Adoption Counselling in Spalding

Photo of Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist), PTUK, Psychotherapist
Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist)
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
Spalding PE11
Helpful for foster and adoption.
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
Helpful for foster and adoption.
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
01733 942001 View 01733 942001
Photo of Karen Harrison - In Balance, MBACP, Counsellor
In Balance
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Spalding PE11
Thank you for viewing this profile. At In Balance we offer a confidential space to explore your issues, worries and concerns through counselling or coaching. You have the choice to work either face to face with your therapist in person at our private, comfortable office, or remotely via video or telephone. We offer male and female counsellors and have appointments from 3pm-7.30pm weekdays and Saturday mornings. Counselling is always at your pace and frequency and duration of sessions can be discussed at your free initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
Thank you for viewing this profile. At In Balance we offer a confidential space to explore your issues, worries and concerns through counselling or coaching. You have the choice to work either face to face with your therapist in person at our private, comfortable office, or remotely via video or telephone. We offer male and female counsellors and have appointments from 3pm-7.30pm weekdays and Saturday mornings. Counselling is always at your pace and frequency and duration of sessions can be discussed at your free initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
01733 902720 View 01733 902720
Photo of Jane Elizabeth Evans Whiley, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Jane Elizabeth Evans Whiley
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Spalding PE12
Are you feeling in need of counselling support? Choosing the right counsellor to provide support is not always easy. Reading this information can help you make a decision on the best choice for you. Giving careful attention to both the medium of counselling being offered and the qualifications and experience of your chosen counsellor is an important factor in this process. Life events arise for everyone and leave us feeling unable to manage day to day life and relationships as effectively as we would hope. I provide counselling to help clients achieve resolution of these difficulties in a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space
Are you feeling in need of counselling support? Choosing the right counsellor to provide support is not always easy. Reading this information can help you make a decision on the best choice for you. Giving careful attention to both the medium of counselling being offered and the qualifications and experience of your chosen counsellor is an important factor in this process. Life events arise for everyone and leave us feeling unable to manage day to day life and relationships as effectively as we would hope. I provide counselling to help clients achieve resolution of these difficulties in a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic space
01460 207128 View 01460 207128
Photo of Philip Boddey - Philip Boddey Counselling, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Philip Boddey Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Spalding PE11
I have been a qualified psycotherapist and counsellor for in the region of 30 years to 2020 and have, during this time worked with ages 5 and upwards both individually, as couples, groups and families. I have worked alongside local authorities social services, education establishments, foster agencies, Police, CAMH, Health Insurance companies, the NHS and others.
I have been a qualified psycotherapist and counsellor for in the region of 30 years to 2020 and have, during this time worked with ages 5 and upwards both individually, as couples, groups and families. I have worked alongside local authorities social services, education establishments, foster agencies, Police, CAMH, Health Insurance companies, the NHS and others.
01780 430698 View 01780 430698
Photo of Tracey Peplow - Tracey Peplow Counselling & Supervision, MBACP, Counsellor
Tracey Peplow Counselling & Supervision
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Spalding PE11
Are you struggling to cope with the world's challenges? Feeling anxious? At times life can feel overwhelming and it can be difficult to see how we can move forward or make things better for ourselves. Counselling can be the first step towards making positive changes in your life and to ultimately living the life you want to live - living rather than existing. I can offer a safe, confidential space, where you can decide exactly what you want to share and where you will not be judged. We can explore coping strategies to help you through your difficulties and we can work together to determine how you can move forward with confidence.
Are you struggling to cope with the world's challenges? Feeling anxious? At times life can feel overwhelming and it can be difficult to see how we can move forward or make things better for ourselves. Counselling can be the first step towards making positive changes in your life and to ultimately living the life you want to live - living rather than existing. I can offer a safe, confidential space, where you can decide exactly what you want to share and where you will not be judged. We can explore coping strategies to help you through your difficulties and we can work together to determine how you can move forward with confidence.
01778 309981 View 01778 309981

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Joanne Wilsher-Mills - JWM Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
JWM Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Boston PE21
Are you feeling overwhelmed with difficult feelings? Have you been through a bereavement or loss that you're struggling to come to terms with? Have you experienced painful and traumatic life events that still impact on you today and stop you living the life you want. Would you like to improve your relationships with the people in your life? You may be struggling with issues life anxiety, depression or low self-worth. My focus is to offer a counselling relationship that is supportive, nurturing and empowering. I can offer practical coping strategies, better insight and understanding as well as help you find your own solutions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with difficult feelings? Have you been through a bereavement or loss that you're struggling to come to terms with? Have you experienced painful and traumatic life events that still impact on you today and stop you living the life you want. Would you like to improve your relationships with the people in your life? You may be struggling with issues life anxiety, depression or low self-worth. My focus is to offer a counselling relationship that is supportive, nurturing and empowering. I can offer practical coping strategies, better insight and understanding as well as help you find your own solutions.
01529 400960 View 01529 400960

Online Therapists

Photo of Henrietta Priddie, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Henrietta Priddie
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London E2
I have experience of working with clients of all ages on various issues affecting their well-being, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, anger, identity, body dysphoria, neurodiversity, trauma, abuse, PTSD, bereavement and loss, divorce and separation, family conflict, and fostering and adoption.
I am a UKCP-qualified integrative child, adolescent, parent and adult psychotherapist working across a wide range of areas and interests and have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health sector. I offer a safe space to allow clients the opportunity to explore presenting issues freely and in depth. I believe that compassion, empathy and the alliance between the therapist and client are the keys to therapeutic change. I am also passionate about supporting women in their journey through life and parents struggling with the complexities of raising a child in an ever-changing world.
I have experience of working with clients of all ages on various issues affecting their well-being, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, anger, identity, body dysphoria, neurodiversity, trauma, abuse, PTSD, bereavement and loss, divorce and separation, family conflict, and fostering and adoption.
I am a UKCP-qualified integrative child, adolescent, parent and adult psychotherapist working across a wide range of areas and interests and have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health sector. I offer a safe space to allow clients the opportunity to explore presenting issues freely and in depth. I believe that compassion, empathy and the alliance between the therapist and client are the keys to therapeutic change. I am also passionate about supporting women in their journey through life and parents struggling with the complexities of raising a child in an ever-changing world.
020 3987 1816 View 020 3987 1816
Photo of Angela Lawn, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Angela Lawn
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Biggleswade SG18
It's tough knowing how best to support your child. I'm an accredited counsellor and supervisor helping children and young adults (4-25), parents and families with issues such as anxiety, depression, school avoidance, and more complex challenges. I am also Barnardo's child-related adoption trained (Ofsted registered). I use a creative approach to help children and young adults tackle the challenges of education, friendships, and identity. We will work towards a greater understanding of the difficulties you are experiencing, exploring solutions and fostering wellbeing for the whole family.
It's tough knowing how best to support your child. I'm an accredited counsellor and supervisor helping children and young adults (4-25), parents and families with issues such as anxiety, depression, school avoidance, and more complex challenges. I am also Barnardo's child-related adoption trained (Ofsted registered). I use a creative approach to help children and young adults tackle the challenges of education, friendships, and identity. We will work towards a greater understanding of the difficulties you are experiencing, exploring solutions and fostering wellbeing for the whole family.
01767 668992 View 01767 668992
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
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 Anastasia Athanasiou, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Anastasia Athanasiou
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SW9  (Online Only)
Mental & physical health, behavioural & school-related concerns, neurodiversity, eating difficulties, disability, sexual orientation, gender, feeding/sleeping, attachment, parenting/co-parenting, separation/divorce, fostering/ adoption/kinship care, communication, psychosexual matters, infertility, infidelity, spirituality, discrimination/bullying & others.
I am a qualified systemic psychotherapist working with individuals, couples and families. In individual sessions, you can explore your emotions/behaviours, and relationships in different contexts, such as family/work, how they have been formed over time and impact on the view of self. Family/couples work: In a secure space, the presenting problem would be explored in relation to the family’s/couples' rules, roles, beliefs and emotions building on the existing strengths and resources of the system. There is no set agenda or expectations for a unanimous perspective, on the contrary, all voices and differences are welcomed.
Mental & physical health, behavioural & school-related concerns, neurodiversity, eating difficulties, disability, sexual orientation, gender, feeding/sleeping, attachment, parenting/co-parenting, separation/divorce, fostering/ adoption/kinship care, communication, psychosexual matters, infertility, infidelity, spirituality, discrimination/bullying & others.
I am a qualified systemic psychotherapist working with individuals, couples and families. In individual sessions, you can explore your emotions/behaviours, and relationships in different contexts, such as family/work, how they have been formed over time and impact on the view of self. Family/couples work: In a secure space, the presenting problem would be explored in relation to the family’s/couples' rules, roles, beliefs and emotions building on the existing strengths and resources of the system. There is no set agenda or expectations for a unanimous perspective, on the contrary, all voices and differences are welcomed.
020 4572 1974 View 020 4572 1974
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 Maggie Curran, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Maggie Curran
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
West Drayton UB7
I am also an Adoption Counsellor I understand the pressure of working with challenging families and can help by offering a confidential space to process this work.
Are you feeling desperate and alone? Struggling to cope with the uncertainty of life? Is it difficult to get our of bed in the morning- I understand and I can help. Offering a safe space for you to talk and discuss what's really going on for you. Specialising in PTSD and trauma. Offering EMDR, I also work with anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationships, Couples Therapy. Qualified and experienced, client who work with me tell me they feel safe and can talk in a non-judgmental environment, which allows them to discuss issues in confidence. Take the first step, call me today. I offer a free 15 minute consultation. Thank you
I am also an Adoption Counsellor I understand the pressure of working with challenging families and can help by offering a confidential space to process this work.
Are you feeling desperate and alone? Struggling to cope with the uncertainty of life? Is it difficult to get our of bed in the morning- I understand and I can help. Offering a safe space for you to talk and discuss what's really going on for you. Specialising in PTSD and trauma. Offering EMDR, I also work with anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationships, Couples Therapy. Qualified and experienced, client who work with me tell me they feel safe and can talk in a non-judgmental environment, which allows them to discuss issues in confidence. Take the first step, call me today. I offer a free 15 minute consultation. Thank you
07492 884313 View 07492 884313
Photo of Emily Turner, MBACP, Counsellor
Emily Turner
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sidcup DA15
I'm Emily (she/her), a qualified counsellor and play therapist. I am a registered member of the BACP and accredited member of PTUK. I am currently offering counselling sessions to adults and adolescents (aged 12+). I am passionate about working with young people, and value and listen to their stories and experiences unique to their generation. Many of my clients have also been neurodivergent or a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have also undergone training in adoption support counselling.
I'm Emily (she/her), a qualified counsellor and play therapist. I am a registered member of the BACP and accredited member of PTUK. I am currently offering counselling sessions to adults and adolescents (aged 12+). I am passionate about working with young people, and value and listen to their stories and experiences unique to their generation. Many of my clients have also been neurodivergent or a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have also undergone training in adoption support counselling.
020 4572 1345 View 020 4572 1345
Photo of Melissa Lomas, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Melissa Lomas
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Sheffield S36
Hi I'm Melissa, I'm an experienced Counsellor offering Person Centred Counselling to Individuals and Couples on weekdays by appointment. Person Centred Counselling is an approach which empowers the client and allows them to determine the direction Counselling may go in so that they can address, process and resolve the issues they have brought to Counselling. I am also an approved Adoption Support Counsellor. This work legally requires specialist training which I completed in 2023 with the Barnardo's LINK Certificate in Adoption Support Counselling. This covers Counselling for Adoptees, Adoptive parents, Birth parents and Family.
Hi I'm Melissa, I'm an experienced Counsellor offering Person Centred Counselling to Individuals and Couples on weekdays by appointment. Person Centred Counselling is an approach which empowers the client and allows them to determine the direction Counselling may go in so that they can address, process and resolve the issues they have brought to Counselling. I am also an approved Adoption Support Counsellor. This work legally requires specialist training which I completed in 2023 with the Barnardo's LINK Certificate in Adoption Support Counselling. This covers Counselling for Adoptees, Adoptive parents, Birth parents and Family.
0114 303 2993 View 0114 303 2993
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 Su Coronavirus Online Grant - Su Grant - Forest Therapy Centre, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Su Grant - Forest Therapy Centre
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London E18
Relationship issues/individual/couples, Anxiety Disorder, Self Esteem/confidence, Personality Disorders (Narcissists Specialist) LGBTQS, Anger Management, Barnardos Adoption, Depression, Motivational Life and Coaching.
Hello, I’m one of the most experienced counsellors in our area, having 25 years experience to date. Generally clients pay as they go. I also work privately through insurance company referrals such as PPP/Bupa/Aviva Etc. Professional, yet approachable and friendly practitioner. Proud to be known as challenging when circumstances require this! Many clients whom I have worked with said this was exactly what they needed from a counselling psychotherapist, especially if previous experience of practitioners whom have been overtly passive. Together we shall accessand implement YOUR inner wisdom! FTC also have many alternatives for you!
Relationship issues/individual/couples, Anxiety Disorder, Self Esteem/confidence, Personality Disorders (Narcissists Specialist) LGBTQS, Anger Management, Barnardos Adoption, Depression, Motivational Life and Coaching.
Hello, I’m one of the most experienced counsellors in our area, having 25 years experience to date. Generally clients pay as they go. I also work privately through insurance company referrals such as PPP/Bupa/Aviva Etc. Professional, yet approachable and friendly practitioner. Proud to be known as challenging when circumstances require this! Many clients whom I have worked with said this was exactly what they needed from a counselling psychotherapist, especially if previous experience of practitioners whom have been overtly passive. Together we shall accessand implement YOUR inner wisdom! FTC also have many alternatives for you!
020 3856 7847 View 020 3856 7847
Photo of Fanni Frances Korany, MBACP, Counsellor
Fanni Frances Korany
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB4
In another role, as a Specialist Clinician with the Fostering and Adoption wing of Cambridgeshire County Council, I offer trauma-sensitive therapeutic parenting support to foster carers and adoptive parents, as well as provide training and consultation to schools and social workers.
In order to fly, all one must do is simply miss the ground - writes Douglas Adams. You will find an attuned, compassionate, therapeutic environment, where there is warmth, empathy, an active interest in your needs and strengths, as well as acceptance of, all of your experiences. I seek to provide containment for pain and distress that you may be going through so that you feel safe to open up and explore options for your complex life challenges. I am an experienced, BACP-registered Relationship Counsellor, working for Relate Cambridge, as an Individual, Couple and Family Counsellor, as well as a Psychosexual Therapist.
In another role, as a Specialist Clinician with the Fostering and Adoption wing of Cambridgeshire County Council, I offer trauma-sensitive therapeutic parenting support to foster carers and adoptive parents, as well as provide training and consultation to schools and social workers.
In order to fly, all one must do is simply miss the ground - writes Douglas Adams. You will find an attuned, compassionate, therapeutic environment, where there is warmth, empathy, an active interest in your needs and strengths, as well as acceptance of, all of your experiences. I seek to provide containment for pain and distress that you may be going through so that you feel safe to open up and explore options for your complex life challenges. I am an experienced, BACP-registered Relationship Counsellor, working for Relate Cambridge, as an Individual, Couple and Family Counsellor, as well as a Psychosexual Therapist.
01223 658037 View 01223 658037
Photo of Lorraine Anne Bygrave, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lorraine Anne Bygrave
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Benfleet SS7
If you are struggling right now, I can help. I am experienced in helping clients who are battling with anxiety and depression. I specialise in trauma and PTSD using innovative approaches tailored to each individuals needs. I am adoption trained so am able to help both parents and children who are finding things a little difficult right now.
If you are struggling right now, I can help. I am experienced in helping clients who are battling with anxiety and depression. I specialise in trauma and PTSD using innovative approaches tailored to each individuals needs. I am adoption trained so am able to help both parents and children who are finding things a little difficult right now.
07723 458132 View 07723 458132
Photo of Ici Marguerite Butcher - Uniquely Designed Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Uniquely Designed Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N9
I hold the CPCAB Dip in Therapeutic Counselling. I am an integrative therapist & my specialism is in adoption support for adults who have experienced the care system on any level. This can be from being an adoptee, birth/forever parent, birth child with adopted/fostered sibiling or grandparents etc. I am registered with Barnardo’s. I provide a safe, non-judgmental & confidential space for all struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, adoptiin, family & life problems issues to start cultivating tools that will equip them to deal with life’s problems, build stronger resilience and feel healthier mentally.
I hold the CPCAB Dip in Therapeutic Counselling. I am an integrative therapist & my specialism is in adoption support for adults who have experienced the care system on any level. This can be from being an adoptee, birth/forever parent, birth child with adopted/fostered sibiling or grandparents etc. I am registered with Barnardo’s. I provide a safe, non-judgmental & confidential space for all struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, adoptiin, family & life problems issues to start cultivating tools that will equip them to deal with life’s problems, build stronger resilience and feel healthier mentally.
07445 851146 View 07445 851146

See more therapy options for Spalding

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.