Adoption Therapists in Alberta
![Photo of Amy Paris, BA, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08c7bc72-85c4-41d8-816a-e8f7f0cefb18/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work with a Clinical specialization. I’m originally from a small town in New Brunswick and completed my studies in several Provinces across Canada. I also resided abroad for over a year and gained further experience in the field. I bring knowledge from multiple settings in the field with significant experience from children and families who have experienced child abuse or navigated through the Child and Family Services system, adoption and post adoption supports.
I am a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work with a Clinical specialization. I’m originally from a small town in New Brunswick and completed my studies in several Provinces across Canada. I also resided abroad for over a year and gained further experience in the field. I bring knowledge from multiple settings in the field with significant experience from children and families who have experienced child abuse or navigated through the Child and Family Services system, adoption and post adoption supports.
![Photo of Chantelle Beach, MC, RSW, CCC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c63df81c-fab8-41f6-abc4-b8560ca721f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
With specialized knowledge in adoption, family relationships, and grief/loss, I can help you work through your difficulties.
Your needs are important, and I am here to help you feel supported and validated, whether you are seeking support for yourself, with your partner or as a family. You will always feel listened to in my counselling room. A counselling approach that uses emotion to change emotion is powerful and offers so much hope. It is effective with couples and individuals alike. Meeting your unique needs is what matters most, so I am flexible and incorporate a range of interventions that will help you reach your goals. Counselling is not "one size fits all"; it is a creative process of working together to help you feel in control of your life.
With specialized knowledge in adoption, family relationships, and grief/loss, I can help you work through your difficulties.
Your needs are important, and I am here to help you feel supported and validated, whether you are seeking support for yourself, with your partner or as a family. You will always feel listened to in my counselling room. A counselling approach that uses emotion to change emotion is powerful and offers so much hope. It is effective with couples and individuals alike. Meeting your unique needs is what matters most, so I am flexible and incorporate a range of interventions that will help you reach your goals. Counselling is not "one size fits all"; it is a creative process of working together to help you feel in control of your life.
![Photo of Dr. Gillian McKirdy, PsyD, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e63bbc79-d9db-48d0-ab12-1e0c67b17f82/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, parents, children, teens and families looking for support for a wide range of issues. I specialize in issues relating to trauma for adults and children, PTSD, adoption (I am an adoptive parent), parenting, attachment, ADHD, trauma, loss, accepting a diagnosis for you or your child, and living well with chronic disease. I also provide psychoeducational assessments.
I work with individuals, parents, children, teens and families looking for support for a wide range of issues. I specialize in issues relating to trauma for adults and children, PTSD, adoption (I am an adoptive parent), parenting, attachment, ADHD, trauma, loss, accepting a diagnosis for you or your child, and living well with chronic disease. I also provide psychoeducational assessments.
![Photo of Julie Lidstone, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/461d682b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Her areas of expertise include parenting, marriage counselling, adoption and foster care, estranged relationships, and depression and anxiety.
Julie is a Registered Social Worker offering counselling services in both BC and Alberta. If you are located in the Victoria, BC area, Julie can provide counselling in-person, via video, or over the phone. For clients residing elsewhere in BC or in Alberta, services are available through video or phone sessions.
Her areas of expertise include parenting, marriage counselling, adoption and foster care, estranged relationships, and depression and anxiety.
Julie is a Registered Social Worker offering counselling services in both BC and Alberta. If you are located in the Victoria, BC area, Julie can provide counselling in-person, via video, or over the phone. For clients residing elsewhere in BC or in Alberta, services are available through video or phone sessions.
![Photo of Nadine Solyom, BA, MC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24d5b46a-3bbf-4747-9edb-a96d0f96fa0e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and families. I am passionate about helping women navigate through life transitions and parenting/mothering issues. I focus on women’s mental health around fertility, pregnancy, maternal depression/anxiety, postpartum depression/anxiety, mothering issues, adoption and step-parenting. I practice from an integrative approach and adjust my therapeutic method based on each individual’s unique needs and experiences, and am committed to making counselling a collaborative, comfortable, and positive experience.
Hi! I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and families. I am passionate about helping women navigate through life transitions and parenting/mothering issues. I focus on women’s mental health around fertility, pregnancy, maternal depression/anxiety, postpartum depression/anxiety, mothering issues, adoption and step-parenting. I practice from an integrative approach and adjust my therapeutic method based on each individual’s unique needs and experiences, and am committed to making counselling a collaborative, comfortable, and positive experience.
![Photo of Dr. Kendra Massie, PhD, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0450828f-3fc7-4f49-9715-db5e3e7eead3/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinical Psychologist with a family-focused practice and over 15 years of specialized experience. Children, youth, families, and parents/caregivers often see me when there are concerns about behavior, family and peer relationships, adjustment (e.g., parental separation, medical diagnosis), disrupted attachment (e.g., foster care, adoption), sleep, anxiety, and emotion regulation. Adults seek my services when they have concerns and goals related to relationships, coping, and adjustment. I have worked in diverse settings including children’s hospitals, school districts, a not-for-profit organization, and my private practice.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with a family-focused practice and over 15 years of specialized experience. Children, youth, families, and parents/caregivers often see me when there are concerns about behavior, family and peer relationships, adjustment (e.g., parental separation, medical diagnosis), disrupted attachment (e.g., foster care, adoption), sleep, anxiety, and emotion regulation. Adults seek my services when they have concerns and goals related to relationships, coping, and adjustment. I have worked in diverse settings including children’s hospitals, school districts, a not-for-profit organization, and my private practice.
![Photo of Scott McKirdy, MC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60ee9f99-1a1a-495a-898d-73300530a550/3/320x400.jpeg)
I try to bring a steady presence to therapy to help anchor wherever you need to go. I specialize in helping with work/life balance struggles, life transitions, parenting, attachment, adoption and fostering (I am an adoptive parent), ADHD, and grief and loss. I see human struggles mostly from an attachment/early-life and developmental process perspective, but I utilize a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques. I enjoy creating a collaborative environment and sharing the path to wellness for individuals and parents and families
I try to bring a steady presence to therapy to help anchor wherever you need to go. I specialize in helping with work/life balance struggles, life transitions, parenting, attachment, adoption and fostering (I am an adoptive parent), ADHD, and grief and loss. I see human struggles mostly from an attachment/early-life and developmental process perspective, but I utilize a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques. I enjoy creating a collaborative environment and sharing the path to wellness for individuals and parents and families
![Photo of Bethany Savoy, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f667620-4e49-4a31-8165-0f347eebb231/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a special interest in post-secondary concerns, parenting, adoption, ADHD, procrastination, sleep and insomnia, trauma, grief, mindfulness, burnout, and chronic pain & illness.
Everyone has times in their life when they can benefit from some additional support. Seeing a counsellor shouldn’t be an intimidating experience. My goal is to help you discover new ways of looking at your life and learn skills that will help you move forward. You are the expert in what you are going through, but I will support and guide you as you set goals and make the changes you want to make.
I have a special interest in post-secondary concerns, parenting, adoption, ADHD, procrastination, sleep and insomnia, trauma, grief, mindfulness, burnout, and chronic pain & illness.
Everyone has times in their life when they can benefit from some additional support. Seeing a counsellor shouldn’t be an intimidating experience. My goal is to help you discover new ways of looking at your life and learn skills that will help you move forward. You are the expert in what you are going through, but I will support and guide you as you set goals and make the changes you want to make.
![Photo of Mikaela Pahulje, BSc, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adf95467-459f-4f92-9da5-178b7907ce4c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mikaela Pahulje
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BSc, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1K
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I am passionate about helping kids navigate their way in the world. I can also help with eating disorders, chronic pain and illness, trauma, grief, relationships, separation and divorce, adoption, self-esteem, developmental challenges, sports performance, and other mental health challenges. As well, I am trained in EMDR and Gottman Method for couples. Although there is no manual or script to navigate one’s life, there are certainly opportunities for curiosity and self-awareness to deal with feelings, thoughts, and challenges.
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I am passionate about helping kids navigate their way in the world. I can also help with eating disorders, chronic pain and illness, trauma, grief, relationships, separation and divorce, adoption, self-esteem, developmental challenges, sports performance, and other mental health challenges. As well, I am trained in EMDR and Gottman Method for couples. Although there is no manual or script to navigate one’s life, there are certainly opportunities for curiosity and self-awareness to deal with feelings, thoughts, and challenges.
![Photo of Christine Gatzke, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1d3f857-5f3e-4992-bb45-72e701068adc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Gatzke
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Hinton, AB T7V (Online Only)
narcissistic abuse), sleep concerns, adoption/foster care, grief & loss, pain management, and life coaching/career/school and learning concerns.
Nearing 19+ years of clinical experience, Christine works with individuals, couples, and families, ranging from 5-80+ years old.
narcissistic abuse), sleep concerns, adoption/foster care, grief & loss, pain management, and life coaching/career/school and learning concerns.
Nearing 19+ years of clinical experience, Christine works with individuals, couples, and families, ranging from 5-80+ years old.
![Photo of Crystal Popke, RPsych, MACP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04cd4411-9538-4c44-86d7-96d2f7493b71/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also have experience working with families of various configurations, including non-traditional, foster and adoption/kinship.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering children, adolescents, parents and families in overcoming obstacles and discovering their full potential. I work from a collaborative framework, and believe that counselling works best when client and therapist are working together to address concerns and reach goals. I have built my practice around strengths-based, integrative modalities including Synergetic Play Therapy, Theraplay, expressive arts, sandplay, Polyvagal theory, CBT, somatic and mindfulness based practices.
I also have experience working with families of various configurations, including non-traditional, foster and adoption/kinship.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering children, adolescents, parents and families in overcoming obstacles and discovering their full potential. I work from a collaborative framework, and believe that counselling works best when client and therapist are working together to address concerns and reach goals. I have built my practice around strengths-based, integrative modalities including Synergetic Play Therapy, Theraplay, expressive arts, sandplay, Polyvagal theory, CBT, somatic and mindfulness based practices.
15 Second Videos
Chantelle Beach
Care Counselling
Kristy Brosz
Ladona Pinder
Strength Counselling Services
Holly Reeve
Brent Macdonald
Katie Castle
Strength Counselling Services
Barbora Beck
Strength Counselling Services
Jennifer Roesler
Strength Counselling Services
Lisa Romaniuk
Renee Trudeau
Jennifer Hrstic
Strength Counselling Services
Therapy For Women And Motherhood | Pregnancy | Postpartum | Parenting
Daisy Grossi - Clear Presence Psychology
Kimberly Craig
Wanda Swan
Ursula E de Vries
Terrie Ann McKinley
Donna Scott
Cornerstone Counselling
Sabrina Ragan
Relationship Counselling
Karla Harapiak
Stephen Lee Roberts
Kevin Ufoegbune
Calgary Psychological Services
Diana Izard
a sacred journey psychological services
Canmore Counselling
Nadine Hynd
Judith Heidbuurt
Russ Webb
Laura Kalbfleisch
Marie Martin
Holding Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling
Danik Bernier: EMDR Intensives
![Photo of Karlynn Wakulchyk, MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a57f7ebb-b032-4bb5-b417-0ba6cd730884/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karlynn Wakulchyk
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2X
I have experience with trauma work, parenting, adoption, attachment, ADHD in children, grief, loss, anxiety and depression.
Now accepting new clients. In light of current global circumstances, you may find you are thinking more about your mental health. Perhaps there is more anxiety, depression or stress in your life. Old trauma may be surfacing and you find yourself struggling to not feel overwhelmed. Perhaps your child or adolescent is now struggling more than before with anxiety, depression, or other behaviours that concern you. You may want to reconnect back to your old joyful self or see that in your child or children. You do not need to walk the road alone. I am here to walk alongside you or your child.
I have experience with trauma work, parenting, adoption, attachment, ADHD in children, grief, loss, anxiety and depression.
Now accepting new clients. In light of current global circumstances, you may find you are thinking more about your mental health. Perhaps there is more anxiety, depression or stress in your life. Old trauma may be surfacing and you find yourself struggling to not feel overwhelmed. Perhaps your child or adolescent is now struggling more than before with anxiety, depression, or other behaviours that concern you. You may want to reconnect back to your old joyful self or see that in your child or children. You do not need to walk the road alone. I am here to walk alongside you or your child.
![Photo of Marla L Rauser - Care Counselling, BA, (HON), BSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55e65038-2964-4a85-a90c-c7066368711b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Care Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, (HON), BSW
Verified Verified
Lloydminster, AB T9V
I am licenced in Alta and Sask to write adoption home studies both domestic/international including the S.
I enjoy working with individual, couples, children, families who have diverse challenges with relationships, family conflict, trauma, depression, abuse, anger, addictions and many more. I am an ally to Indigenous people and promote cultural awareness and safety. I provide work place support as available for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP/EFAP). I use an eclectic approach when working with people. I particularly enjoy using cognitive strategies, neuroscience, emotional and solution focused approaches. I also have training in the Gottman method for couples. My heart's desire is to see people grow and develop to their best potential
I am licenced in Alta and Sask to write adoption home studies both domestic/international including the S.
I enjoy working with individual, couples, children, families who have diverse challenges with relationships, family conflict, trauma, depression, abuse, anger, addictions and many more. I am an ally to Indigenous people and promote cultural awareness and safety. I provide work place support as available for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP/EFAP). I use an eclectic approach when working with people. I particularly enjoy using cognitive strategies, neuroscience, emotional and solution focused approaches. I also have training in the Gottman method for couples. My heart's desire is to see people grow and develop to their best potential
![Photo of Marcia Buhler, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30571655-b9a0-4a3f-a25e-5b381795deff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Parenting requires so much from us and it can bring up many emotions when our children struggle. I specialize in parent counselling & coaching. I support and empower parents to feel more confident, attuned and skilled in their parenting journey. Parent counselling can help with issues such as anxiety, temper tantrums, aggression, defiance, sibling issues, adoption, conflict, power struggles and many more issues. We will work together to understand your child's emotional world, how to support your child in successfully regulating their emotions, enhance your connection with your child and implement evidence based strategies.
Parenting requires so much from us and it can bring up many emotions when our children struggle. I specialize in parent counselling & coaching. I support and empower parents to feel more confident, attuned and skilled in their parenting journey. Parent counselling can help with issues such as anxiety, temper tantrums, aggression, defiance, sibling issues, adoption, conflict, power struggles and many more issues. We will work together to understand your child's emotional world, how to support your child in successfully regulating their emotions, enhance your connection with your child and implement evidence based strategies.
![Photo of Blair Wexler-Singer, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18c9ce49-f090-4229-af30-f379dd6106a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Blair compassionately provides ongoing support to those coping with infertility, miscarriage, and bereavement, respectfully conducts the required counselling and assessments in advance of Egg Freezing and IVF cycles, as well as Donor and Surrogate arrangements, and provides exploratory information about fostering and adoption.
Blair is a full-time family building practitioner at Informed Fertility, a counselling practice specifically designed to support individuals, couples and groups at various stages of their fertility journey. Blair is committed to supporting people experiencing primary or secondary infertility, as well as those seeking assisted fertility options for reasons other than infertility. She also offers counselling to those looking for guidance after completing their family, those moving forward after treatment and without children, and those whose dream it is to help someone else have a baby through donation or surrogacy.
Blair compassionately provides ongoing support to those coping with infertility, miscarriage, and bereavement, respectfully conducts the required counselling and assessments in advance of Egg Freezing and IVF cycles, as well as Donor and Surrogate arrangements, and provides exploratory information about fostering and adoption.
Blair is a full-time family building practitioner at Informed Fertility, a counselling practice specifically designed to support individuals, couples and groups at various stages of their fertility journey. Blair is committed to supporting people experiencing primary or secondary infertility, as well as those seeking assisted fertility options for reasons other than infertility. She also offers counselling to those looking for guidance after completing their family, those moving forward after treatment and without children, and those whose dream it is to help someone else have a baby through donation or surrogacy.
![Photo of Caitlin Roberts, MEd , RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fd0b02a-376f-481e-9aad-68d89ed6176e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with your child's behaviours or big emotions? Are you concerned about your child's tantrums or development, or worried about the impact of a recent stressor such as a divorce or birth of a new sibling? Or maybe your child has experienced a loss, bullying, or another potentially traumatic event. These are all issues we help with at Child's Play Psychology.
Are you struggling with your child's behaviours or big emotions? Are you concerned about your child's tantrums or development, or worried about the impact of a recent stressor such as a divorce or birth of a new sibling? Or maybe your child has experienced a loss, bullying, or another potentially traumatic event. These are all issues we help with at Child's Play Psychology.
![Photo of Kristy Brosz, MSW, RCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bbdd678-e7be-49bd-b17f-c8e3bc1bd688/3/320x400.jpeg)
*Chronic Illness/Rare Disease Therapist & Trauma/Grief Specialist* Everyone deserves safety, trust, and hope. These build the foundation for our belief in ourselves, connection with others, and help us to live a meaningful life. Stress, health diagnosis, and unexpected challenges can uproot us. When that happens it’s my privilege to create a safe, grounding connection to help you find your way back to a meaningful life. Through a combination of trauma-informed and evidence-based counselling interventions, I provide a soft place to land, where you are seen, heard, and can safely speak your truth on the road to healing.
*Chronic Illness/Rare Disease Therapist & Trauma/Grief Specialist* Everyone deserves safety, trust, and hope. These build the foundation for our belief in ourselves, connection with others, and help us to live a meaningful life. Stress, health diagnosis, and unexpected challenges can uproot us. When that happens it’s my privilege to create a safe, grounding connection to help you find your way back to a meaningful life. Through a combination of trauma-informed and evidence-based counselling interventions, I provide a soft place to land, where you are seen, heard, and can safely speak your truth on the road to healing.
![Photo of Amanda Preston, MPNL, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36c5f131-4df2-4be9-9193-ea29d739920c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe mental health is just as important as physical health and believe passionately that when people have someone to listen, they can uncover and understand themselves exponentially. Myself and my staff will come alongside individuals in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way so they feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences. I support individuals and couples as well as provide parent support for those raising neurodiverse children, such as Autism, ADHD, PDA, Anxiety & FASD. In addition, our clinic offers assessments, OT, SLP, counseling and Dietitian services!
I believe mental health is just as important as physical health and believe passionately that when people have someone to listen, they can uncover and understand themselves exponentially. Myself and my staff will come alongside individuals in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way so they feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences. I support individuals and couples as well as provide parent support for those raising neurodiverse children, such as Autism, ADHD, PDA, Anxiety & FASD. In addition, our clinic offers assessments, OT, SLP, counseling and Dietitian services!
![Photo of Jana-Lynn Caines - Labyrinth Psychological & Educational Counselling, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0d88e82-f71b-4220-bb2b-1c49a6ce22ed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Labyrinth Psychological & Educational Counselling
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2X
Jana-Lynn Caines is a Registered Psychologist and Independent Educational Consultant. She is the founder of Labyrinth Psychological & Educational Counselling, with 25 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and therapist. Jana-Lynn strives to offer a warm and inclusive environment where all are welcomed as her passion is to help people pursue healthy personal growth and interpersonal connections. Jana-Lynn works with children, youth, and adults with a wide variety of concerns and goals.
Jana-Lynn Caines is a Registered Psychologist and Independent Educational Consultant. She is the founder of Labyrinth Psychological & Educational Counselling, with 25 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and therapist. Jana-Lynn strives to offer a warm and inclusive environment where all are welcomed as her passion is to help people pursue healthy personal growth and interpersonal connections. Jana-Lynn works with children, youth, and adults with a wide variety of concerns and goals.
![Photo of Ladona Pinder, MA, RCC Can, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4da4e6a2-bbed-43fd-87a2-5e95ef41044f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ladona Pinder
Registered Social Worker, MA, RCC Can, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5R (Online Only)
If you feel challenged in your relationships, are struggling with parenting&difficult behaviors, heightened states of anxiety, depression, anger, or total avoidance of others, you are not alone. Conflict, loss, major life changes, & relationship problems are painful and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, complete dysregulation, uncertainty and self doubt. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, families, and parents. My approach is informed by Gottman and Prepare Enrich methods, attachment focused interventions, family systems theory, and evidence-based trauma processing approaches that can all support healing.
If you feel challenged in your relationships, are struggling with parenting&difficult behaviors, heightened states of anxiety, depression, anger, or total avoidance of others, you are not alone. Conflict, loss, major life changes, & relationship problems are painful and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, complete dysregulation, uncertainty and self doubt. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, families, and parents. My approach is informed by Gottman and Prepare Enrich methods, attachment focused interventions, family systems theory, and evidence-based trauma processing approaches that can all support healing.
See more therapy options for Alberta
Adoption Counsellors
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioural, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.