Rachel started her journey at Relationships Australia SA nine years ago, after accessing the Post Adoption Support Service (PASS).
Rachel contacted PASS after meeting her biological family, ‘that opened up a whole can of worms’, she said. However, Rachel recognised this as the first step towards the long and rewarding path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
After receiving invaluable support and guidance from PASS, Rachel felt ready to give of herself and help other adoptees, so she decided to study the Diploma of Counselling. Rachel saw a gap in the industry around peer support options for adoptees, and she felt she could help others ‘with usual adoption problems, like trust’, she said.
Last week Rachel received her certificate, after working hard to complete her studies in Counselling. She was part of a connected group, who all felt passionate and grateful about the time they spent at the Institute.
Rachel’s long-term hope is to work at Relationships Australia South Australia and give back to an organisation she is so grateful for. She sees joining Relationships Australia SA as a benefit for all and she would be an asset due to her adoptee experience.
Rachel had full support from all her families at graduation! Her biological family, adoptive family and family as an adult were all present.
Rachel left us with a quote that she feels sums up her experience:
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”
C.S Lewis