Adoption Counselling in Hereford

Photo of Colin Winston-Fletcher, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Colin Winston-Fletcher
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hereford HR1
I am a fully accredited, experienced psychotherapist and counsellor working in Central London and Hereford. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and accepting space for you to explore your emotional issues and difficulties. The therapy I offer is for You. It is your time to explore within a safe therapeutic relationship the aspects of your life that are leaving you feeling lost, sad, lonely, confused, angry, anxious, depressed or desperate, Together we can find the lightness in the dark.
I am a fully accredited, experienced psychotherapist and counsellor working in Central London and Hereford. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and accepting space for you to explore your emotional issues and difficulties. The therapy I offer is for You. It is your time to explore within a safe therapeutic relationship the aspects of your life that are leaving you feeling lost, sad, lonely, confused, angry, anxious, depressed or desperate, Together we can find the lightness in the dark.
01432 806094 View 01432 806094
Photo of Helen Bryden, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Bryden
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hereford HR1
I'm a BACP registered counsellor and integrative psychotherapist based in Monmouth, South Wales. I provide a safe and relaxed atmosphere where whatever worries or problems you may have can be explored. As well as addressing specific issues that are concerning you, regular sessions with me can help you gain clarity around confusing patterns in your life, a greater understanding of what triggers strong emotion in you and a new-found sense of freedom and choice around how you would like your life to be.
I'm a BACP registered counsellor and integrative psychotherapist based in Monmouth, South Wales. I provide a safe and relaxed atmosphere where whatever worries or problems you may have can be explored. As well as addressing specific issues that are concerning you, regular sessions with me can help you gain clarity around confusing patterns in your life, a greater understanding of what triggers strong emotion in you and a new-found sense of freedom and choice around how you would like your life to be.
01322 936848 View 01322 936848
Photo of Sheila Ridgley, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sheila Ridgley
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hereford HR4
Are you struggling to communicate with your partner, manage arguments, get over a break up or recently discovered an affair? I am experienced in working with couples or individual to help overcome these issues. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work related stress, bereavement, or lack of self esteem. I work integratively, which means I use different theoretical models to support my clients.
Are you struggling to communicate with your partner, manage arguments, get over a break up or recently discovered an affair? I am experienced in working with couples or individual to help overcome these issues. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work related stress, bereavement, or lack of self esteem. I work integratively, which means I use different theoretical models to support my clients.
0121 809 9987 View 0121 809 9987
Photo of Paul Tutton, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Paul Tutton
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hereford HR1
Welcome. Everyone has times in life when their mental health is particularly challenging and they face emotional or psychological difficulties. If that describes you here and now, it can be helpful to seek support to become more aware of the impact of past life experiences, how those events still influence how you are in the world today and explore your thoughts and feelings around options for making changes in the future. Your issues, needs and goals could arise from your working life, personal life or a combination of both. You could be looking for more immediate help or seeking to better understand deeper, long-standing issues.
Welcome. Everyone has times in life when their mental health is particularly challenging and they face emotional or psychological difficulties. If that describes you here and now, it can be helpful to seek support to become more aware of the impact of past life experiences, how those events still influence how you are in the world today and explore your thoughts and feelings around options for making changes in the future. Your issues, needs and goals could arise from your working life, personal life or a combination of both. You could be looking for more immediate help or seeking to better understand deeper, long-standing issues.
01684 211366 View 01684 211366
Photo of Kenneth Evans, BPC, Counsellor
Kenneth Evans
Counsellor, BPC
Verified Verified
Hereford HR2
Everyone needs a little support from time to time. Perhaps you or someone you know feel that you ought to be able to manage your feelings, but are finding them too much at the moment. You may be feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, angry or confused. The demands of work, relationships, families, financial worries, or caring for someone can all make it difficult to cope. You may have experienced loss through bereavement, redundancy, or retirement, or you might be struggling with your sense of identity, self-confidence, health, or direction in home life or at work. You may feel that you are struggling with some other unique issue.
Everyone needs a little support from time to time. Perhaps you or someone you know feel that you ought to be able to manage your feelings, but are finding them too much at the moment. You may be feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, angry or confused. The demands of work, relationships, families, financial worries, or caring for someone can all make it difficult to cope. You may have experienced loss through bereavement, redundancy, or retirement, or you might be struggling with your sense of identity, self-confidence, health, or direction in home life or at work. You may feel that you are struggling with some other unique issue.
01989 940023 View 01989 940023

Online Therapists

Photo of Cheryl Overington - Heswall Hills Counselling Centre, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Heswall Hills Counselling Centre
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wirral CH60
T, clinical hypnotherapy, adoption, couples therapy, psychosexual therapy, sexual violence, coaching, clinical supervision, OCD, birth trauma, .
Hello, my name is Cheryl Overington and I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. I am the Founder and Manager of the Heswall Hills Counselling Centre, a private therapy centre based in Heswall Hills on the Wirral. Finding the right therapist can be a daunting process. All of the therapists working from the centre have been selected by me to ensure that they are suitably trained and most importantly of the sort of therapists I’ll be happy to refer to. Due the number of different therapists, including psychologists and CBT therapists we are able to offer a wide of therapeutic specialities and work with children, adults & couples.
T, clinical hypnotherapy, adoption, couples therapy, psychosexual therapy, sexual violence, coaching, clinical supervision, OCD, birth trauma, .
Hello, my name is Cheryl Overington and I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. I am the Founder and Manager of the Heswall Hills Counselling Centre, a private therapy centre based in Heswall Hills on the Wirral. Finding the right therapist can be a daunting process. All of the therapists working from the centre have been selected by me to ensure that they are suitably trained and most importantly of the sort of therapists I’ll be happy to refer to. Due the number of different therapists, including psychologists and CBT therapists we are able to offer a wide of therapeutic specialities and work with children, adults & couples.
07481 361235 View 07481 361235
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 Rosana Vieira Roy, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Rosana Vieira Roy
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Manchester M21  (Online Only)
One area of experience and special interest for me is attachment which affects all of us, as well as trauma and the experience of adoption.
I offer a confidential, safe space and time for clients to explore any concerns or problems they are experiencing. During our sessions you will have the opportunity to discuss whatever issues you are struggling with in order to reach a deeper understanding of yourself, others and your circumstances, and most crucially to identify anything that you wish to change and work towards your goals. Together in our sessions, I will work sensitively so as to strengthen and empower you in the here-and-now to deal with recent events, on-going or long-standing issues that may have surfaced in your life.
One area of experience and special interest for me is attachment which affects all of us, as well as trauma and the experience of adoption.
I offer a confidential, safe space and time for clients to explore any concerns or problems they are experiencing. During our sessions you will have the opportunity to discuss whatever issues you are struggling with in order to reach a deeper understanding of yourself, others and your circumstances, and most crucially to identify anything that you wish to change and work towards your goals. Together in our sessions, I will work sensitively so as to strengthen and empower you in the here-and-now to deal with recent events, on-going or long-standing issues that may have surfaced in your life.
01642 967496 View 01642 967496
Photo of Fiona Astbury, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Fiona Astbury
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cheadle SK8
I offer counselling support to adults affected by adoption, who seek help and support in processing their thoughts and feelings around their adoption experience.
Hello, I can offer you a calm safe environment to explore your feelings or the difficulties you are experiencing. I have experience in working with adopted adults, birth parents and adopters including family members, I recognise the lifelong impact of adoption and all involved in the adoption triangle. Through counselling we can explore your thoughts, feelings and the choices available to you. To help you gain a clearer understanding of yourself and to help you explore and identify ways to move forward.
I offer counselling support to adults affected by adoption, who seek help and support in processing their thoughts and feelings around their adoption experience.
Hello, I can offer you a calm safe environment to explore your feelings or the difficulties you are experiencing. I have experience in working with adopted adults, birth parents and adopters including family members, I recognise the lifelong impact of adoption and all involved in the adoption triangle. Through counselling we can explore your thoughts, feelings and the choices available to you. To help you gain a clearer understanding of yourself and to help you explore and identify ways to move forward.
0161 524 0539 View 0161 524 0539
Photo of Suzanne Wood-Simmons, MBACP, Counsellor
Suzanne Wood-Simmons
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stourbridge DY8
Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 3 Cert in Counselling Level 2 Cert in Counselling CBT Diploma Cert in Adoption Support Counselling.
Hi, I'm Suzanne, a Person-Centred Therapist.  I am passionate about mental health having worked in the sector for over 10 years,  I am also passionate about helping and supporting people, because I have been in your position. I offer affordable therapy for all. I will work with you to make our sessions accessible too, dependent on your needs. I don't have all the answers that's why we can work together to discover these. I am gentle, down to earth, human and work with compassion, integrity and a certain level of lightheartedness if appropriate.
Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 3 Cert in Counselling Level 2 Cert in Counselling CBT Diploma Cert in Adoption Support Counselling.
Hi, I'm Suzanne, a Person-Centred Therapist.  I am passionate about mental health having worked in the sector for over 10 years,  I am also passionate about helping and supporting people, because I have been in your position. I offer affordable therapy for all. I will work with you to make our sessions accessible too, dependent on your needs. I don't have all the answers that's why we can work together to discover these. I am gentle, down to earth, human and work with compassion, integrity and a certain level of lightheartedness if appropriate.
01384 437397 View 01384 437397
Photo of Kerry Mattock, PTUK, Psychotherapist
Kerry Mattock
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thrapston NN14
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. I am a PTUK registered play therapist, specialising in offering creative therapy for children and young people. I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, separation anxiety, low or conflicted self esteem, challenging behaviours, social and peer difficulties, reluctant talkers (mutism), pre/post adoption and attachment disorders. If you’d like to chat about your child’s/families needs please do contact me. NB- CHECK SPAM as reply emails from me can go straight there. For more you can visit my website: www.theconnectedtherapist.co.uk
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. I am a PTUK registered play therapist, specialising in offering creative therapy for children and young people. I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, separation anxiety, low or conflicted self esteem, challenging behaviours, social and peer difficulties, reluctant talkers (mutism), pre/post adoption and attachment disorders. If you’d like to chat about your child’s/families needs please do contact me. NB- CHECK SPAM as reply emails from me can go straight there. For more you can visit my website: www.theconnectedtherapist.co.uk
01832 778353 View 01832 778353
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 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 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 Celia Stewart, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Celia Stewart
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frome BA11
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 Sarah Savage, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Savage
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wilmslow SK9
I also work with individuals and couples for miscarriage, pregnancy loss, involuntary childlessness or the adoption process.
I am passionate in helping clients to take the right steps for them. I support you, to make a difference or find an acceptance in everyday life. I work with my clients in exploring the difficulties fears re experiencing and we work to gain an understanding of thoughts and feelings. Their emotional disturbance can be discussed and put in to perspective to help make changes to the unhealthy thought or behavioural patterns. Sometimes, addressing where the negative beliefs have originated from, helps to find the positive changes and overcomes the difficulties. Giving clients a new awareness, growth and belief.
I also work with individuals and couples for miscarriage, pregnancy loss, involuntary childlessness or the adoption process.
I am passionate in helping clients to take the right steps for them. I support you, to make a difference or find an acceptance in everyday life. I work with my clients in exploring the difficulties fears re experiencing and we work to gain an understanding of thoughts and feelings. Their emotional disturbance can be discussed and put in to perspective to help make changes to the unhealthy thought or behavioural patterns. Sometimes, addressing where the negative beliefs have originated from, helps to find the positive changes and overcomes the difficulties. Giving clients a new awareness, growth and belief.
01625 380490 View 01625 380490
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 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 and qualified Relational Counsellor 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 and qualified Relational Counsellor 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 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 Karen Prescod Mbacp (Accred) Ncps Prof Accred - Karen Prescod - KarenCounselling, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Karen Prescod - KarenCounselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bridgend CF35
My specialities are: Bereavement/Grief, Adoption, Work-life balance, and relationships (individuals only).
Do you need a safe confidential place to speak openly, with someone neutral and non-judgemental? You may be looking to make some changes, or have a dilemma to talk through. Maybe you've lost a loved one or pet, feel isolated or stressed, or have a problem that's preventing you from moving forward. I work to understand things from your viewpoint, and to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. I listen, understand, accept, and believe, and appreciate that talking about feelings is difficult. Being interactive means that you'll get much more than 'hmms' and 'uh-huhs' from me.
My specialities are: Bereavement/Grief, Adoption, Work-life balance, and relationships (individuals only).
Do you need a safe confidential place to speak openly, with someone neutral and non-judgemental? You may be looking to make some changes, or have a dilemma to talk through. Maybe you've lost a loved one or pet, feel isolated or stressed, or have a problem that's preventing you from moving forward. I work to understand things from your viewpoint, and to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. I listen, understand, accept, and believe, and appreciate that talking about feelings is difficult. Being interactive means that you'll get much more than 'hmms' and 'uh-huhs' from me.
01656 336858 View 01656 336858

See more therapy options for Hereford

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.