Feedback from our 2nd virtual retreat for adoptees.

"Gilli and Claire were AMAZING presenters. I related to almost everything discussed and it felt so validating. "

“As a first-time attendee to a HTBA event, it was so good to be amongst so many kindred spirits! There is strength in numbers and being an adoptee can be a lonely road. I found the format overall worked well for me. The grounding session was a great way to centre my focus on the afternoon's event."

"It was so useful and interesting to connect with other adoptees at an event run my adoptees. The community feeling was incredible. I have never felt like I belonged anywhere as much as I did during the time here. I think this could be my new “family” after many years spent lost. I look forward to seeing and being part of growing this community. "

"First time of attending anything like this. It was amazing to be part of this fantastic retreat. Thank you."

“It’s impossible to choose my favourite session! Grounding session, research/3 impacts with Gilli and 3 impacts with Claire were all wonderful."

"The meditation was great to end on, the research was so interesting. I loved the breakout rooms, never spoken to another adopted person before knowingly. "

And some tips for us to take on board for next time:

“I think sometimes until people have experienced it, they don't realise how significant and poignant the break out rooms and shared experience is. People seem to get SO much from these. I'd like them to be longer, it always feels short and people sometimes need time to settle into the groups before they start feeling confident enough to speak or share. "

“It's always so nice to spend time with other adopted adults, but after doing a few get-togethers there's a certain amount of repetition to introduce/remind of issues not everyone might be familiar with (which can't be helped, and is ofc necessary for those newer to the topics/into their journeys) ."

"Make the break out rooms sessions a fair bit longer. People seem to really enjoy the chance to hear other's experiences, connect and share. Some people have never done this before and find it quite profound. Always there seems to be a depth of shared experience and it's so validating and helpful. For example, hearing and knowing you're not the only one that has always felt like a total alien in the world. I've heard and seen this a few times now and it helps me so deeply every time. "

"Personally, I was quite overwhelmed as I have only just started to look at the impacts of adoption and found the experience surreal specifically the similarities of how we all respond to and handle our adoptions.. I think I've a few surprises to come to terms with.."

How likely would you be to attend a future event?

9.2 out of 10

Did you feel an impact on your sense of well-being?

8.6 out of 10

Photo: https://unsplash.com/@voneciacarswell