Perspectives on Challenged Family Building

Brenda and Steve adopted two boys from Eastern Europe. Bryce, adopted at age 1 ½, entered therapy at age 5 due to lengthy temper tantrums during which he would slap, punch, kick and bite. Brenda stated, “Each time that he hits me, flashes of my abusive father instantly appear in my head.”
Brenda is a very [...]

Ronnie arrived for therapy in a good mood. The family had just been to see the Karate Kid at the movie theater. He was eager to talk about how much fun he had in watching the “bullies” in the movie being “overcome.” This offered the ideal opening to talk to Ronnie about the fact that [...]

John and his father arrived for therapy. As we were walking down the hallway, Dad stated firmly, “Stop it!” A few seconds passed, and again Dad said sternly, “Stop it!” A bit confused, I asked what John was doing that was so upsetting. Dad replied, “It’s the way he’s breathing. I can’t stand it! He [...]