One of the oldest but newest used areas in counseling and in self help groups dealing with Adjustment issues is called "Mirror of Adjustment."

It encourages a person to read and to apply themselves like the characters in a book. Using the reflective source of the characters to enhance their life and help them adjust to their existing life issues.

Austin L. Porterfield Offers a book called "Mirror For Adjustment." It deals with Therapy in home, school and society. Through seeing yourself and others as the characters in books.http://www.antiqbook.com/boox/connie/119290.shtml

"Porterfield writes about using literature as a tool for self-analysis, on one's own or in a group setting, including the classroom."

My concern here is that the books be chosen wisely if they are in fact to be used as tools to help a child with adjustment issues.

I do feel reading is fundamental and can help widen a child's desire for life by bringing to life a desire to travel, to succeed in sports or educational fields and, guide them in different directions to take.

I have often purchased books and learning items for a child if I see them developing in one area of interest such as music or art.

I have also watched as my child's therapist has told my daughter to read different books about people who have been adopted or abused and have managed to turn their life around and lived to write about their journey.

So this may be a good way of encouraging a child who is an avid reader and tends to enjoy the world of books and reading.

It would also be a good summer project to read together with a child. If the child is not good at reading. In all respects it would be a good "Parent Child Project."

Most of the therapists that use this technique in their therapy also use role play. They get the person involved in positive decision making by motivating them to role play the event in the book.

With questions and choices to think upon it helps a self motivated person think out the aspects of living life as a family. Using the positives and negatives to bring reality to the surface.

What are the good things about being in this new family? What opportunities in life are more available as a member of this family? If you could change anything what would it be about this family?

They can ask and answer the questions and make more educated choices to help them desire to "fit in" and be a valued member of this family unit.

I know of three children that this method of "Mirror
For Adjustment" Therapy has been helpful. By considering their choices and being able to make the decision to rebuild relationships with the family unit. They found the essence of a new place to belong in life.

I say, try anything and everything until you find out what works best for your child and your family.
It is all about getting past the pain and learning to live again.