The Therapeutic Value of Intersubjective Systems Theory with an Adult Adoptee: A Case Study
Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Peter Buirski
Second Advisor
Tracy Vozar
Third Advisor
Christine DeVore
Keywords
Intersubjective, Adoption, Transfer
Abstract
Adoptees are overrepresented in mental health settings and adult adoptees have been found to be at an increased risk for anxiety disorders, substance use, and mood disorders compared to nonadoptees (Tieman, van der Ende, & Verhulst, 2005). Despite this, research pertaining to the therapeutic treatment of adult adoptees is scarce (Post, 2000; Smyer, Gatz, Simi, & Pedersen, 1998). The purpose of this paper is to use a case study of an adult adoptee to demonstrate the utility of Intersubjective Systems Theory (IST) to treat and adult adoptee. Additionally, the paper explores the impact of forced transfers on both adopted and non-adopted psychotherapy clients and suggests additional graduate training to better serve adopted psychotherapy clients.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
29 pgs
Recommended Citation
Dunn, Margaret, "The Therapeutic Value of Intersubjective Systems Theory with an Adult Adoptee: A Case Study" (2021). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 428.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/428