Adoption Counselling in Swindon
![Photo of Ana Garcia, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36149b23-613d-4a8e-bdd6-a2916510c253/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Marianne Le Coyte Grinney, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e917463-c385-46eb-8130-d7cf03038f93/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marianne Le Coyte Grinney
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Swindon SN1 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are reading this you may be wishing for something in your life, family or relationship to be different. I too was looking for difference when I first began my Systemic Psychotherapy training. My name is Marianne Le Coyte Grinney and I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist: I believe 'the person is never the problem' and that people are best understood within systems, for example their family, work and social life. My therapeutic posture aims not to apportion blame, but to support individual and collective change within a safe and supportive environment. I do not hope to provide answers, but to facilitate change through
If you are reading this you may be wishing for something in your life, family or relationship to be different. I too was looking for difference when I first began my Systemic Psychotherapy training. My name is Marianne Le Coyte Grinney and I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist: I believe 'the person is never the problem' and that people are best understood within systems, for example their family, work and social life. My therapeutic posture aims not to apportion blame, but to support individual and collective change within a safe and supportive environment. I do not hope to provide answers, but to facilitate change through
![Photo of Joanne Harris, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb88b804-7e59-4628-b377-8c36c1c84495/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Sam Hewitt - Sam Hewitt - Therapeutic Counsellor (MBACP) Reg, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/509d0af6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Kaukab Rasul, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48266c92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
![Photo of Tracey Kassulke, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8799be-5844-41f4-872d-7bc4b7ab9eec/2/320x400.jpeg)
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
![Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80da8a72-dd71-4a82-82e0-12c5cbfcc5e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
![Photo of Bruce Rolls, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a559bbe-3b8f-44ca-8d98-e0228024453d/3/320x400.jpeg)
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
![Photo of Libbet Paravicini, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52e98abe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Geoff Miles - See For Miles Ltd, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eb53c3d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Psychotherapeutic counselling sessions can help with your mental health needs which require regular maintenance. At See For Miles our sensitive, yet challenging approach to counselling is strengthened through developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client, encouraging those to move from where they are now. Enabling clients to explore their own options, reach their own decisions and to act upon them accordingly, making effective decisions which lead to positive changes in their attitude and/or behaviour.
Psychotherapeutic counselling sessions can help with your mental health needs which require regular maintenance. At See For Miles our sensitive, yet challenging approach to counselling is strengthened through developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client, encouraging those to move from where they are now. Enabling clients to explore their own options, reach their own decisions and to act upon them accordingly, making effective decisions which lead to positive changes in their attitude and/or behaviour.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Becky Francis, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94335818-240a-410b-8048-4730b202ee4b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer counselling and psychotherapy (Rootscounselling.org) to address issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, abuse, trauma and adoption. I hold a Diploma in Transactional Analysis Practice, am BACP Registered an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
I offer counselling and psychotherapy (Rootscounselling.org) to address issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, abuse, trauma and adoption. I hold a Diploma in Transactional Analysis Practice, am BACP Registered an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
![Photo of Petya Milcheva, MA, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f2e8522-3d5b-4fd0-b295-f359a3fc6935/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am experienced in working with loss and trauma, psychosomatic and behavioural symptoms, difficulties in relationships - intimate, parent-child, adoption.
I offer psychodynamic counselling to adults. Whether you harbour interest in the shadows of your psyche because you noticed repetitive patterns in your life and have no clue how you always get there, or psychodynamic work is your last resort in a series of interventions - dedicating time and effort to a deeper process might be a sign that you decided to put more value on yourself. To all that you are – the successful professional, or the caring parent and a partner, but also to those parts of your being that are usually excluded and feel unrecognized or unappreciated, who often suffer in silence the burden of “carry on”.
I am experienced in working with loss and trauma, psychosomatic and behavioural symptoms, difficulties in relationships - intimate, parent-child, adoption.
I offer psychodynamic counselling to adults. Whether you harbour interest in the shadows of your psyche because you noticed repetitive patterns in your life and have no clue how you always get there, or psychodynamic work is your last resort in a series of interventions - dedicating time and effort to a deeper process might be a sign that you decided to put more value on yourself. To all that you are – the successful professional, or the caring parent and a partner, but also to those parts of your being that are usually excluded and feel unrecognized or unappreciated, who often suffer in silence the burden of “carry on”.
![Photo of Mandie Bartle, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f9e6190-ae64-4c42-91be-32d084e7d969/2/320x400.jpeg)
My work in all areas of adoption has provided me with the knowledge and skills to work with traumatic loss, abuse and developmental difficulties.
At any time in our lives events can take over leaving us feeling anxious or depressed; or early negative experiences or trauma can replay in our mind, causing distress. My belief is that each individual is the person best placed to make the right decisions about themselves, however, there are times when we can lose sight of who we are and feel taken over by negative thoughts, feelings and responses that seem to work at odds with the life we want to lead. Counselling can help to make sense of these thoughts, feelings and responses and explore options for change by providing a safe space where you will be heard and respected.
My work in all areas of adoption has provided me with the knowledge and skills to work with traumatic loss, abuse and developmental difficulties.
At any time in our lives events can take over leaving us feeling anxious or depressed; or early negative experiences or trauma can replay in our mind, causing distress. My belief is that each individual is the person best placed to make the right decisions about themselves, however, there are times when we can lose sight of who we are and feel taken over by negative thoughts, feelings and responses that seem to work at odds with the life we want to lead. Counselling can help to make sense of these thoughts, feelings and responses and explore options for change by providing a safe space where you will be heard and respected.
![Photo of Iain McNulty-Ringshaw, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aaae14f1-55b9-45d4-82f2-ebb49c634826/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with clients in all age groups with many different issues and in many different areas including: Personal internal conflict, Adoption & Fostering, LGBTQ+ & Gender, General concerns, worries and thoughts, Trauma, Family Issues, Relationship issues, Bereavement.
Hello! My name is Iain and I work as a counsellor on line and in person across Sussex in multiple locations. I have experience of working with all age groups including teens, young adults and mature clients. I am an integrative humanistic counsellor, with the ability (and experience) to pull on other modalities to support the journey of my clients whom I work with in a relaxed, non-judgemental and confidential environment. It is very much us the working together as a team. I have a strong belief in the long-term benefits of counselling and therapy and having experienced my own positive, personal journey.
I have extensive experience working with clients in all age groups with many different issues and in many different areas including: Personal internal conflict, Adoption & Fostering, LGBTQ+ & Gender, General concerns, worries and thoughts, Trauma, Family Issues, Relationship issues, Bereavement.
Hello! My name is Iain and I work as a counsellor on line and in person across Sussex in multiple locations. I have experience of working with all age groups including teens, young adults and mature clients. I am an integrative humanistic counsellor, with the ability (and experience) to pull on other modalities to support the journey of my clients whom I work with in a relaxed, non-judgemental and confidential environment. It is very much us the working together as a team. I have a strong belief in the long-term benefits of counselling and therapy and having experienced my own positive, personal journey.
![Photo of Amanda Croft, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4675468c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. Life can be tough. Sometimes we simply need to talk with someone who can listen without judgement; who does not 'give advice' but holds the space for personal reflection, growth and development. As a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), I am an independent, experienced and professional counsellor / psychotherapist, an approved Adoption counsellor and qualified in EMDR therapy. I work with young people and adults, including couples and families, across such issues as anxiety, bereavement, depression, relationships and trauma.
Welcome. Life can be tough. Sometimes we simply need to talk with someone who can listen without judgement; who does not 'give advice' but holds the space for personal reflection, growth and development. As a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), I am an independent, experienced and professional counsellor / psychotherapist, an approved Adoption counsellor and qualified in EMDR therapy. I work with young people and adults, including couples and families, across such issues as anxiety, bereavement, depression, relationships and trauma.
![Photo of Ulisses Belucio, PhD, BPC, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcba40c6-c37b-42f8-b056-1c2beb54f377/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety/Stress -Traumatic experiences -Work stress -Pressure to make life choices - Support through life changes -Depression/feeling stuck - solation/loneliness -Overwhelming feelings -Feeling lost/empty -Life events -Loss/bereavement -Adoption - Divorce -Identity - Exploring and embracing your individuation -Gender, Sexuality - Relationships -Others.
I am an experienced Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a private practice in South London. The Therapeutic process explores rooted problems and behavioural patterns repeated through life. It helps to expand awareness and self-knowledge so that you learn to recognise, understand and deal better with overwhelming feelings and thoughts. In my practice I offer a calm, safe and confidential setting where we work together in finding ways of making more sense of your life experiences and developing a greater capacity to embrace your own life history, life’s events, difficulties and opportunities.
Anxiety/Stress -Traumatic experiences -Work stress -Pressure to make life choices - Support through life changes -Depression/feeling stuck - solation/loneliness -Overwhelming feelings -Feeling lost/empty -Life events -Loss/bereavement -Adoption - Divorce -Identity - Exploring and embracing your individuation -Gender, Sexuality - Relationships -Others.
I am an experienced Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a private practice in South London. The Therapeutic process explores rooted problems and behavioural patterns repeated through life. It helps to expand awareness and self-knowledge so that you learn to recognise, understand and deal better with overwhelming feelings and thoughts. In my practice I offer a calm, safe and confidential setting where we work together in finding ways of making more sense of your life experiences and developing a greater capacity to embrace your own life history, life’s events, difficulties and opportunities.
![Photo of Erica Jane Ruse Whalley, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48477f75-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is particularly effectively with adoption and fostering and all areas of attachment, loss and all emotional areas.
Hi, sometimes it no longer seems enough to talk to friends or family, and we need further support and insight to get back on track. I work with adults, teenagers and children, offering a range of therapeutic methods, to find which suit you best. I am a fully trained and accredited Counsellor with the British Assiciation of Counselling and Psychologists, I am trained in person centred, Psycho- dynamic and CBT and I offer many creative techniques such as Jungian Kallffian Sandplay which is a gentle but extremely effective way of working with children, teenagers and adults. I would really like to hear from you, please send a text (0781 209 7293) or email (stillvoice.ej@gmail.com) so that we can arrange a time for an initial phone call to discuss how I can help you.
It is particularly effectively with adoption and fostering and all areas of attachment, loss and all emotional areas.
Hi, sometimes it no longer seems enough to talk to friends or family, and we need further support and insight to get back on track. I work with adults, teenagers and children, offering a range of therapeutic methods, to find which suit you best. I am a fully trained and accredited Counsellor with the British Assiciation of Counselling and Psychologists, I am trained in person centred, Psycho- dynamic and CBT and I offer many creative techniques such as Jungian Kallffian Sandplay which is a gentle but extremely effective way of working with children, teenagers and adults. I would really like to hear from you, please send a text (0781 209 7293) or email (stillvoice.ej@gmail.com) so that we can arrange a time for an initial phone call to discuss how I can help you.
![Photo of Carmel Hillier, ACC Reg, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d04f7c95-683e-451f-8775-cae87a41740e/2/320x400.jpeg)
As well as mental health issues, I am experienced in abusive relationships (narcissistic), adoption issues (older adults), trauma and caring responsibilities.
I don't' think I have an ideal client (bar a committed one) as I love working with unique people and using my counselling skills and expertise (never gets boring !). If you are new to counselling and not sure what your issues, goals or needs are ( just a vague sense of ' I need help' ) then I would be happy to help you explore this. If you would prefer to remain anonymous initially, you can email me and then we can progress to either a 15 minute free telephone conversion (or online). I'm also happy to refer you to other therapists that may be better qualified than me, in particular areas. We will explore this together.
As well as mental health issues, I am experienced in abusive relationships (narcissistic), adoption issues (older adults), trauma and caring responsibilities.
I don't' think I have an ideal client (bar a committed one) as I love working with unique people and using my counselling skills and expertise (never gets boring !). If you are new to counselling and not sure what your issues, goals or needs are ( just a vague sense of ' I need help' ) then I would be happy to help you explore this. If you would prefer to remain anonymous initially, you can email me and then we can progress to either a 15 minute free telephone conversion (or online). I'm also happy to refer you to other therapists that may be better qualified than me, in particular areas. We will explore this together.
![Photo of Ana Spoladore - Ana Spoladore Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, MA, ACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6c3c5a8-513d-4105-b007-5a378a1fb362/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Spoladore Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, ACP
Verified Verified
Twickenham TW2
My areas of expertise are: adolescent depression and anxiety, infant mental health, adoption and complex trauma.
With over 16 years of experience in the field of child and adolescent psychotherapy, I have worked within the NHS and the private sector providing therapeutic interventions to young people facing various mental health challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked with various multidisciplinary teams and have been instrumental in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for young individuals and support to their families.
My areas of expertise are: adolescent depression and anxiety, infant mental health, adoption and complex trauma.
With over 16 years of experience in the field of child and adolescent psychotherapy, I have worked within the NHS and the private sector providing therapeutic interventions to young people facing various mental health challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked with various multidisciplinary teams and have been instrumental in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for young individuals and support to their families.
![Photo of Jane Gurney - Full Circle Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf866244-c8d0-4614-a385-d70e67c9f41f/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
See more therapy options for Swindon
Nearby Adoption Counsellors Searches for Swindon
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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.