Therapy assessment

Two weeks ago we finally had our assessment with the private adoption agency that Robbie's local authority agreed to pay for. It was very intensive: seven hours over two days. On the first day, Glen and I spent four hours getting to know the psychologists, the agency, the different therapies they offer and talking to them about our story so far and Robbie's. We needs. We also planned how the following day would work and how we would approach it with Robbie. That evening we spoke to him (we'd already mentioned we would be seeing someone) and showed him pictures of where we'd be going and the people he'd meet there. He seemed totally OK abut it, and keen to miss school for a whole day so we could attend.

The following morning he'd changed his mind. He said he'd rather go to school and did his best to delay our appointment, but thankfully without getting angry. When we got to their offices, the team introduced themselves and showed Robbie around the place. It's very non-threatening: there is a room full of toys that feels like a play area, and another one that's very homely, with sofas and cuddly toys. We played some games with the team and then first Robbie and I and then Glen and Robbie were filmed undertaking a series of tasks.

We played some more games and then Robbie had a short session with one of the psychologists on their own. I wondered how well that might go (considering how reluctant to participate Robbie was on most of our attachment-focused counselling sessions) but when they got back after half an hour or so, the psychologist said Robbie had been very cooperative and told her about all about his life story and how sad he is about some of the things that have happened in his life.

When we got home we watched a film together and played games for the rest of the afternoon. We kept expecting the emotions of the day to surface at some point, but Robbie was fine, even when we stopped for a while so he could do his homework.

Glen and I were very impressed by their professionalism, how far they seemed to get in a short space of time, and how willing to talk to them Robbie had been. It's given us hope that they may be able to offer the help we all need. We'll go back again next week to hear the results of their observations and what course of action they suggest (they offer several therapies including Theraplay, Sensory Attachment integration and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy among others). They will also report back to Robbie's placing authority, and we'll have to make a case to obtain funding for further treatment. The sessions cost a lot of money, and we really hope his placing authority agree to fund them!