Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your own emotions as an adoptive parent — unsure how to calm yourself down or pick yourself back up when the weight feels like too much?

Hi Neighbor,

For many Christian adoptive parents, the challenge goes beyond supporting a child through trauma; it’s learning how to regulate yourself when the demands of parenting feel overwhelming 💔😮‍💨

In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my neighbor from London, Crystal Luke Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and families heal from early trauma 🧠🎶

In previous episodes, Crystal shared powerful insights on EMDR and music therapy for adopted children. This time, the focus shifts to you — the adoptive parent 🤍

Together, we explore what emotional regulation actually looks like in real life and why adoptive parents are not meant to do this alone. 🤝

We talk through practical, body-based tools to help you calm down when anxiety or anger runs high, as well as strategies to gently activate yourself when sadness, numbness, or low energy take over.

In today’s conversation, we explore:

🤝 Why adoptive parents are not meant to regulate alone and how co-regulation supports healing

🧺 The “emotional laundry” analogy and how naming emotions reduces overwhelm

⏸️▶️ How to tell whether you need to slow down or speed up emotionally

🌬️ Simple grounding and breathing techniques that help calm anxiety and bring clarity

⏰ The role of intentional self-check-ins and routines in long-term regulation

🏡 Why regulating yourself creates safety and steadiness for your entire family

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to manage your own emotions while caring for a child with big feelings, this episode offers practical hope.

You are not alone in this journey. Support, tools, and understanding are available 🙏 Learning to care for yourself is not a weakness, but a vital part of caring for your family 💛

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Crystal: Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/ Email: crystal@clapandtoot.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.