Adoption Support Groups - what to expect?

Question

I've just discovered that there is an adoption support group near enough to my home to be feasible. Obviously every group will be different, but what could I expect to happen at a meeting? Is it worth it to go? Frankly I'm not so sure I need support. I see myself more in the role of offering support to others.

Answer 1

I love the support group I go to. We meet once a month for 3 hours. It's a combination of adoptees, natural moms and one adoptive mom. I mostly go to offer support and to be involved in local reforms. Just being in a room with other adoptees is enough for me - the connection is validating.

Answer 2

hey i dont think it could hurt.  I am adopted myself and many issues and mixed emotions about the whole thing as do many other people in my situation I presume.  I would say check it out see what they have to offer and if you arent gaining anything from it, then just use it as a chance to meet and offer support to other people in your position.

Answer 3

I am not able to attend the group by my house, as I go to school the night it meets, but I have 4 friends who attend.  One is adopted, two are adoptive moms and one is a first mom.  There are both men and women in the group.  They all say that the group has been fantastic for them.  They have built friendships and have been able to speak openly about issues they may otherwise feel to uncomfortable to discuss outside of the group.  The four of us get together with other friends outside the group on weekends sometimes, and I enjoy hearing about how the group has done so much for them.

Answer 4

I was pretty skeptical of going to the support group near me, but I was hooked after my first meeting.  You're right that each group is different, but I'll try to give you a sense of how mine goes.  We sit in a circle and begin by introducing ourselves and our connection to adoption.  (We sometimes also indicate whether we are in search or reunion, and if so, where we are in that process.)  Usually, the facilitator starts us off by asking if anyone has any news.  Inevitably someone shares what's been going on in their story for the last month.  That may spark others to chime in with empathy, advice, or something that has happened to them.  The conversation generally grows very organically.  A couple of months ago, in fact, the facilitator had to leave suddenly at the beginning of the meeting.  She told us we could stay or leave, but we all stayed, and had a very good meeting.  I have found that people who go to these meetings, whether long-time attendees, or brand new, are generally there because they are interested in helping others and interested in sharing their own stories.  Our group is very warm and supporting.  I'm glad I found it.  

I hope you have a positive experience, but you're right, you won't really know until you go.  I find mine invaluable.  (And I feel like I'm in an in-between position of both giving and needing support.)

Answer 5

You said, "I see myself more in the role of offering support ot othere."  This is one reason why support groups "can" (not all function well) work really well.  The act of offering support itself is affirming and helps one work out their own feelings about issues.

Answer 6

Go check it out.  If you don't like it don't go back.  Good luck.

Answer 7

I'm not sure if its an Adoptee adoption support group or an Aparent adoption support group.

If its an Aparent adoption support group, I am currently in one.  Its just basically a bunch of families that get together once a month at parks, rollerrinks or at each others homes.  Once a month we also have parents night out and we discuss different topics.  We celebrate different cultural hoidays.  Its just nice to have someone to talk to who can relate to your life experiences.

Good Luck to you, I hope i helped.