Author Archive | Joni Mantell

Therapeutic Writing for Birth Mothers

Therapeutic Writing Workshop for Birth Parents of Children Ages Infancy to 21 Express yourself…Gain clarity…Work through feelings… Enjoy the amazing healing power of writing… And meet others with similar experiences Each meeting will include writing prompts, time to write, the optional opportunity to share your writing or to simply enjoy the personal insights gained by doing the writing […]

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Spring 2018 Newsletter

Happy Spring! I don’t know about you but I am going to act like its Spring even if it’s cold outside. Read about: What’s NEW at IAC Center Some stimulating articles and a video A Spring event you can participate in that helps the World Wide Orphan Organization WWO. IAC Center NEWS Joni Mantell, LCSW, […]

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IAC Adoption Talking Circle

Monthly at IAC in Pennington NJ –  IAC Adoption Talking Circle On the 4th Friday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Our Talking Circle is not a therapy group; instead it is a place for adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents to talk about about adoption, search and reunion; and to feel a […]

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Korean Spa Suggestions

In case the Hanji Box Movie tempted you to seek out a Korean Spa experience here are some options: Island Spa & Sauna in Edison, NJ (732) 253-7379 Open 24 hours Island Spa & Sauna a 30,000 square feet day spa aims to revitalize your mind, body and soul. We offer unique dry saunas made […]

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Search and Reunion Bibliography and Resources

Closed era adoptions are very different from most modern domestic adoptions in that adoptees and their adoptive parents typically had very little if any information; and adoptive parents were not educated about “How to talk to kids about adoption.” As a result there are many scars from the shame and secrecy of this era. Search […]

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Open Adoption Books and Resources

For Pre-Adoptive and Adoptive Parents   Open Adoption Reference Guide: by Joni Mantell, MSW – This is a good guide for starting this relationship on the right foot, dealing with bumps on the road and keeping the focus on the purpose of the relationship: the best interests of the child. The Open-Hearted Way to Open […]

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ADOPTION BOOKS for Kids and Teens

Ages 2 to 5 and up Katz, Karen. Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale.  Through mystical storytelling and beautiful imagery, the process of adoption from start to finish is told in terms that will enchant young readers. (A Joni Mantell favorite) Curtis, Jamie Lee.  Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born. Some family […]

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Multicultural and Trans-racial Adoption Books and Resources

This list was developed by Stefani Moon, LPC, Program Director for the Open Arms Adoption Network and Joni Mantell, LCSW, Director of IAC Counseling Center made some additions   Books for Adults: I’m Chocolate You’re Vanilla: Raising healthy black and biracial children in a race-conscious world by Marguerite A. Wright The Harris Narratives: An introspective […]

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Discovery and Adoption:

Joni Mantell presents THE HANJI BOX + discussion with director Nora Jacobson   Please join us on Saturday, November 4th at 7:00 PM at the Hopewell Theatre for a special viewing of an award-winning film, The Hanji Box, which depicts the stormy relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter which is complicated by adoption […]

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Teens Born Via Sperm/Egg Donation or Surrogacy Are Doing Fine 10/05/2017 | by Dawn Davenport

Teens Born Via Sperm/Egg Donation or Surrogacy Are Doing Fine 10/05/2017 | by Dawn Davenport Dawn Davenport Are kids conceived thru 3rd party reproduction (donor sperm, egg, embryo, or surrogacy) less attached to their families and are their parents less happy? People have speculated for years that families and children conceived through third party donation […]

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Third Time’s the Charm: A Mother’s Gift to Her Daughter

By Susan Merkel, MSW, LSW/smerkelmsw@iaccenter.com IAC Center Counselor   While many people start their adoption process unsure of where, and how to proceed; Lisa and Harry had a unique perspective which led them specifically to Guatemala. After learning medical issues would prevent a safe pregnancy, the couple took a break from their jobs and traveled […]

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The Ten Top Things Birth Mothers Wish Adoptive Parents Knew By Joni Mantell, LCSW, Director IAC Center

                 10 Things Birth Mothers Want Adoptive Parents to Know   Profiles: What To do and What Not to Do Openness in Communication Be Patient, Kind & Understanding We Have to choose each other  Don’t Assume It’s Okay to Ask About the Birth Father Know the Professionals That You’re Working With Respect the Hospital/Birth Plan […]

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