Before you e-mail me, please read this..
Thank you. You are more amazing than sliced bread.
Can you
help me find my family member?
I am not a search angel nor a professional searcher. Connecting with a search angel is the best way to get search help. I recommend Priscilla Stone Sharp, a search angel,
genealogist and adoptee rights advocate who leads the search angel network. She can put you in touch with a certified search angel, and she can be reached here.
Can you
advise me about DNA?
I am not a DNA expert. I have undergone DNA testing, but I
am going through the process just as others are, for the first time. I do have
several blog posts about my experience. Everything I know about DNA is written in those posts. If you have additional questions about DNA, I would recommend you go to Richard Hill’s website, or purchase his book.
You may do so, here.
Do you
do counseling?
I am not a therapist, or licensed professional counselor.
I am unable to provide counseling for those who read the blog. Many people ask
me how to find a Christian therapist who truly understands adoptee issues. The way I found my therapist was to email therapists in the
area with a brief email to inquire about a few things before setting an
appointment. Keep going until you find a therapist who answers your inquiry in
a way you are comfortable with.
Bonnie Martin, MEd, CACS, LCPC is a therapist we recently featured here on the blog and concerning finding a therapist, she gives the following advice in this post: "I would advise a state licensed professional counselor who has studied complex trauma, psychodynamic theory, attachment focused therapy and/or complicated grief. Finding a good therapist is like finding a good pair of shoes. You may have to try a few on for size until you find the right fit."
Can you
call me?
I am not able to schedule phone calls with blog readers. I have been contacted by many people who read a post that really speaks to them, and feel they need
to have a phone conversation with me about what they are going through. I do care deeply about every person who reads
here. But with the demands of my schedule, I am simply unable to do phone calls. I thank you for your understanding.
Can you
Skype with me?
See above.
I am looking for
resources to help with_________. Can you help?
Before you email me about a resource or issue, please search the topic in the search bar here on the blog. There is a strong possibility that I’ve already written about it. Writing this
blog and responding in the comments is THE main way I help people in the adoption community.
Will
you read my story and get back to me with feedback?
When I first began Adoptee Restoration I had a “Submit Your
Story” page. I underestimated how many stories I would receive and how long they
would be. As you can see, I’ve since taken the page down. I have more stories
in the queue than I am able to keep up with. This is a good problem to have,
but I have to be honest, I can’t keep up! I handle everything for this site
myself. I do not have an Adoptee Restoration personal assistant.
I do know the importance of us sharing our stories. I encourage you to share your story! Start a blog. Get it out there!
Can I write a guest post for Adoptee Restoration?
Guests posts at Adoptee Restoration are by people I have developed relationships within the adoption community and approach to write on a certain
topic. From time to time I may use a post of someone I do not know if it fits the current
needs of the blog. You are welcome to submit a guest post and I will review it
and if interested in using it in the future I contact you and let you know if and when it will be a fit.
How do
I contact you about a speaking engagement?
For all information concerning booking for your event, go here.
To
contact me about adoption/adoptee related issues:
I underestimated the volume of mail I would receive when I
started this blog. I am not able to answer it all each day and most times not even each week. I do read every letter. I try my best to respond. I care about everyone who reads here, and their situations, and want to reach out
and help. At the same time, I do have a life outside the blog. I am in full time ministry, travel and speak and most importantly... I have a
family. My family is my first priority.
Please understand that when I do respond to email, my response isn't like a blog post. Replies are short, as my time is limited.
I thank you so much for your understanding.
Blessings and love,
~Deanna
