On Reflection
January 2024
This month’s blog is dedicated to the business happenings of this past year, 2023. I, in particular, often forget to acknowledge all the events that have helped grow Adoptee Counseling. So, here they are:
I received a grant from The Vermont Community Health Equity Partnership, which was specific to addressing issues of stigma in Windsor County, VT. This allowed me to offer free counseling to adoptees within Windsor County. While the number of contacts were small, I did meet virtually with 3 clients. My business is now known by many social service agencies after introducing myself in person as well as sharing brochures about my business.
I attended 10 workshops virtually which included addressing issues of shame as well as basic accounting. This was made possible through the grant I was a recipient of.
My business has a presence on various social media sites including: LinkedIn, You Tube, Instagram and my business profile is also listed on the “Psychology Today” website. As a result of the grant, I was able to work with a marketer who helped me get these platforms set up as a way to continue getting the word out.
Since January of 2023, I have met virtually with 14 clients for both individual and family adoptee counseling sessions.
Networking continues to grow alongside my business. To date I have over 40 contacts including the Director of the VT Adoption Registry and a representative for the State of VT.
Lastly, I am a Board Member of The VT Consortium for Adoption and Guardianship which meets virtually monthly.
On Reflection: What I've learned from this past year is to recognize and appreciate the creative process that I have opened myself to and for it to continue building upon itself. Connecting with other adoptees and their adoptive family members and helping them begin the process of defining identity has been an extraordinary and wonderful experience.
In peace.
Abby Jacobson, Adoptee Counselor
