Unearthing Adoption: Normalizing Positive Perspectives

Episode 32 - "Love Means Leaving," Laura X. Williams

Laura X. Williams is a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Relational Psychotherapist in the Denver area.

Episode 31 - Beth Syverson, "Unraveling Adoption."

Beth Syverson is an adoptive mom, wife, musician, and as of 2021 a podcaster, activist, and public speaker. Since 2019, her son Joey has struggled with addiction to substances plus serious mental health issues. For the first year of that roller coaster ride, she and Joey were both derailed. Beth tried to “fix” Joey, and her Supermom cape was tied on tight. But when nothing worked to “fix” him, she sought help for herself, which improved her own life and also her relationship to her wife Jan and to Joey. She and Joey created Safe Home Podcast in August 2021, with the purpose of helping other families avoid some of the pain we’ve experienced. “Pain that’s not transformed gets transmitted.” We are trying to transform our pain into practical guidance for other families with struggling teens. Beth adopted Joey from Japan when he was 7-1/2 months old. We now realize that his relinquishment trauma is the core issue that caused him to seek substances. Beth is a leader for other adoptive parents who are coming “out of the fog” and realizing that the adoption that created their family also created trauma for their child.” Contact Beth directly by emailing Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Episode 28 - Yoselin Corrales, Director of Operations and Programming for Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families

Yoselin is an adult adoptee from Honduras, and first attended Latin American Heritage Camp as a camper back in the 90s. Over the course of 17 years, she has served as a Counselor, Coordinator, Presenter, and Director at LAHC, and has also assisted with coordinating Adult Adoptee Meet-Up Events. Yoselin comes to HCAF after studying Psychology in her undergrad, and working predominantly in workforce development, services for those experiencing homeless, and residential and community mental health for the last nine years. Despite the change in industry, Yoselin is passionate about advocacy, and educating communities on expanding cultural empathy and awareness, increasing efforts towards equity and inclusion, and identifying outlets for others’ growth and empowerment. In her free time, Yoselin can be found hiking, checking out a concert, gallery, or museum, spending time with friends, volunteering in the community, or finding outlets for her human rights activism. Tough Love Instagram @tough.love.podcast Email @tough.love.stories@gmail.com

Episode 26 - Adoptees in Relationships, Couples Edition!

Join us for an in-depth conversation between two couples as they discuss adoption and relationships. Contact us: tough.love.stories@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @tough.love.podcast

Episode 25 - Cosima Octavia Adoption Experience

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Self-Harm, Abuse, Drug Use This is a very difficult but important episode with Cosima Octavia who shares their adoption experience with us. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us or someone you know for support.