The process for growing a family is not always as simple or as straightforward as you may have thought. Many are led to believe that once they are ready to have children they will be able to quickly become pregnant and carry out a healthy pregnancy. For many people, this is just not the case. Many couples struggle with infertility, which may result in accessing today’s medical interventions to help them become pregnant. Unfortunately, this is not always an option for people. As a result, there may be a number of emotions that may arise. Ultimately, the couple may turn to adoption as a way of expanding their family. Couples therapy may be a support strategy in working towards strengthening communication, processing the pain of infertility and enduring the adoption process.
Strengthening Communication with Couples Therapy
Marriage and relationships take a significant amount of work. No matter how much couples love each other, it’s important that they work to communicate with each other and manage their conflict. This is especially true for couples who are experiencing infertility and are considering whether adoption is the right path for growing their family. Deeper issues regarding infertility and adoption can result in problems within the relationship. Seeking couples therapy is a healthy way to develop skills for facing the rollercoaster of emotions that can come with adoption and infertility.
Reasons People Choose Adoption
Couples may choose to adopt from the United States and all over the world. Countries across the globe are sending children to the US for adoption. Depending upon a couple’s situation, there are a variety of options available for adopting a child. Ways that a couple may pursue adoption include:
- A private adoption agency
- The foster care system
- Kinship adoption
- International adoption
No matter your choice, it’s important to be aware that the process can be incredibly stressful, especially when you consider that you may have to wait a significant period of time before you are able to finally adopt a child. In some cases, there may be a number of unexpected challenges that you and your partner stand to face. Working with a couples therapist can help couples to keep the lines of communication open and provide support when facing complications from the adoption process.
For Families Down the Road
Couples may require therapy even after the adoption has been finalized. While it’s completely normal to seek support, you may be faced with new challenges. Parenting children can be difficult, it’s not uncommon for couples to be consumed with parenting and lose the connection they have with one another. Additionally, adopted children will require support from their parents and in some cases through counseling to help process their feelings. A couples therapist can guide parents in the best way to field questions from their children and support them in the way they need. Without parents who are united, supportive and consistent, it can be especially challenging for a child to develop healthy coping skills.
Building a family can be a significant crisis within your relationship, especially when facing infertility and the stressors of pursuing adoption. Working with a couples therapist can provide couples with the tools needed to successfully navigate this experience. For more information about how couples therapy can help face infertility and navigate adoption, contact a therapist for couples counseling in Palatine, IL today.
Thanks to Lotus Wellness Center for their insight into counseling and couples counseling for adoption.