by Beth Syverson
A safe space to delve into adoption's complexities together.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/18/2021
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
February 17, 2025
<p dir="ltr">"So the piece that I most resonate with the Dialectical Behavior Therapy is it's one of the therapies that really understands this core feeling of feeling overwhelmed and like you don't want to be alive." - Sharon Stein McNamara</p> <p dir="ltr">EPISODE SUMMARY:</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon Stein McNamara, a licensed psychologist and adoption-competent therapist. Sharon, an adoptee herself, shared her personal journey and the profound impact of adoption on her life, particularly during her adolescent years when she faced suicidal thoughts after a breakup.</p> <p dir="ltr">We delved into the complexities of adoption and how they can lead to feelings of self-loathing and overwhelming distress, especially among adoptees. Sharon introduced us to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach that has been particularly effective for adopted adolescents and young adults. She explained how DBT incorporates mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, which are crucial for individuals who may feel their emotions are too intense to manage.</p> <p dir="ltr">Throughout our conversation, Sharon emphasized the importance of recognizing and validating these feelings rather than dismissing them. She shared her own experiences with DBT and how it helped her and her clients navigate the challenges of attachment and self-worth. We discussed the significance of shifting core beliefs about oneself, especially for adoptees who may struggle with feelings of being unwanted or unworthy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sharon's insights provided hope and practical tools for families and individuals impacted by adoption. She encouraged listeners to never give up hope on adoptees, as the right support and understanding can lead to healing and growth.</p> <p dir="ltr">I hope this episode resonates with anyone who has been touched by adoption or is seeking effective therapeutic tools to support themselves or their loved ones. Thank you for joining us, and please share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Sharon's expertise.</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL</a></p> <p dir="ltr">📆 Community Calendar: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar</a></p> <p dir="ltr">✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/Healing" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing</a></p> <p dir="ltr">💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: <a href="http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">RESOURCES:</p> <p dir="ltr">Sharon’s information:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Look up Sharon’s website: <a href= "http://sharonsteinmcnamara.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Sharonsteinmcnamara.com</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Other resources mentioned in this episode:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Here’s the book Sharon referenced: How to Break Your Addiction to a Person: When--and Why--Love Doesn't Work : <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Break-Your-Addiction-Person-When/dp/0553382497" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Break-Your-Addiction-Person-When/dp/0553382497</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson</p> <p dir="ltr">Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao</p> <p dir="ltr">Email questions or comments to <a href= "mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Find us on <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Instagram</a>, and <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">YouTube</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: <a href= "http://patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Check out our website: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://UnravelingAdoption.com</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Create your own podcast through Libsyn: <a href= "https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">TIME STAMPS</p> <p dir="ltr">00:00:00 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption<br /> 00:01:30 - Guest Introduction: Sharon Stein McNamara<br /> 00:02:00 - Sharon's Adoption Story<br /> 00:03:40 - Understanding DBT and Its Relevance<br /> 00:04:50 - The Importance of Distress Tolerance<br /> 00:06:30 - DBT vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy<br /> 00:08:30 - Grounding Techniques in DBT<br /> 00:10:00 - Building Trust with Clients<br /> 00:10:30 - Working with Adoptees in Therapy<br /> 00:11:00 - Self-Loathing and Adoptee Experiences<br /> 00:12:30 - Personal Story: Overcoming Breakup Trauma<br /> 00:15:00 - The Impact of Attachment on Relationships<br /> 00:17:00 - DBT Skills for Managing Cravings<br /> 00:19:00 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Healing<br /> 00:21:00 - Finding a DBT-Trained Therapist<br /> 00:23:00 - Outcomes of DBT for Adoptees<br /> 00:25:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources<br /> 00:26:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action</p>
February 10, 2025
<p dir="ltr">"I was one of these slight skeptics; I was like, well I've been breathing all my life, what can breathwork do for me?" -- Kellan Bacon</p> <p dir="ltr">Hear the transcript of this episode here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JKBNQJYFFZT18Z0XSMHHTH37</p> <p dir="ltr">EPISODE SUMMARY:</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kellan Bacon, a gender-expansive, transracial adoptee from China, who was adopted as an infant in 1998 and now resides in Cardiff, Wales. Kellan has recently launched a professional practice called Kai Ming Holistics, where they utilize breathwork and other embodied modalities to support others on their healing journeys.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kellan shared their personal adoption story, highlighting the complexities and challenges they faced growing up in a transracial family. They discussed the common narrative of being "saved" through adoption and how they eventually came to realize the profound impact of adoption trauma on their life. This awakening occurred during a mental health crisis around the age of 20, leading Kellan to explore their identity and the interconnectedness of their experiences as an adoptee and a queer individual.</p> <p dir="ltr">We delved into the transformative power of breathwork, a healing modality that Kellan discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explained how breathwork can help individuals access and process trauma stored in the body, particularly for adoptees who may have pre-verbal or pre-cognitive trauma. Kellan emphasized the importance of having a trained guide during breathwork sessions to ensure safety and support.</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL"> amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL</a></p> <p dir="ltr">📆 Community Calendar: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/calendar">UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar</a></p> <p dir="ltr">✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/Healing">UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing</a></p> <p dir="ltr">💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: <a href="http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX">http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">RESOURCES:</p> <p dir="ltr">Kellan’s information:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Kellan’s Substack: <a href= "https://kellanbacon.substack.com/">https://kellanbacon.substack.com/</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find Kellan on Instagram both ways at: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/kaimingholistics/">https://www.instagram.com/kaimingholistics/</a> AND/OR <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/kellanbacon/">https://www.instagram.com/kellanbacon/</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find Kellan on Facebook at: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/kellan.x.bacon">https://www.facebook.com/kellan.x.bacon</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson</p> <p dir="ltr">Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao</p> <p dir="ltr">Email questions or comments to <a href= "mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Find us on <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/UnravelingAdoption">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/UnravelingAdoption">Instagram</a>, and <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@UnravelingAdoption">YouTube</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: <a href= "http://patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption">http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Check out our website: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com">http://UnravelingAdoption.com</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Create your own podcast through Libsyn: <a href= "https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION">https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">TIME STAMPS</p> <p dir="ltr">00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction<br /> Introduction to the podcast and the host, Beth Syverson, along with her son Joey's journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:01:05 - Meet Kellen Bacon<br /> Introduction of guest Kellen Bacon, a transracial adoptee and breathwork practitioner.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:01:48 - Kellen's Adoption Story<br /> Kellen shares their adoption experience and the realization of adoption's impact.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:03:15 - Coming Out of the Fog<br /> Discussion on the awakening to adoption trauma and its effects on mental health.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:04:30 - Transracial Adoption Experience<br /> Kellen discusses growing up as a transracial adoptee and the challenges faced.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:06:04 - Exploring Gender Identity<br /> Kellen talks about their journey of coming to terms with their gender identity.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:07:01 - The Intersection of Identities<br /> Discussion on how various aspects of identity intertwine and impact personal growth.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:08:34 - COVID and Breathwork<br /> Kellen shares how COVID led them to discover breathwork as a healing modality.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:10:01 - Understanding Breathwork<br /> Explanation of breathwork and its unique approach to healing trauma.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:11:08 - Demonstration of Breathwork<br /> Kellen provides a brief demonstration of breathwork techniques.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:12:24 - Safety in Breathwork<br /> Discussion on the importance of having a guide during breathwork sessions.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:15:09 - Breathwork for Adoptees<br /> Exploration of how breathwork can specifically benefit adoptees dealing with trauma.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:16:39 - Trauma in the Body<br /> Kellen explains how trauma is stored in the body and the importance of somatic healing.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:19:30 - Kellen's Offerings<br /> Information on Kellen's practice, including support groups for trans-adoptees.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:20:20 - Root Cause Healing<br /> Introduction to root cause therapy and its significance in addressing limiting beliefs.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:22:26 - Kellen's Journey and Age<br /> Discussion on Kellen's age and their deep work in healing and therapy.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:23:30 - Closing Thoughts<br /> Final remarks on the importance of breathwork and resources for adoptees.</p> <p> </p>
February 3, 2025
<p dir="ltr">"I think she had a deep ambivalence about me, knowing me, having a relationship with me from the very beginning." -- Susan Kiyo Ito</p> <p dir="ltr">Read the transcript of this episode here: <a href= "https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JJYRPQ0EJEGKW4GNXFMCA8CV">https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JJYRPQ0EJEGKW4GNXFMCA8CV</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src= "//assets.libsyn.com/show/452856/I_Would_Meet_You_Anywhere.jpg" alt="" width="207" height="320" /></p> <p dir="ltr">EPISODE SUMMARY:</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Kiyo Ito, a writing professor and author of the memoir I Would Meet You Anywhere. Susan's book, a culmination of 30 years of work, explores her journey as a biracial adoptee—half Japanese and half white—who was adopted at three and a half months old by Japanese American parents.</p> <p dir="ltr">We delved into Susan's origin story, her relationship with her adoptive parents, and her deep desire to connect with her birth mother, Yumi. Susan described Yumi as a charismatic yet ambivalent figure, reflecting on the complexities of their relationship and the cultural stigma surrounding adoption in Japanese society.</p> <p dir="ltr">Throughout our conversation, we discussed the emotional weight of adoption, the challenges of identity, and the universal longing for connection that many adoptees experience. Susan shared how writing her memoir was a healing process, allowing her to articulate her experiences and put down the burdens she had carried for so long.</p> <p dir="ltr">We also touched on the misconceptions surrounding adoption, particularly the notion of "luck," and how important it is for adoptive parents to support their children in their search for identity and connection without imposing their own feelings onto them.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we wrapped up, Susan encouraged listeners to embrace their stories and consider the power of sharing their experiences. Her insights and reflections provide a valuable perspective on the complexities of adoption, making this episode a must-listen for anyone impacted by adoption or interested in understanding its nuances.</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL</a></p> <p dir="ltr">📆 Community Calendar: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar</a></p> <p dir="ltr">✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com/Healing" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing</a></p> <p dir="ltr">💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: <a href="http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">RESOURCES:</p> <p dir="ltr">Susan’s information:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Explore Susan’s website and purchase her memoir: <a href="https://www.thesusanito.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thesusanito.com/</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find her on Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/susan.ito" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.facebook.com/susan.ito</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find her on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thesusanito/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/thesusanito/</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson</p> <p dir="ltr">Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao</p> <p dir="ltr">Email questions or comments to <a href= "mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Find us on <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Instagram</a>, and <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">YouTube</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: <a href= "http://patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Check out our website: <a href= "http://unravelingadoption.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://UnravelingAdoption.com</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Create your own podcast through Libsyn: <a href= "https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION</a></p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!</p> <p dir="ltr">===============</p> <p dir="ltr">TIME STAMPS:</p> <p dir="ltr">00:00:12 - Meet the Host and Guest<br /> 00:00:44 - Susan Kiyo Ito's Memoir Journey<br /> 00:01:27 - Personal Connections and Background<br /> 00:02:38 - Susan's Adoption Story<br /> 00:04:37 - Cultural Heritage and Upbringing<br /> 00:05:37 - Describing Yumi: The Birth Mother<br /> 00:06:48 - Cultural Stigma and Secrets<br /> 00:07:02 - The Significance of the Title<br /> 00:09:46 - Personal Growth and Boundaries<br /> 00:10:44 - Emotional Release After Publishing<br /> 00:11:28 - The Weight of Connection<br /> 00:12:45 - The Complexity of Relationships<br /> 00:14:25 - Validation from Other Adoptees<br /> 00:15:10 - Sensory Details in Writing<br /> 00:16:37 - The Role of Journaling<br /> 00:18:19 - Exploring Alternative Life Paths<br /> 00:20:54 - Reflections on Luck in Adoption<br /> 00:22:54 - Advice for Adoptive Parents<br /> 00:25:45 - Support and Understanding<br /> 00:26:29 - The Sound of Names<br /> 00:27:28 - Connecting with the Author<br /> 00:29:33 - Closing Thoughts and Future Works<br /> <br /></p>
Heidi Marble - Amy Hansen - Elle Klassen - Alysa Zalma MD - Stephanie Pipes - Sean Farley
Adoptee Lisa Ann
Jennifer Dyan Ghoston
Melissa Brunetti
Louise Browne & Sarah Reinhardt
Haley Radke
Alexis Hourselt
Damon L. Davis
Laura Stassi
D. Yvonne Rivers
The New York Times
iHeartPodcasts
Miranda Hopkins
Vox Media Podcast Network
The Moth
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at [email protected] for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.