At Gladney, we believe that adoption is a lifelong journey. For many international adoptees, traveling back to China is one of the most profound steps in that journey. These trips offer the opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of their birth country in a way that is deeply personal and often transformative.
We also know that with the beauty of this experience comes complexity. That’s why clinical support is such an important part of Gladney’s homeland tours.
Why Clinical Support Matters
Navigating layered emotions
Adoptees may feel excitement and joy as they explore China, but they may also experience grief, confusion, or questions about identity and belonging. Having a trained clinician present ensures that every child and family has a safe, supportive space to process the emotions that come up along the way.
Supporting identity development
Adolescence and young adulthood are critical times for shaping identity. Clinicians help adoptees weave their cultural experiences into a stronger sense of self—celebrating heritage while embracing their whole story.
Equipping families
Parents also walk through this journey with their children. Clinical support equips families with tools to better understand their child’s perspective, validate their emotions, and grow closer through the shared experience of a homeland trip.
Recognizing the sibling experience
Homeland journeys impact not only the adoptee but also their brothers and sisters. For siblings who are not biologically related, these trips can raise their own questions about identity, belonging, and family connection. Clinicians provide space for siblings to reflect on what the experience means for them, while also strengthening sibling relationships through shared understanding and empathy.
Creating shared spaces for reflection
Our clinician will guide group discussions and reflective activities, helping adoptees process what they see and feel in community with peers who share similar backgrounds. This not only eases isolation but fosters connection and belonging.
Beyond the Trip
We know the journey doesn’t end when the plane lands back home. Gladney’s clinical team continues to walk with families as they process the memories and emotions of the trip, integrating them into the ongoing story of identity, family, and belonging.
Our Commitment
At Gladney, our mission is to walk alongside families and adoptees through every stage of the adoption journey. By weaving clinical support into our homeland tours, we help ensure that each adoptee’s return to China is not just a trip—but a meaningful step toward healing, growth, and connection.