Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker

Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker

@drchaitra.bsky.social

#Psychologist with a #SocialJustice approach, International Speaker, #Author, Transracial #Adoptee, Adoptive Parent, Founder of the National Adoptee-Therapist Directory, Owner of Beyond Words Psychological Services

511 Followers 669 Following 66 Posts Joined Nov 2024
2 weeks ago
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EO 9066, issued by FDR on 2/19/42, authorizing the forced removal & incarceration of Japanese Americans. Accuracy of terminology matters, especially when it is only being diluted to maintain the comfort of those who wish to remain neutral in the face of oppression & injustice. (Photo: Amache Museum)

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1 month ago

I can’t help but wonder how Colin Kaepernick feels watching the NFL invite people like Green Day & Bad Bunny to perform at the #SuperBowlHalftimeShow when they’ve never acknowledged how poorly they treated him for engaging in activism that is sure to mirror lyrics & sentiments we’ll witness tonight.

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1 month ago


There’s a big difference between fighting for liberation and selling the image of caring. When attention shifts away, many of these voices disappear too, leaving behind silence where accountability, resources, and long term commitment should have been.

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1 month ago
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To International Adoptees and the People Who Love Them: You Are Not Alone - Beyond Words Psychological Services Resources for internationally adopted citizens and commentary on collective trauma.

To International Adoptees and the People Who Love Them: You Are Not Alone

growbeyondwords.com/2026/01/inte...

#adopteerights #internationaladoptionsupport #adopteecitizenship #adoptioneducation #adoptiontrauma #adopteevoices

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1 month ago
Yellow book cover with black and white cutout letters of the title A Protest History of the United States by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall .

Today’s reading: “Chapter 2: What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

#MLKJrDay #ProtestFacism

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1 month ago
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Citizenship, Voting, and Identity Documents, Advancing Advocacy in Michigan Anna Sarkitova interviews adoptee rights attorney Gregory Luce on citizenship, voting, identity rights, and advancing adoptee advocacy.

Today at 3pm Eastern, a conversation for adoptees and allies who want to understand the laws that impact adoptees and their rights and help shape what comes next. 🥚

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1 month ago
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Intercountry Adoptee Rights and Safety Guide: What to Know in 2026 — The Ties Program Stay informed, prepared, and supported as an intercountry adoptee. This living guide offers practical tips on rights, documentation, travel, and community resources, helping adoptees navigate immigrat...

Necessary information. www.thetiesprogram.com/the-ties-pro...?

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2 months ago
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New Blog Post: Biological and Cultural Continuity Privilege: What Adoptive Parents Need to Understand

growbeyondwords.com/2025/12/biol...

#adoptioneducation #biologicalprivilege #culturalprivilege #invisiblemarginalization #adopteevoices #adopteesky

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2 months ago
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Adoptee Therapist Directory - Beyond Words Psychological Services The Adoptee Therapist Directory includes licensed US mental health professionals who identify as adoptees and work with adoptees / adoptive families in...

You may have heard my name as the creator of the National Adoptee-Therapist Directory, as well - that seems to be the case for a lot of people. growbeyondwords.com/adoptee-ther...

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2 months ago

Yes, I’ve know Joy for years and am on the mental health subsidy committee for IAA!

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2 months ago

I was genuinely moved by how much “Anne with an E” resonated for me. I don’t think it’s available on Netflix any longer though.

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2 months ago
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Korea moves to end overseas adoptions by 2029 The South Korean government is preparing to end overseas adoptions by 2029, shifting responsibility for adoption from private agencies to the state in a move of

m.koreaherald.com/article/1064...

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2 months ago

Not only is NCAR crucial to science, its weather research has saved countless lives, for a number of species. They are also unique because they offer free daily tours and have some of the coolest hands-on examples to help people of all ages understand weather. Of course this administration hates it.

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3 months ago
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How To Apply For Your Michigan Birth Information, Adoptee Workshop, Tue, Dec 2, 2025, 6:30 PM | Meetup **HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR MICHIGAN BIRTH INFORMATION** **ADOPTEE WORKSHOP** This online workshop is designed for Michigan Adult Adoptees who are struggling to navigate the pr

Our free online workshop is tonight, hosted by Susan Christin.
If you are a Michigan adoptee who needs help applying for your information from the state, then this is the zoom meeting for you! 🥚 buff.ly/FQNNvQE

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3 months ago
[ID: Navy blue text reading "New Blog Post, Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for Adoptees, GrowBeyondWords.com/Blog" on a white, gray, and light blue winter scene of snowflakes and pine branches along the top edge of the image.]

New Blog Post: Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for Adoptees
growbeyondwords.com/2025/11/thou...
#adopteevoices #adoptioneducation #adoptiveparenting #adopteehealing #holidaygiftguide

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3 months ago

We bought a tiny jar of strawberry grapefruit jam at a street market yesterday for $15. 😬 Your deal sounds better! 😄

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3 months ago

Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society by Arline Geronimus - she does an incredible job of weaving personal examples with research.

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4 months ago
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Healing Over Hustling: Why I’m Not a Prolific Social Media Poster

growbeyondwords.com/2025/10/heal...

#mentalhealthmatters #adopteeprivacy #adopteerights #adopteetherapist

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4 months ago

I'm attending Indivisible's event, “Solidarity in Action: Protect Immigrant Rights, Build Collective Power” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/indivisible/...

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4 months ago
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From a firsthand encounter: CO U.S. Senate candidate Brashad Hasley doesn’t support gender-affirming care for minors. He also doubles down on bias even when presented with facts. CO, please vote like trans & non-binary lives depend on it. Because they do. #ColoradoVotes #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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4 months ago

Perfect timing, just starting to consider holiday gifts for my kiddo! Thanks for sharing, they’re going to be so excited to receive a personalized message! 💜

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4 months ago
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My latest for Erin in the Morning about USAF's alleged discrimination against a trans athlete.

I don't want this detail to be lost in the noise. This is where we are at as a society.

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4 months ago
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How Genetic Mirroring Shapes Identity Genetic mirroring gives adoptees and foster youth reflections of self. Without it, identity feels like a blank mirror, fueling confusion, loss, and a lifelong search for belonging.

www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.psyc...

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5 months ago
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You are seen, valued and celebrated, today and every day. #NationalComingOutDay #LGBTQRightsAreHumanRights

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5 months ago

Yes, but they also agreed to a number of anti-trans provisions - why are we congratulating them for supporting some of our citizens and dehumanizing others? It’s shameful.

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5 months ago
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Check out my fall speaking schedule - I hope to see you (virtually or in person) at upcoming events! Really looking forward to some beautiful autumn leaves in MN, and maybe a trip to Nelson's for a massive ice cream cone!😋Learn more about registration @ GrowBeyondWords.com/events.#adoptioneducation

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5 months ago
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"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Rest in power, Dr. Jane Goodall

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5 months ago
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Montana has officially joined PSYPACT! I'm now able to support clients in 41 states + DC with counseling services specifically cultivated to meet adoptee needs! Visit my website at GrowBeyondWords.com to learn more. #psychologist #adopteetherapist #adoptionsupport #psypact

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6 months ago
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As the school year approaches and many adoptees are heading off to college, a job, or a new apartment for the first time, the role of parenting changes. Check out my new blog post, "When Parenting Shifts: Navigating the Teen & Young Adult Years with Your Adoptee." growbeyondwords.com/2025/08/when...

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7 months ago
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Beyond Words turns 13 today. What began as a small practice is now a space offering adoptee-centered tools, support & real talk around identity + adoption. If this work has helped you, consider buying an on-demand course to keep it going. growbeyondwords.com/on-demand-ad...
#AdopteeSky #Adoption

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