ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption, Adoption Trauma, Adoptive Parents, Biblical Encouragement, Journaling, Parenting

181 – When Adoption Feels Overwhelming! Practice the Respite Principle

To some extent, the adoption journey will take a personal toll on you. You might find it difficult to keep yourself regulated. There could be times when you’re easily triggered. You could experience physical and emotional abuse. 
There might be times when you feel overwhelmed. You can’t breathe. You’re out of control. You feel like you’re drowning. What do you do? May I suggest you practice respite? 
Hi Neighbor,
Feeling overwhelmed in your adoption journey? Remember, it's okay to take a break.
As adoptive parents, maintaining emotional regulation can sometimes seem impossible, and you might feel like you’re drowning under pressure.
In this episode, we’ll discuss how adoptive parents can practice the respite principle to navigate difficult moments in their adoption journey.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
In Episode 103, I interviewed adoptee Simon Benn—his story and how a teddy bear triggered him many years later is compelling.

180 – EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Adoptive Parents Navigating Trauma with Crystal Luk-Worrall

When I work with parents, they ask me, have I done it right? Did I do something wrong? How could I have done it better? There is a lot of self-reflection, which is really healthy. But I’m also mindful of the emotional burden that adoptive parents carry all the time. ~Crystal Luk-Worrall
Hi Neighbor,
EMDR therapy for kids? Yes! Initially, for soldiers with PTSD, this therapy helps children process memories, especially those who can't verbalize trauma.
Today, I want to welcome my neighbor from London, Crystal Luk-Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and families heal from early trauma. 
Understanding trauma is crucial. Crystal shares how EMDR therapy, eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing, can help adoptive children and their families process these memories for a brighter future.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Connect with Crystal:Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/Email: crystal@clapandtoot.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/
 
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.
As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

179 – I Thought I Had Just Killed My Boys

When I saw it, my heart sank. I thought I had just killed my boys.
Hi Neighbor,
I’m switching things up today! Instead of talking about adoption, I want to bring you a message of encouragement.
We all face storms in life, and in this episode, I’ll share a weather-related story that reflects that struggle. It might start a little rough, but hang in there—I promise it’s leading somewhere inspiring!
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Here’s the link to the book I wrote. You can see the picture I mention in this episode on the cover.
You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

178 – You’re Not Alone! 3 Stories That Shape Adoption Struggles and Support

Hi Neighbor,
As adoptive parents, we often find ourselves grappling with questions, fears, and challenges unique to the adoption journey.
In this episode, I want to share 3 stories that shape Adoption Struggles and Support. This podcast is deeply personal. Yes, it’s to support adoptive parents, but it’s also much more. 
I want you to know, you’re not alone.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

177 – How to be Okay Even When Your Kids Aren’t: Anchor Points for Adoptive Parents

“Take hold of my instructions. Don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” ~Proverbs 4:13
Hi Neighbor,
How can adoptive parents be okay even if their kids aren’t? May I suggest you hold on to an anchor.
In this episode, I’ll consider a concept I call an ”anchor point,” which involves anchoring yourself in biblical principles to find guidance and peace during challenging times. 
I’ll also share a story from our private community, where an adoptive parent courageously shared their struggles, and how the support and encouragement they received became a beacon of hope. 
In your Daily Doable, we’ll look at practical ways to hold on to your anchor points with an example from the book of Philippians.
We’ll also consider why it’s important to strengthen your adoptive parenting journey by connecting with a community that understands you. 
Remember, you are not alone in your journey. Whether it’s through community support or grounding scripture, there are anchors ready to guide you through the storm.
Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.
Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

176 – Adoption Struggles and Support: Navigating Hard Conversations

It’s a conversation I never wanted to have with my son, Jonny. It’s a conversation I hope adoptive parents never have to have with their children. But it’s a conversation you need to be prepared to have.
Hi Neighbor,
Today marks a change for this podcast. We’re pivoting from Anchors of Encouragement to Adoption Struggles and Support.
In this episode, I’ll share some of the reasons for this pivot and how you can help this podcast reach more adoptive parents.
I’ll also share one of the most difficult conversations I had with my son Jonny. A conversation filled with lessons and essential truths that every adoptive parent might need to face at some point. 
Anchors of hope and Healing are on the way.Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.
Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.
 

175 – Feeling Like a Wreck as an Adoptive Parent? How Practice Leads to Peace

“The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” ~Philippians 4:9
Hi Neighbor,
In this episode, I’ll share a personal story from my adoption journey and how it inspired my words for the year.
Ever think about the secret sauce to navigating the highs and lows of the adoption journey? Let’s chat about a concept from Philippians that might be your game-changer: PRACTICE.
Daily Doable: If you haven’t listened to them, check out Episodes 167-174. They help lay the foundation for the concepts behind PRACTICE.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.
Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

174 – Practical Techniques to Manage Triggers: Empty Mental Garbage

Whenever you find yourself triggered and negative thoughts are running through your head, what can you do? May I suggest it's time to empty the garbage? 
Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.
This is the last episode in our series where I’ve been laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.
Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.
Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!
Today’s word begins with the letter, “E.”
Feeling overwhelmed by negativity? In this episode, learn how to combat triggers with pen and paper. It is an empowering way to reclaim your mental space and find peace of mind.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.
Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

173 – Feeling Compassion: The Good Samaritan and the Invisible Wounds of Adoption

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” ~Luke 10:33 NLT
Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.
In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.
Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.
Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!
Today’s word begins with the letter, “C.”
Oftentimes, the wounds in the adoption journey are not visible but they hurt nonetheless.
In this episode, let’s consider the story of the Good Samaritan and how to feel compassion and show mercy to adopted children and their parents. 
They need us to be neighbors who care deeply and offer support during their hardest times. 
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.
Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

172 – From Anxious to Intentional: 4 Strategies for Adoptive Parents

“Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matthew 6:34 CSB
Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.
In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.
Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.
Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!
Today’s word begins with the letter, “I.”
The adoption journey is filled with challenges, distractions, and anxiety. How do we stay focused? By being intentional every day. 
I’ll share 4 ways that help me to be intentional. And one my son Jonny shared in Episode 14.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.
Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com