Episode 529 - Healing for Foster & Adoptive Families with Melanie Villalta

“Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” -John 15:4   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Melanie Villalta.  Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Lifeline Children’s Services in Athens, Georgia. She has over a decade of experience working with the adoption constellation, including birth families, foster families, and adoptive families.    Melanie is trauma informed and enjoys walking alongside each member of the adoption constellation as they heal from the pain of their past. She works from an attachment framework and strives to meet clients where they are in their current season of life. Melanie recognizes that in order to live the life we hope to live, we must heal from past hurts and unmet needs while also taking responsibility for the choices we make today. She is passionate about helping parents create the “felt-safety” their children need in order to heal and thrive.   Melanie is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), has completed training to become an Adoption Competent Therapist and has received training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Theraplay. Melanie specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults dealing with trauma, complex trauma, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety and attachment needs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Melanie Villalta on Episode 529 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: lifelinechild.org The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon ReNew Retreat in NC