Adoption Counselling in Bristol

Photo of Andrew Bretton, MBACP, Counsellor
Andrew Bretton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS15
I particular experience working with either anyone affected and impacted by adoption, fostering and kinship care, whether as a child, parent or carer or who has experienced spiritual and religious abuse, adverse religious experiences and faith changing or shifting.
My name is Andy and I will meet you with warmth and acceptance wherever you are in your life, without any expectation or judgement of you. Providing a safe and confidential space for you is paramount to me. I have found that anyone given an accepting space in which they are truly heard can, and does, benefit and develop. I am an integrative counsellor and see the therapeutic relationship as central to counselling.
I particular experience working with either anyone affected and impacted by adoption, fostering and kinship care, whether as a child, parent or carer or who has experienced spiritual and religious abuse, adverse religious experiences and faith changing or shifting.
My name is Andy and I will meet you with warmth and acceptance wherever you are in your life, without any expectation or judgement of you. Providing a safe and confidential space for you is paramount to me. I have found that anyone given an accepting space in which they are truly heard can, and does, benefit and develop. I am an integrative counsellor and see the therapeutic relationship as central to counselling.
0117 463 5511 View 0117 463 5511
Photo of Celia Stewart, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Celia Stewart
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
I have a special interest in adoptees and the issues adoption can bring.
I am a qualified counsellor and complementary health practitioner and tutor. I studied counselling and addiction at the University of Bath and I also have wide ranging life and work experience. Most of us can have times in life when it seems as though we can't cope and we may feel worried, fearful or confused. At these times it can be helpful to give ourselves the gift of speaking to someone outside of our family or friendship group. Someone we can be honest with, without fear of judgement or opinion.
I have a special interest in adoptees and the issues adoption can bring.
I am a qualified counsellor and complementary health practitioner and tutor. I studied counselling and addiction at the University of Bath and I also have wide ranging life and work experience. Most of us can have times in life when it seems as though we can't cope and we may feel worried, fearful or confused. At these times it can be helpful to give ourselves the gift of speaking to someone outside of our family or friendship group. Someone we can be honest with, without fear of judgement or opinion.
01373 489237 View 01373 489237
Photo of Jane Gurney - Full Circle Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Full Circle Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS20
I am qualified to Diploma level as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and also have a Certificate in Adoption Support.
With no waiting list and sessions available I can offer counselling & hypnotherapy to help you recover from depression, fear and anxiety through motivation & perspective thus finding the joy that you once had in your life. Anxiety, fear & hopelessness are some emotions that can linger post traumatic events, again I can help you overcome these symptoms. Loss of a loved one or diagnoses of a life limiting condition are devastating events & the pain of this sometimes unbearable. Feelings of guilt, anger & grief can become apparent & each individual responds differently. I am here to help you through your concerns of the future.
I am qualified to Diploma level as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and also have a Certificate in Adoption Support.
With no waiting list and sessions available I can offer counselling & hypnotherapy to help you recover from depression, fear and anxiety through motivation & perspective thus finding the joy that you once had in your life. Anxiety, fear & hopelessness are some emotions that can linger post traumatic events, again I can help you overcome these symptoms. Loss of a loved one or diagnoses of a life limiting condition are devastating events & the pain of this sometimes unbearable. Feelings of guilt, anger & grief can become apparent & each individual responds differently. I am here to help you through your concerns of the future.
0117 325 2304 View 0117 325 2304
Photo of Emma Reeves, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Emma Reeves
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
I am specialised in working with trauma and have worked with a wide range of issues with clients: sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical abuse, bereavement, suicide, adoption, looked after children/ young people.
I am Art Psychotherapist providing art therapy sessions to adults and young adults in Bristol. I have 15 years experience practicing as an Art Psychotherapist with children, young people and adults in the voluntary sector. I am currently working within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I am familiar with working with the wide range of symptoms arising from trauma such as: anxiety, depression, self harm, behavioural difficulties, dissociation, hyperactivity, hypervigilance, eating difficulties, social difficulties, anger, aggression, etc. I am specialised in working with trauma.
I am specialised in working with trauma and have worked with a wide range of issues with clients: sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical abuse, bereavement, suicide, adoption, looked after children/ young people.
I am Art Psychotherapist providing art therapy sessions to adults and young adults in Bristol. I have 15 years experience practicing as an Art Psychotherapist with children, young people and adults in the voluntary sector. I am currently working within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I am familiar with working with the wide range of symptoms arising from trauma such as: anxiety, depression, self harm, behavioural difficulties, dissociation, hyperactivity, hypervigilance, eating difficulties, social difficulties, anger, aggression, etc. I am specialised in working with trauma.
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Photo of Louise Pivcevic, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Louise Pivcevic
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults and parents. Specialisms include student mental health, parenting and successful co-parenting through separation/divorce, adoption support. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a 8 year+ busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I can help with issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship and psychosexual difficulties. Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults and parents. Specialisms include student mental health, parenting and successful co-parenting through separation/divorce, adoption support. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a 8 year+ busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I can help with issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship and psychosexual difficulties. Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
01480 773558 View 01480 773558
Photo of Lola Fasehun, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lola Fasehun
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Would you like a safe space where your difficulties can be explored and real change can happen? My name's Lola and I've been a qualified psychotherapist for over 19 years with experience in assisting anyone who needs a reliable & confidential space in which to explore issues & difficulties. I can work with you on a range of issues including; Anxiety, Depression, Low moods, Trauma, Bereavement, Abuse (sexual/physical/psychological) Self esteem, Race & identity, Adoption & Smoking cessation. I offer online or telephone sessions. Fee is £70 a session (lower for those on low incomes). Currently taking bookings for mornings/evenings
Would you like a safe space where your difficulties can be explored and real change can happen? My name's Lola and I've been a qualified psychotherapist for over 19 years with experience in assisting anyone who needs a reliable & confidential space in which to explore issues & difficulties. I can work with you on a range of issues including; Anxiety, Depression, Low moods, Trauma, Bereavement, Abuse (sexual/physical/psychological) Self esteem, Race & identity, Adoption & Smoking cessation. I offer online or telephone sessions. Fee is £70 a session (lower for those on low incomes). Currently taking bookings for mornings/evenings
07723 496194 View 07723 496194
Photo of Ana Garcia, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Ana Garcia
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bristol BS31
I also bring in other approaches (DBT, trauma and attachment) alongside experiences of fostering and adoption.
Hi I’m Ana, an accredited CBT Therapist working with children, young people and adults. I have worked in mental health for almost two decades. Are you feeling stuck, lost or finding things difficult to manage? This may include struggling with waiting lists for support or guidance around Autism and/or ADHD? Are you unsure on what direction to go next or what choices to make? I would encourage you to reach out and get in touch with me. I work with a range of mental health difficulties, and I will work with you to help adapt our work to focus on your own individual needs and experiences, supporting you to achieve your goals.
I also bring in other approaches (DBT, trauma and attachment) alongside experiences of fostering and adoption.
Hi I’m Ana, an accredited CBT Therapist working with children, young people and adults. I have worked in mental health for almost two decades. Are you feeling stuck, lost or finding things difficult to manage? This may include struggling with waiting lists for support or guidance around Autism and/or ADHD? Are you unsure on what direction to go next or what choices to make? I would encourage you to reach out and get in touch with me. I work with a range of mental health difficulties, and I will work with you to help adapt our work to focus on your own individual needs and experiences, supporting you to achieve your goals.
01225 258839 View 01225 258839
Photo of Alicia Carolina Williams - Mariposa Psychotherapy and Counselling , MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mariposa Psychotherapy and Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS20
My previous employment has informed my current practice; leaning towards a special interest in adoption and attachment issues, as well as family dynamics.
I am an integrative trauma-informed Psychotherapist, drawing from a variety of therapeutic models to suit each individual I work with. I work relationally, focusing on you and your needs whilst facilitating a safe, judgement-free space enabling you to bring whatever you feel you can in the moment. I believe that the basis to any therapeutic relationship is trust and connection, and this creates a position from which we can begin our work collaboratively. You may be experiencing anxiety, stress at work, attachment issues, or relationship difficulties, these can be as a consequence of past traumas or adverse childhood experiences.
My previous employment has informed my current practice; leaning towards a special interest in adoption and attachment issues, as well as family dynamics.
I am an integrative trauma-informed Psychotherapist, drawing from a variety of therapeutic models to suit each individual I work with. I work relationally, focusing on you and your needs whilst facilitating a safe, judgement-free space enabling you to bring whatever you feel you can in the moment. I believe that the basis to any therapeutic relationship is trust and connection, and this creates a position from which we can begin our work collaboratively. You may be experiencing anxiety, stress at work, attachment issues, or relationship difficulties, these can be as a consequence of past traumas or adverse childhood experiences.
01275 402834 View 01275 402834
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Bristol BS40
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Donna Taylor - Horus Wellbeing Contemporary Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Horus Wellbeing Contemporary Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
01275 402727 View 01275 402727
Photo of Dr Claudia Schmidt, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Claudia Schmidt
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes difficulties can have a major impact on our well-being, relationships or work. Maybe friends and family can offer some support but we may also choose to see a qualified and experienced practitioner, who can provide a safe space in which to work with whatever is going on for us. I have a wide range of experience, including working in the NHS, at university as Associate Lecturer (14 years) and in a GP practice as a Lead Therapist and Supervisor, delivering Relational Integrative Therapy. I draw on Psychodynamic and Person-Centred approaches, relational CBT and CFT (Compassion-Focussed Therapy).
Sometimes difficulties can have a major impact on our well-being, relationships or work. Maybe friends and family can offer some support but we may also choose to see a qualified and experienced practitioner, who can provide a safe space in which to work with whatever is going on for us. I have a wide range of experience, including working in the NHS, at university as Associate Lecturer (14 years) and in a GP practice as a Lead Therapist and Supervisor, delivering Relational Integrative Therapy. I draw on Psychodynamic and Person-Centred approaches, relational CBT and CFT (Compassion-Focussed Therapy).
0117 463 3058 View 0117 463 3058
Photo of Colin Brown, Counsellor
Colin Brown
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Bristol BS34
It’s when you sense, or realise, that things can’t remain the same and yet you feel frozen, unable to act, and you don’t know what to do. A personal crisis might leave you feeling powerless and anxious. Then you find that the ways in which you generally deal with problems aren’t working: the people you’d usually turn to for support aren’t enough, they might be too involved with the issues you’re facing. You might also feel unwell. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious, depressed or emotionally fragile. This is when counselling can help. I offer Face to Face, Walk and Talk, Online and Telephone Counselling.
It’s when you sense, or realise, that things can’t remain the same and yet you feel frozen, unable to act, and you don’t know what to do. A personal crisis might leave you feeling powerless and anxious. Then you find that the ways in which you generally deal with problems aren’t working: the people you’d usually turn to for support aren’t enough, they might be too involved with the issues you’re facing. You might also feel unwell. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious, depressed or emotionally fragile. This is when counselling can help. I offer Face to Face, Walk and Talk, Online and Telephone Counselling.
0117 463 0029 View 0117 463 0029
Photo of Belén Plaza Higueras - EMDR, PSYCH-K, CBT, EFT, Bach flowers, Homeopathy , MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
EMDR, PSYCH-K, CBT, EFT, Bach flowers, Homeopathy
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
I believe that we all have the potential to heal ourselves. Are you aware that you have a negative mental state at work or in relationships? Is it persistent, or do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, worried, and have a low level of liveliness? I can support you to find pathways to overcome these limitations. I am a compassionate integrative psychotherapist. I offer EMDR- 2013, Psych-K!, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy CBT, EFT, Mindfulness. Homeopathy (4 y), Bach flowers (BFP). I can help you to transform your life’s limitations arising from anxiety/ trauma, Personal, sleeping, relationships, work difficulties & others.
I believe that we all have the potential to heal ourselves. Are you aware that you have a negative mental state at work or in relationships? Is it persistent, or do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, worried, and have a low level of liveliness? I can support you to find pathways to overcome these limitations. I am a compassionate integrative psychotherapist. I offer EMDR- 2013, Psych-K!, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy CBT, EFT, Mindfulness. Homeopathy (4 y), Bach flowers (BFP). I can help you to transform your life’s limitations arising from anxiety/ trauma, Personal, sleeping, relationships, work difficulties & others.
0117 374 7699 View 0117 374 7699
Photo of Craig Davies, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Craig Davies
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS34
My name is Craig Davies and I am a fully qualified and experienced Psychotherapist available for short and longer-term treatment. I hold full UKCP registration. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, problems in relationships or patterns in your life that you want to change, psychotherapy can be an effective way of addressing these issues from within. I offer a comfortable and confidential space in which to explore your feelings. I work in accordance with the code of ethics of UKCP.
My name is Craig Davies and I am a fully qualified and experienced Psychotherapist available for short and longer-term treatment. I hold full UKCP registration. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties, problems in relationships or patterns in your life that you want to change, psychotherapy can be an effective way of addressing these issues from within. I offer a comfortable and confidential space in which to explore your feelings. I work in accordance with the code of ethics of UKCP.
0117 456 2091 View 0117 456 2091
Photo of Stephen Gallini, MA, HCPC-Music Therap., Counsellor
Stephen Gallini
Counsellor, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2
I am an integrative counsellor, HCPC registered Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist, with a MSc in Psychology of Pathological addictions, and further training, amongst others, in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy. Currently, I'm finalizing my MSc in Clinical Psychology. Within a holistic person-centred approach, I include in my practice techniques based on mindfulness and breathwork, and, as a Registered Nurse, I bring a well-rounded understanding of health and patient care into my practice.
I am an integrative counsellor, HCPC registered Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist, with a MSc in Psychology of Pathological addictions, and further training, amongst others, in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy. Currently, I'm finalizing my MSc in Clinical Psychology. Within a holistic person-centred approach, I include in my practice techniques based on mindfulness and breathwork, and, as a Registered Nurse, I bring a well-rounded understanding of health and patient care into my practice.
0117 456 2147 View 0117 456 2147
Photo of Hannah Byrne - Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics) , MSc
Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics)
MSc
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
0117 325 4798 View 0117 325 4798
Photo of Miranda Lovelock, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Miranda Lovelock
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bristol BS13
Thinking about counselling can feel daunting. I’m here to listen and support you explore issues that may be affecting your well-being and relationships around you. My approach is informed by humanistic principles which means I work in a relational way with you while providing a safe and inclusive environment where you can explore and process your thoughts without judgment. You may have work and life issues, relationship worries or deeper underlying concerns that we can work through together.
Thinking about counselling can feel daunting. I’m here to listen and support you explore issues that may be affecting your well-being and relationships around you. My approach is informed by humanistic principles which means I work in a relational way with you while providing a safe and inclusive environment where you can explore and process your thoughts without judgment. You may have work and life issues, relationship worries or deeper underlying concerns that we can work through together.
01275 403018 View 01275 403018
Photo of Carla Thomas, MUKCP, Counsellor
Carla Thomas
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Working with me may help you to identify addictive or destructive cycles, overcome past traumas and events and make positive changes to your lifestyle. My approach is warm, kind and challenging and I integrate different ways of working to explore the best ways for you to explore your issues. I offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore difficulties in your life in central Bristol.
Working with me may help you to identify addictive or destructive cycles, overcome past traumas and events and make positive changes to your lifestyle. My approach is warm, kind and challenging and I integrate different ways of working to explore the best ways for you to explore your issues. I offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore difficulties in your life in central Bristol.
0117 463 7185 View 0117 463 7185
Photo of Eszter Lukacsi, MBACP, Counsellor
Eszter Lukacsi
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
Welcome. I believe that every person is unique, and I help you face your challenges in the way that is right for you. I invite you to meet me for a FREE first session, explore your goals and talk about expectations.
Welcome. I believe that every person is unique, and I help you face your challenges in the way that is right for you. I invite you to meet me for a FREE first session, explore your goals and talk about expectations.
0117 463 4122 View 0117 463 4122
Photo of Dr Konstantinos Gazis, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Konstantinos Gazis
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
I am a HCPC registered counselling psychologist, and a UKCP registered family and systemic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience of working therapeutically with individuals, families and couples in the NHS and in private practice. Whether you want to explore new ways of managing life’s problems, understand patterns in your relationships, improve communication or find ways for personal healing and self-growth, I will bring my dual training to assist you in this journey.
I am a HCPC registered counselling psychologist, and a UKCP registered family and systemic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience of working therapeutically with individuals, families and couples in the NHS and in private practice. Whether you want to explore new ways of managing life’s problems, understand patterns in your relationships, improve communication or find ways for personal healing and self-growth, I will bring my dual training to assist you in this journey.
01275 403061 View 01275 403061
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See more therapy options for Bristol

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.