Adoption Counselling in Cirencester

Photo of Bruce Rolls, MBACP, Counsellor
Bruce Rolls
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Therapy can provide a place of honesty for all the battles in our heads, from medical diagnoses, past trauma, sexual desire, issues of gender, to everyday compulsive/negative thinking. Understanding our experience in a rapidly changing environment, whilst surrounded by limitless information that offers such contradictory explanations can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Finding, and maintaining, personal meaning amongst so much uncertainty is a struggle. You needn't face it alone. Therapy reduces anxiety and deepens our understanding. Together we strive to create personal harmony between your internal needs and those external demands
Therapy can provide a place of honesty for all the battles in our heads, from medical diagnoses, past trauma, sexual desire, issues of gender, to everyday compulsive/negative thinking. Understanding our experience in a rapidly changing environment, whilst surrounded by limitless information that offers such contradictory explanations can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Finding, and maintaining, personal meaning amongst so much uncertainty is a struggle. You needn't face it alone. Therapy reduces anxiety and deepens our understanding. Together we strive to create personal harmony between your internal needs and those external demands
01344 948104 View 01344 948104
Photo of Libbet Paravicini, BACP, Counsellor
Libbet Paravicini
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
01666 331453 View 01666 331453
Photo of Helen James - Helen James - Clear Skies Psychotherapy, MA, BPC, Psychotherapist
Helen James - Clear Skies Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
For most of us, life is a complex mix of highs and lows. Sometimes we need specialist help, separate to our family and friends, to support our mental health and wellbeing and help us find our way. You might have a child or young person in distress; perhaps you’re battling with parenting or behaviour issues; or maybe you are an adolescent or young adult struggling to navigate life. Psychotherapy can help you make sense of difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours; allowing you to create better relationships, healthier behaviours, achieve potential and find joy in life.
For most of us, life is a complex mix of highs and lows. Sometimes we need specialist help, separate to our family and friends, to support our mental health and wellbeing and help us find our way. You might have a child or young person in distress; perhaps you’re battling with parenting or behaviour issues; or maybe you are an adolescent or young adult struggling to navigate life. Psychotherapy can help you make sense of difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours; allowing you to create better relationships, healthier behaviours, achieve potential and find joy in life.
01453 701072 View 01453 701072
Photo of Catherine Macer, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Catherine Macer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
01257 449409 View 01257 449409

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tracey Kassulke, MBACP, Counsellor
Tracey Kassulke
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Swindon SN25
I am an experienced and qualified counsellor working full time in my profession. It is very important to feel comfortable working with a counsellor with whom you have a relationship built upon trust, openness and honesty, where you feel at ease and accepted without judgement. I offer an initial free telephone consultation where we can discuss any queries you may have around counselling. This is important so we can identify together how therapy can be useful to you. I explain how I work and what you can expect from me. I work regularly with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, low mood, family concerns & bereavement
I am an experienced and qualified counsellor working full time in my profession. It is very important to feel comfortable working with a counsellor with whom you have a relationship built upon trust, openness and honesty, where you feel at ease and accepted without judgement. I offer an initial free telephone consultation where we can discuss any queries you may have around counselling. This is important so we can identify together how therapy can be useful to you. I explain how I work and what you can expect from me. I work regularly with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, low mood, family concerns & bereavement
01793 540204 View 01793 540204
Photo of Joanne Harris, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Joanne Harris
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Swindon SN25
I’ve adopted an integrative approach to counselling, this enables me to work with the whole you. I strive to provide you with a friendly, confidential and reflective place, helping you to unravel your experience and understand true deep-rooted feelings in order to resolve them. Coupled with person centred ideology, the focus is on you. Mental-health holds no barrier, I hold current Enhanced DBS enabling me to work with Young People in addition to Adults.
I’ve adopted an integrative approach to counselling, this enables me to work with the whole you. I strive to provide you with a friendly, confidential and reflective place, helping you to unravel your experience and understand true deep-rooted feelings in order to resolve them. Coupled with person centred ideology, the focus is on you. Mental-health holds no barrier, I hold current Enhanced DBS enabling me to work with Young People in addition to Adults.
01793 540626 View 01793 540626
Photo of Sam Hewitt - Sam Hewitt - Therapeutic Counsellor (MBACP) Reg, MBACP, Counsellor
Sam Hewitt - Therapeutic Counsellor (MBACP) Reg
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Swindon SN26
Life can sometimes be difficult. There may be times when we find ourselves experiencing stress, anxiety, panic, or struggling with extremely low moods or bouts of depression. Maybe you find yourself struggling with life's difficulties, often feeling isolated and alone, believing that there isn't anyone you can turn to, including work colleagues, friends or family. Maybe past experience has taught you not to trust anyone with your feelings. Or maybe you find yourself believing that no one truly understands what you are going through.
Life can sometimes be difficult. There may be times when we find ourselves experiencing stress, anxiety, panic, or struggling with extremely low moods or bouts of depression. Maybe you find yourself struggling with life's difficulties, often feeling isolated and alone, believing that there isn't anyone you can turn to, including work colleagues, friends or family. Maybe past experience has taught you not to trust anyone with your feelings. Or maybe you find yourself believing that no one truly understands what you are going through.
07521 778424 View 07521 778424

Online Therapists

Photo of Lola Fasehun, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lola Fasehun
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N10  (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 Duncan Long, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Duncan Long
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
01273 071655 View 01273 071655
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wells BA5
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 Jason Oddi - www.tri-therapy.com, DCounsPsych, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
www.tri-therapy.com
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, COSRT General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London NW1
My career as a counselor began over 17 years ago within the NHS and a Post-adoption charity.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
My career as a counselor began over 17 years ago within the NHS and a Post-adoption charity.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
020 8103 3827 View 020 8103 3827
Photo of George Gotts, MBACP, Counsellor
George Gotts
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bridport DT6
I’ve worked with clients with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, workplace and student stress, loss, bereavement, childhood issues including abuse, eating disorders, cancer rehabilitation, fertility, adoption, trauma, panic, anger and major life transitions.
Are you feeling that you need a supportive relationship to help with issues in your life? At different times in life we may feel overwhelmed, alone or stuck and it can help to talk in a non judgemental setting. You may be considering therapy for many reasons and the first step is to just make contact. This can bring feelings of nervousness but it can also be a very exciting moment. You can ask for the help and support you need. It’s very important that you feel completely comfortable with your counsellor, that they are a person you can share all of yourself with.
I’ve worked with clients with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, workplace and student stress, loss, bereavement, childhood issues including abuse, eating disorders, cancer rehabilitation, fertility, adoption, trauma, panic, anger and major life transitions.
Are you feeling that you need a supportive relationship to help with issues in your life? At different times in life we may feel overwhelmed, alone or stuck and it can help to talk in a non judgemental setting. You may be considering therapy for many reasons and the first step is to just make contact. This can bring feelings of nervousness but it can also be a very exciting moment. You can ask for the help and support you need. It’s very important that you feel completely comfortable with your counsellor, that they are a person you can share all of yourself with.
01308 802020 View 01308 802020
Photo of Ana Garcia, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Ana Garcia
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bristol BS31  (Online Only)
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 Amy Medley, MA, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Amy Medley
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
I offer support with and have experience of working with: Depression and Anxiety, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, Shame, Trauma, Bereavement, Burnout, Adoption and whatever else emerges in our work together.
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist with 6 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
I offer support with and have experience of working with: Depression and Anxiety, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, Shame, Trauma, Bereavement, Burnout, Adoption and whatever else emerges in our work together.
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist with 6 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
01446 501513 View 01446 501513
Photo of Garry Michael Brennan, MBACP, Counsellor
Garry Michael Brennan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bromley BR1  (Online Only)
I specialise in the area of adoption but I cover a range of issues such as loss, bereavement, relationship problems, anxiety, stress, depression, domestic violence, sexuality and identity issues and sexual abuse.
Starting therapy can be a daunting experience and so my aim is to help you feel at ease by working in a straightforward, empathic and down to earth way in order to help you overcome the obstacles that are stopping you from leading a meaningful and authentic life. I am an active person-centred counsellor who will work hard alongside you in order to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. I am an experienced counsellor who has particular experience around trauma and attachment issues due to my long experience in working in the world of adoption as both a social worker and therapist
I specialise in the area of adoption but I cover a range of issues such as loss, bereavement, relationship problems, anxiety, stress, depression, domestic violence, sexuality and identity issues and sexual abuse.
Starting therapy can be a daunting experience and so my aim is to help you feel at ease by working in a straightforward, empathic and down to earth way in order to help you overcome the obstacles that are stopping you from leading a meaningful and authentic life. I am an active person-centred counsellor who will work hard alongside you in order to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. I am an experienced counsellor who has particular experience around trauma and attachment issues due to my long experience in working in the world of adoption as both a social worker and therapist
07723 562533 View 07723 562533
Photo of Maria Marchant, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Maria Marchant
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Chislehurst BR7
I have experience of working with clients on issues such as depression and low mood, anxiety, loss and bereavement, low self-esteem, anger management, abuse, relationships difficulties, work related issues, addiction, exam stress, child and adolescent issues, adoption and fostering, health issues, personal development and general counselling.
I am an Accredited BACP Therapist & Supervisor. If you are considering how therapy can support you through challenging life events, I can support you by offering a safe & confidential space in which you can begin to examine what may feel impossible right now to resolve by yourself; without fear of being judged and experience, perhaps for the first time, a real feeling of being heard. I work by helping you to explore your thoughts, emotions & life story so far, with the aim of both of us understanding & together making sense of the difficulties you are experiencing. Together, we will then seek a way of moving forward positively.
I have experience of working with clients on issues such as depression and low mood, anxiety, loss and bereavement, low self-esteem, anger management, abuse, relationships difficulties, work related issues, addiction, exam stress, child and adolescent issues, adoption and fostering, health issues, personal development and general counselling.
I am an Accredited BACP Therapist & Supervisor. If you are considering how therapy can support you through challenging life events, I can support you by offering a safe & confidential space in which you can begin to examine what may feel impossible right now to resolve by yourself; without fear of being judged and experience, perhaps for the first time, a real feeling of being heard. I work by helping you to explore your thoughts, emotions & life story so far, with the aim of both of us understanding & together making sense of the difficulties you are experiencing. Together, we will then seek a way of moving forward positively.
07476 551643 View 07476 551643
Photo of Kirsten Krawczyk - Connect Psychology Service, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Connect Psychology Service
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
Corby NN17
Welcome to Connect Psychology Service. We are a team of psychologists specialising in comprehensive assessment and formulation. We support adults (parents and professionals) to understand their child or teenagers needs more fully through thorough assessment and therapeutic recommendations. We are specialists in child psychology, adolescent psychology, trauma/complex trauma, post-adoption, family systems, attachment and attunement, emotion coaching, sensory and attachment-sensory needs, social and emotional mental health, cognition and learning, including cognitive assessments, and special educational needs.
Welcome to Connect Psychology Service. We are a team of psychologists specialising in comprehensive assessment and formulation. We support adults (parents and professionals) to understand their child or teenagers needs more fully through thorough assessment and therapeutic recommendations. We are specialists in child psychology, adolescent psychology, trauma/complex trauma, post-adoption, family systems, attachment and attunement, emotion coaching, sensory and attachment-sensory needs, social and emotional mental health, cognition and learning, including cognitive assessments, and special educational needs.
01242 502976 View 01242 502976
Photo of Amy Moon, MA
Amy Moon
MA
Verified Verified
London SE23
Many children have difficulties in their lives such as family break up, challenging behaviour, bullying, life upheaval, loss and bereavement, fostering and adoption.
I am a child-centred play therapist working with children, primarily from 4-12 years of age. I provide a safe, empathetic and accepting space for your child to explore what is troubling them. My approach is play based and primarily non-directive. However, for some children a slightly more directive approach can be helpful. Each child is unique, therefore the sessions will be tailored to your child and meeting their individual needs. A play based approach can be useful for children who may find it difficult to express how they feel into words.
Many children have difficulties in their lives such as family break up, challenging behaviour, bullying, life upheaval, loss and bereavement, fostering and adoption.
I am a child-centred play therapist working with children, primarily from 4-12 years of age. I provide a safe, empathetic and accepting space for your child to explore what is troubling them. My approach is play based and primarily non-directive. However, for some children a slightly more directive approach can be helpful. Each child is unique, therefore the sessions will be tailored to your child and meeting their individual needs. A play based approach can be useful for children who may find it difficult to express how they feel into words.
020 3912 8139 View 020 3912 8139
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 Verele Anne Vorstman, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Verele Anne Vorstman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London W12
Due to my systemic and personal background I have deep knowledge of immigration, war trauma, infertility, adoption, and chronic illness, so I can offer profound understanding.
I offer a balanced set of approaches that I can apply to suit your needs. Some people are better helped with insights into their patterns; others may need more skills and again others may feel they do everything right yet they are still unhappy. I strongly believe in trying out new behaviour, as this creates the biggest shifts and minimizes relapse. I integrate lifestyle factors such as nutrition when necessary. When the chemicals aren't right, talking isn't going to lift your mood. We will always explore the source of your issues, relating it to your system, so as to radically release and uproot it and make change more effortless.
Due to my systemic and personal background I have deep knowledge of immigration, war trauma, infertility, adoption, and chronic illness, so I can offer profound understanding.
I offer a balanced set of approaches that I can apply to suit your needs. Some people are better helped with insights into their patterns; others may need more skills and again others may feel they do everything right yet they are still unhappy. I strongly believe in trying out new behaviour, as this creates the biggest shifts and minimizes relapse. I integrate lifestyle factors such as nutrition when necessary. When the chemicals aren't right, talking isn't going to lift your mood. We will always explore the source of your issues, relating it to your system, so as to radically release and uproot it and make change more effortless.
07533 061114 View 07533 061114

See more therapy options for Cirencester

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.