefog See more

Early bird course registration is now open and Teen AdoptCONNECT resumes tomorrow!

While in The Fog, everything about adoption is wonderful, straight-forward and should never be questioned. Adoptees are considered lucky and often told to be grateful for their circumstances. Race and birth culture are sometimes overlooked or erased by adoptive relatives with statements like we don’t see color. In the Fog, adoptive families are no different from biological families. Adoptive parents are seen as saviors and birth parents are often seen as the other a threa...t to be kept at a bay. The Fog is a confusing place and all members of the adoption community can be subject to the Fogadoptive parents, birth parents and of course adoptees. To come out of the Fog is to consciously understand the Both-Ands of adoptionto recognize the grief and ambiguous loss that is inherent in separating one from their biology. This grief is often referred to as disenfranchised grief, that is, grief that no one is talking about. Coming out of the Fog often changes the way we look at birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s day and even Disney movies! Coming out of the Fog is to recognize that separation trauma does matter and it is does shape who we are. Coming out of the Fog can be difficult, painful, and at times, feel overwhelming. At times you might wish you never embarked on this healing journey and wish you could slink back into the seemingly safe, enveloping fog. (Note: we can't!) As adoptees, we may have to do our healing work without the support of our families who may choose to stay deep in the fog. If that is the case, we can turn to our community for support. Coming out of the Fog can be empowering and liberating as you begin to live with truth, transparency and authenticity knowing the future can look and feel different. . . . . . . . . #outofthefog #adoption #adoptee #adoptiontrauma #adopted #adoptioncommunity #adopteevoices #griefandloss #healingtrauma #neuroplasticity #resilience #askadoption

I’m offering my virtual course for adoptees again beginning September 27th. Early Bird registration opens September 8th! This course is such a joy to me. I’ve been humbled by past participants and their willingness to share and support one another on this healing journey. I look forward to meeting more of you!... Come Out of the Fog and Into Your Life: Rewire Your Brain for Resilience and Joy is a 6-week virtual healing course that provides a unique opportunity for you to join other members of our adoptee community as we look at aspects of grief, separation loss, self and identity in relation to adoption and learn powerful ways to heal. While much of this course can be completed at your individual pace, I will host a live Zoom call each week that you’ll have the option to join. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with others enrolled in the course in a private online group. We’ll discuss trauma and the body, implicit memory, the brain and the nervous system and the miracle of neuroplasticity: that our brains change throughout our lifespan and we have control over those changes! You will acquire useful resources to work with difficult thoughts and feelings. You’ll learn what coping skills from the past continue to be useful and which ones are outdated. You will have the opportunity to connect with your authentic self as you begin to rewire your brain for calm, clarity, resilience and joy. Sign up to know be notified when registration opens: www.askadoption.com . . . . . . . . . #adoption #adoptee #adopteehealing ##healingtrauma #neuroplasticity #adopteecommunity #resilience #mindfulness #selfcompassion #healingjourney #changeispossible #whathappenedtoyou #griefandloss #askadoption #yourmindfulbrain

When people experience trauma there is often a part of them that blames themselves. For infants or small children this is especially true. Children are ego-centric by nature. They internalize what happens as a result of something they did or didn't do in an implicit way. They don't have the cognitive abilities (yet) to discern "the other." I have worked with many children, teens and adults who logically know they didn't "cause" the separation trauma they've endured but on a...n "feeling" level they're not sure. One teen told me repeatedly that he must have kicked and hurt his mother while she was pregnant with him. Many children have tried to convince me they cried too much or were bad babies and because of this, their parents made the decision to find them a new home. Some adults blame themselves for not being "good enough" when they were in foster care. None of this is true. Nothing is wrong with you. Nothing you did or didn't do caused the adults to make the decisions they made. Learning what happened to you and how the events shaped your sense of self and the world around you is the key to rewiring your miraculous brain, reclaiming your life and ultimately healing. It is possible. . . . . . #adoption #whathappenedtoyou #adopteevoices #adoptee #grief #healingjourney #healingtrauma #implicitmemory #neuroplasticity #selfcompassion #mindfulness #emdrtherapy #emdr #brainspotting #voicesofadoption #askadoption

I have watched this over and over today. In between clients and calls. So much hopefulness and inspiration. "There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it." #hope #healing #amandagorman #thehillweclimb #unity Joe Biden Kamala Harris

Looking forward....

I enjoyed talking with Lori Holden host of #adoptionthelongview about #adoption, #brainscience, and the myths of the "blank slate." #AdopteeCommunity #adoptees #adoptioncommunity #healingtrauma #askadoption #yourmindfulbrain

Join us January 18th! #adoption #adoptees #adopteecommunity #healingtogether #resilience #healingtrauma #outofthefog #neuroplasticity #askadoption

It's that time of year when Haley Radke and I sit down and talk about how to best navigate the holiday season. Reunions, family plans, loneliness, traditions, travel and the global pandemic that has many of us staying home...it's all included. We'll answer your questions too! #adoption #adoptees #adopteeson #adopteevoices #adoptioncommunity #adoptivefamilies #healingtrauma #adoptiontrauma #askadoption #yourmindfulbrain

I was excited to be a part of this important conversation on adoption and foster care this morning on Good Day L.A. As #NAAM comes to a close it's important to continue listening to the voice of adoptees and talking about the both-ands of adoption. The narrative is changing but there is still so much more to learn and understand. #adoption #adoptivefamilies #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #adoptiontrauma #adoptioneducation #truthandtransparency #healingtrauma

It's that time of year! Haley and I'll be talking all things holiday related. What are your questions? Post them here or email me at [email protected]. We'll answer as many questions as we can. The episode will air in December.

This looks fantastic Anne Heffron and Robyn Gobbel, LCSW RPT-S - Attachment, Trauma, & Adoption! #adoption #tellyourstory #truthandtransparency #adoptiontrauma #healingtrauma

Please listen to the latest episode of Adoptees On. My friend Bernie's interview with Haley Radke is so powerful. Bernie, a Late Discovery Adoptee helps us better understand the added complications of finding out adoptee status later in life. Thanks Haley and Bernie! #adoption #adopteevoices #adoptees #adopteecommunity #healingtrauma #separationtrauma #askadoption

Please vote. Poster design @ericjunker #vote #exerciseyourright #change #resisthate

I would not do the work that I do if I didn’t believe this wholeheartedly. We can rewire our brains to a calmer, more resilient state no matter what has happened. It’s not always easy but it is possible. #neuroplasticity #healingtrauma #resilience #emdr #emdrtherapist #brainspotting #mindfulness #partswork #adoption #adoptee #yourmindfulbrain #askadoption

#adoption #adoptee #healing #adoptioncommunity #adopteecommunity #mindfulness #neuroplasticity #askadoption

#adoption #adoptioncommunity #adoptee #adopteecommunity #healingtrauma #adoptiontrauma #outofthefog #neuroplasticity #askadoption

#adoption #adoptee #adoptiontrauma #healingtrauma #adoptioncommunity #outofthefog #neuroplasticity #adopteevoices #emdr #brainspotting #askadoption

Thanks for posting Chaitra. This is important!!

Take a look to see what's happening this month! #adoption #adoptioncommunity #askadoption #adopteevoices

Teen AdoptCONNECT is meeting at a new time. Join us each Thursday 3-4pm pst via Zoom. Teen AdoptCONNECT provides a unique opportunity for teens who were adopted to connect and make friends as they share thoughts, feelings and stories related to adoption and navigating teen life in the safety of their adoptee community. Reach out to register: [email protected] or [email protected]... #adoptee #adopteevoices #teenadoptees #adoptioncommunity #adopteesupport #askadoption

#adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #comeoutofthefog #bettyjeanlifton #ghostkingdom #askadoption

Join me October 23rd and 24th for this incredible virtual conference! Two fantastic organizations, Adoption Knowledge Affiliates and Adoption Network Cleveland have joined forces to present Journeys of Discovery: Navigating the Intersections of Adoption." Early bird registration ends tomorrow! #adoption #adoptionawareness #adoptee #adoptivefamily #adoptioncommunity #buildingresilience #adoptionknowledgeaffiliates #adoptionnetworkcleveland #askadoption

My new course launched Monday. I know many of you expressed disappointment at not getting a spot. I'm sorry. I had no idea how quickly it would fill up. I happy to announce that I will be offering the 6 week course again beginning Monday, January 18th, 2021. Reserve your spot now! #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #ComeOutOfTheFog #buildingresilience #healingtrauma #neuroplasticity #letsdothistogether #askadoption

Just one more week until we start! T #comeoutofthefog #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoptionawareness #adoptees #buildingresilience #neuroplasticity #askadoption

Come Out of the Fog and Into Your Life begins Monday September 28th! Let me know if you have questions. Tomorrow is the last day to register and receive an "early bird" discount! You can register here: leslijohnson.mn.com... #adoption #adoptee #AdopteeCommunity #comeoutofthefog #healingtrauma #adoptioncommunity #changeyourbrain #neuroplasticity #askadoption

To Come Out of the Fog is to consciously understand the Both-Ands of adoptionto recognize the grief and ambiguous loss that is inherent in separating one from their biology. This course is for adults who were adopted. It's a unique opportunity to learn powerful tools to heal and also connect with other adoptees in the safety of our adoptee community. Course begins Monday September 28th. ... Register here: https://leslijohnson.mn.co #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteecommunity #healingtrauma #changeyourbrain #rewireyourbrain #askadoption