How to Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation for an International Adoption
International adoption is a lengthy process that includes many steps. A psychological evaluation may be required by the adoption agency, state government, federal government or the adoptive country's government. Psychological evaluations are used to determine if the prospective parents are suitable for adoption and how they will cope with the stress of an adoption. Evaluations may differ based up on the psychologist performing the evaluation and the requirements set by the adoption agency.
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Instructions
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How to Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation
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Discuss your upcoming psychological evaluation with your adoption agency. The agency will provide an estimated amount of time that the evaluation will take. The agency will also assist you in setting up the evaluation.
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Set the evaluation for a time where you (and your spouse) can be free from distractions, such as work.
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Think about ways that you (and your spouse) resolve conflict and manage stress. The evaluator will likely ask for examples of how you handle conflicts and stress to gain an understanding of how you will adjust to an adoptive child.
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Prepare yourself to discuss sensitive topics with the evaluator. The psychologist will likely ask about past loss, miscarriages and infertility to learn about ways that you have tried to build your family.
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Relax and be honest. International adoption is a stressful process. By relaxing, you will be less anxious and worried during the evaluation. Try deep breathing and other relaxation techniques that work for you. Be honest regarding your nerves and stress level, as the psychologist expects you to be stressed during the adoption process.
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Request a copy of the evaluation for your records.
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References
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