Episode Description
In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao—a pioneer in the world of adoption, an adoptee herself, and the author of The Family of Adoption. With over five decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pavao challenges the idea that adoption is something to be “fixed,” and instead invites us to see it as a lifelong experience that demands truth, openness, and deep emotional care.
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Pavao unpacks the psychology of adoption, the concept of ambiguous loss, and the invisible grief so often overlooked. She shares practical guidance for adoptive parents—how to talk about adoption, how to recognize adoption-related trauma, and how to support their children through it without over-pathologizing them. From early separation and normative crises to adoption-competent therapy and systemic change, this episode is filled with wisdom every member of the adoption constellation needs to hear.
Important Links
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Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
03:14 Understanding Adoption: A Lifelong Journey
05:48 The Child-Centric Approach in Adoption
09:13 Normative Crises in Adoption
12:05 The Impact of Early Adoption Experiences
14:55 Creating Adoption Competent Therapists
18:05 Ambiguous Loss in Adoption
20:50 Supporting Children Through Invisible Loss
24:01 Indirect Communication Strategies for Parents
26:54 Recognizing Trauma in Adopted Children
30:06 Understanding Behavioral Responses in Adoptees
33:02 The Complexity of Adoption Experiences
36:13 Encouraging Open Conversations in Adoption
38:57 The Role of Parents in Navigating Adoption Challenges
41:58 Empowering Adoptees to Share Their Stories
46:31 Navigating Family Dynamics in Adoption
49:41 The Vulnerability of Pre-Adoptive Parents
55:29 The Need for Honest Conversations in Adoption
57:40 Challenges in the Adoption System
01:02:33 The Importance of Community in Healing
01:10:31 Therapeutic Approaches for Adoptive Families
01:12:32 Understanding Healing vs. Fixing
01:16:29 Building Connections and Community
01:23:59 Embracing the Truth of Adoption
Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!
For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, emailsupport@rgadoptionconsulting.com