More than Words: How Listening Builds Connection
For Children with Trauma Histories, Being Heard is Critical. Many have never been given a voice in decisions that affect them. If they have experienced neglect, they receive a clear message: no one listens. Over time, they may stop expressing themselves altogether. Internalizing emotions to avoid rejection can lead to fear and anxiety. Drawing out […]
From Burnout to Connection: Using Points of Joy to Overcome Blocked Care
You love your child—there’s no question about that. You love your child—there’s no question about that. But lately, parenting has felt less like a calling and more like an uphill battle. You’re exhausted, irritable, and maybe even questioning whether you were ever cut out for this. Here’s what some parents have shared: “I have been […]
Starting Small The Power of Tolerable Connection in Parenting
Key Takeaways Connection doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Small, low-pressure moments can create real change over time. Children with trauma often experience an “intimacy barrier.” They may resist connection, not because they don’t want it, but because it feels unsafe. Healing starts with safety and regulation. Before deep connection can happen, both […]
Eyes to See: True Presence is the Beginning of Connection
Last month, I introduced the Circle of Connection framework. You can catch up here. The Circle of Connection—being seen, heard, valued, and known—is a blueprint to bring healing to the broken places of our stories. Children with hard histories of trauma are often mired in shame. They have internalized messages like, “I have to take […]
The Circle of Connection
In our busy fragmented world, authentic connection is often missing. Yet, we are wired for connection. Connection isn’t a luxury; it’s critical for our emotional well-being. Disconnection leads to fragmented hearts, lack of trust and masks to cover pain. When we feel connected to others, our lives can flourish. The Circle of Connection is a […]
Leaping into 2025: Embracing Change with Confidence and Trust
Key Takeaways Trust in Support: We can lean on those around us (friends, family, community members, or Chosen) for support when facing challenges or unknowns. Perseverance Through Fear: Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to stop us. We can move forward with excitement and anticipation, knowing it’s part of growth. Generational Life’s Journey is […]
Walking with Biological Families – How Adoption and Foster Care Changed Me for Good
Key Takeaways Proximity fosters understanding: Getting closer to someone’s story shifts judgment into compassion and changes the way we see ourselves and others. Uncomfortable isn’t unsafe: Stepping into unfamiliar or challenging situations can be a path to deeper connection and healing for both children and their biological families. True change costs more than money: Generational […]
Adoption Awareness – How Chosen Supports Adoptive Families
Key Takeaways Chosen Empowers Caregivers to Create ChangeWe equip parents and caregivers with trauma-responsive tools and support, empowering them to transform their child’s behavior and strengthen family connections. Personalized, Practical SupportWeekly one-on-one sessions with empathetic Care Managers provide tailored strategies, real-life solutions, and 24/7 crisis support to help families navigate challenges and find hope. Healing […]
Listening to the Adoptee’s Voice – Creating Space for Hard Truths This Adoption Awareness Month
Key Takeaways Adoptees deserve the full ownership of their stories, with all the complexities and truths they contain. Love alone can’t erase the unique pain of relinquishment, but supporting adoptees’ connections to their origins strengthens the family bond. Creating space for adoptees’ questions and feelings—no matter how hard—builds trust, healing, and connection. “I wish I […]
How Connection Heals – Navigating the Beauty and Complexity of Adoption
Key Takeaways Adoption is a beautiful journey but often begins with loss, impacting a child’s emotional experience. Loss of connection to biological families can lead to unresolved trauma that manifests in different stages of life. At Chosen, relational connection is key to healing and helping children thrive, and that’s why we provide tools and support […]
Creating Felt Safety During Spooky Season
Key Takeaways Felt safety is essential: Children who have experienced trauma need to feel safe, especially during disrupted routines like Halloween, so intentional planning is key. Preparation reduces fear: Understanding potential triggers, setting clear expectations, and trying on costumes ahead of time can help children feel more in control and prevent overwhelming situations. Prioritize choice […]
Caring for the Caregivers: Combatting Compassion Fatigue
Key Takeaways Compassion Fatigue Awareness: Social workers and caregivers must recognize the signs of compassion fatigue, which can jeopardize their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Prioritizing Self-Care: By prioritizing self-care practices such as body awareness and seeking support, individuals can build resilience and mitigate the effects of compassion fatigue. Organizational Support Matters: […]
