Adoption and the Father Heart of God: helping adoptees deal With issues of identity and loss

Abstract

While all people have to deal with issues of identity and loss at different stages in their lives, the impact of these issues can be intensified in adoptees. Not only have they experienced loss early in their lives, but their search for identity is typically more complex than that of their non-adopted peers. The Christian counselor is in a unique position to help adopted clients deal with these issues. This paper begins with an overview of identity and loss issues relevant to those adopted as children, followed by a Biblical perspective on these issues. The paper concludes with some practical suggestions for the Christian counselor seeking to help adoptees reach their potential in Christ.