Adoption in India: Insights from an Adoptee Therapist with Dr. Asra Ali - Ep 180

"It's a deep rooted fear of every adoptive parent that the parent will get rejected." - Dr. Asra Ali

Read the transcript of this episode here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JHS4S4K9DW0G3AZRZKWG970A

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Asra Ali, an adoptee from India whose adoption was facilitated by Mother Teresa. Dr. Asra shared her unique adoption story, highlighting the positive experiences she had growing up in a loving family that embraced her identity as an adopted child from a young age.

We delved into the cultural narratives surrounding adoption in India, discussing the historical preference for male children and the significant shifts that have occurred over the years. Dr. Asra explained how adoption practices have evolved, moving from informal arrangements to more structured legal processes to combat issues like human trafficking.

As a psychologist and child and family therapist, Dr. Asra works with adoptive families in India, helping them navigate the complexities of adoption. She emphasized the importance of honesty and emotional support for adopted children, noting that many adoptive parents struggle with insecurity and often keep the child's adoption a secret. This can lead to emotional disconnects and challenges for the child.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Asra provided valuable insights into the common mistakes adoptive parents make and the need for open communication about adoption. She also shared her mixed feelings about her own adoption, reflecting on the unanswered questions regarding her biological family.

Listeners will find this episode enlightening as we explore the intricacies of adoption in India and the universal themes that resonate with adoptive families worldwide. Dr. Asra's work is a testament to the importance of understanding and supporting adopted children, and I encourage anyone interested in this topic to reach out to her for guidance.

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RESOURCES:

Dr. Asra’s information:

• Find Dr. Asra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.asraali25/

• Call Dr. Asra on Mobile/Whatsapp: [phone] (India)

• Email Dr. Asra: [email protected]

People throughout the world can reach out to Dr. Asra for various counselling therapy sessions

• Depression

• Adoption

• Emotional distress

• Low self esteem

• Public speaking issues/ Social issues

• Parenting and its types

• How to handle teenages

• Impact of Covid on my child's mental health, emotional, social and cognitive decline

• Grief counselling

• Loss of a dear one OR pet counselling

• Early childhood years challenges

• Handling children with emotional distress

• Importance of nutrition

• Mind and body healing

• Astro travel journey

• Healing the child in you

• Impact of food on my body

• Positive attitude towards self and other

• Working on negative emotions and energy

• Communication and its importance for my healing

Price for 1-hour session: 

US$: 80 dollars 

Canada: 90 USD/CAD

UAE: 1000 AED 

India: 2000 inr

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• The other Indian adoptee guest on our podcast: “Pride and Resilience: A Transgender Adoptee's Path” with Sanjay Pulver: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/31826567

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

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Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:00 - Meet Dr. Asra Ali
Introduction of Dr. Asra Ali, an adoptee from India, and her unique adoption story facilitated by Mother Teresa.

00:03:00 - Cultural Perspectives on Adoption in India
Discussion on the cultural status of adoption in India, including gender preferences and historical practices.

00:06:00 - Domestic vs. International Adoption
Insights into the prevalence of domestic adoption in India compared to international adoption and the challenges involved.

00:10:00 - Common Mistakes by Adoptive Parents
Dr. Asra discusses the importance of honesty and the emotional disconnect often seen in adoptive families.

00:15:00 - Reflections on Identity and Biological Roots
Exploration of Dr. Asra's feelings about her adoption, her desire to learn about her biological parents, and the concept of twinship among adoptees.

00:20:00 - Advice for Adoptive Parents
Dr. Asra offers guidance on how adoptive parents can better support their children and the importance of personal growth.

00:24:00 - Closing Remarks and Resources
Beth shares information about upcoming events related to adoption healing and how to connect with Dr. Asra.