We are happy to announce that, thanks to support from NCRC, we can begin a pilot project with European KAD: weekly group counseling sessions led by a Korean trauma specialist with many years of experience with Korean adoptees. She is supported by a well-recognised Korean Child & Adolescent Counseling Expert.
Overview
- Period: April – June, weekly 1 session (2h) – Mondays 5.00 PM – 6.50 PM (CET – local German time) – starting April 29th – postponed by 1 week
- Format: online (Zoom)
- Group size: max. 10 participants
- Fee: 80€
- Trauma specialists:
Dr. J. Sophia Nam
Dr. Nam is a licensed psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults from around the world. She received training in counseling and clinical psychology at Harvard and Boston University Medical Schools in the United States and previously held academic professorships in Korea. She has more than a decade of clinical experience specializing in providing culturally-competent integrative psychotherapy, as well as neuropsychological assessment, consultation, crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy
Dr. JeeEun Karin Nam
JeeEun Karin Nam, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Kyung Hee University’s Graduate School of Education. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College, USA, and completed her master’s and doctoral studies in Education (Counseling) at Seoul National University. Dr. Karin serves as the Vice President of the Korean Child & Adolescent Counseling Association and as the Vice Chair of the Qualifications Committee of the Korean Counseling Association. Her research and counseling practice are dedicated to enhancing the psychological health and resilience of minority groups, including cultural minorities and individuals with disabilities. An avid proponent of cross-cultural exchange within the field, she relishes her role as a translator of seminal works in counseling psychology, contributing translations for numerous books and articles between English and Korean.
Description
Our group counseling will be an intensive 8-week trauma counseling therapy program designed to provide KADs with a supportive and structured environment to navigate the healing process after experiencing early childhood trauma. This program integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques, psychoeducation, and personalized counseling to empower participants on their journey toward recovery. Throughout the program, participants will engage in group counseling and break-out sessions. Homework assignments, readings, and experiential exercises will complement the weekly sessions, providing opportunities for deeper reflection and skill application.
Programm
- Pre-assessment at registration
Need survey and PCL-5 WEEKLY questionnaire for continuous assessment. If applicable Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). - Week 1: Orientation and Assessment
Introduction to the program, facilitators, and fellow adoptees.
Establishing a safe and confidential space, agree on code of conduct.
Introduction to the concept of trauma and its impact on mental health. - Week 2-3: Initial trauma assessments
In-depth exploration of various types of trauma (e.g., interpersonal, developmental, single-incident). Initial trauma assessments based on biography to understand individual needs. Psychoeducation on the neurobiology of trauma and its effects on the brain. Identifying and normalizing trauma responses. Introduction to coping mechanisms and their impact on long-term healing. - Week 4: Building Resilience
Exploration of personal strengths and resilience factors.
Developing a personalized self-care plan.
Mindfulness and grounding techniques.
Introduction to stress reduction and relaxation strategies. - Week 5: Cognitive Restructuring
Examining and challenging negative thought patterns.
Introducing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Identifying and reframing distorted beliefs related to the traumatic experience. - Week 6: Emotional Regulation
Understanding the role of emotions in trauma recovery.
Developing emotional awareness and regulation skills.
Expressive arts and journaling as tools for emotional exploration. - Week 7: Interpersonal Relationships
Exploring the impact of trauma on relationships.
Building healthy communication skills.
Establishing boundaries and cultivating healthy connections.
Family and social support systems. - Week 8: Moving Forward and Future Planning
Celebration of progress and achievements.
Reflecting on the transformative journey.
Developing a post-program support plan.
Resources for continued healing and growth.
Showing further therapy options - Post-assessment
PCL-5 development and satisfaction survey.
Please note that no support can be provided in acute situations, and this offering is not a substitute for therapy. If you are currently experiencing a highly distressing phase in your journey through your adoption story, we recommend refraining from participating in the program. Moreover, confronting these topics may lead to re-traumatization.
Register here: Registration for the counseling seminar with Dr. Nam