Adoption Counselling in Worksop

Photo of Anna Symonds - Elysian Psychology, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Elysian Psychology
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Worksop S80
The aim of Elysian Psychology is to relieve psychological distress & emotional pain by providing therapy for children, young people and adults which is individually tailored. We pride ourselves on the expertise of our specialist team of highly qualified Clinical Psychologists, alongside prompt & efficient customer service. We provide private psychological talking therapy online & in person in West Bridgford, Nottingham & Oakham, Rutland. We can assess and diagnose children & adults for both ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) either online or in person.
The aim of Elysian Psychology is to relieve psychological distress & emotional pain by providing therapy for children, young people and adults which is individually tailored. We pride ourselves on the expertise of our specialist team of highly qualified Clinical Psychologists, alongside prompt & efficient customer service. We provide private psychological talking therapy online & in person in West Bridgford, Nottingham & Oakham, Rutland. We can assess and diagnose children & adults for both ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) either online or in person.
0800 688 9937 View 0800 688 9937
Photo of Jay Keep, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Jay Keep
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Worksop S80
Welcome! I am a fully qualified, accredited, and experienced Counsellor Psychotherapist & Wellbeing Coach. Life can be very challenging and we can feel sad lonely, anxious, angry or numb. Maybe you are suffering from trauma, a bereavement, relationship issues or are being bullied? These are some of the issues I can help with. I will work collaboratively and confidentially with you to achieve your goals. Therapy is known to improve clarity, self-awareness, self-esteem and coping skills. I offer counselling for single, short term issues or psychotherapy for more deeper rooted issues. Text me to book a complimentary phone chat.
Welcome! I am a fully qualified, accredited, and experienced Counsellor Psychotherapist & Wellbeing Coach. Life can be very challenging and we can feel sad lonely, anxious, angry or numb. Maybe you are suffering from trauma, a bereavement, relationship issues or are being bullied? These are some of the issues I can help with. I will work collaboratively and confidentially with you to achieve your goals. Therapy is known to improve clarity, self-awareness, self-esteem and coping skills. I offer counselling for single, short term issues or psychotherapy for more deeper rooted issues. Text me to book a complimentary phone chat.
01623 572243 View 01623 572243
Photo of Carolyn Hart, MA, ACP, Psychotherapist
Carolyn Hart
Psychotherapist, MA, ACP
Verified Verified
Worksop S80
I am a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in the NHS and NSPCC, treating clients with difficulties including, autism, anxiety, developmental delay, trauma and attachment difficulties. I work with parent-infant pairs, young children, adolescents and young adults. I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental, accepting and nurturing environment. For young children and those who find it difficult to speak, I work through play and the arts. To get a better understanding of how this works, please look at the videos on my website.
I am a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in the NHS and NSPCC, treating clients with difficulties including, autism, anxiety, developmental delay, trauma and attachment difficulties. I work with parent-infant pairs, young children, adolescents and young adults. I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental, accepting and nurturing environment. For young children and those who find it difficult to speak, I work through play and the arts. To get a better understanding of how this works, please look at the videos on my website.
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Photo of Sharon Andrea Shaw, MBBS, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Andrea Shaw
Psychotherapist, MBBS, MBACP
Verified Verified
Worksop S80
Feeling SAD, CONFUSED and/or ANGRY? Feeling stuck/trapped? What's the point? Nothing changes? I know the fears of opening up emotionally or mentally. I also know now of how beneficial it is for YOU. To have time to understand your 'self' so that YOU can process and heal, change YOUR future. It's empowering. I have studied for 6 years, to Masters level. Committed to my own personal development. Losing nearly three stone in weight (an emotional eater). Unattached from drinking 5 times a week to now occasionally socially or sometimes I just drink water and ice! Smoking and a fitter body is next. YOU are important! Take control back!
Feeling SAD, CONFUSED and/or ANGRY? Feeling stuck/trapped? What's the point? Nothing changes? I know the fears of opening up emotionally or mentally. I also know now of how beneficial it is for YOU. To have time to understand your 'self' so that YOU can process and heal, change YOUR future. It's empowering. I have studied for 6 years, to Masters level. Committed to my own personal development. Losing nearly three stone in weight (an emotional eater). Unattached from drinking 5 times a week to now occasionally socially or sometimes I just drink water and ice! Smoking and a fitter body is next. YOU are important! Take control back!
01302 496594 View 01302 496594

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Gemma Thorley, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Gemma Thorley
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Mansfield Woodhouse NG19
With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety there is more and more need for people to find support and help when they need it. I believe that therapy is journey that we will travel together, working as a team to overcome your difficulties.
With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety there is more and more need for people to find support and help when they need it. I believe that therapy is journey that we will travel together, working as a team to overcome your difficulties.
01623 392895 View 01623 392895
Photo of Alex Bennett, MBACP, Counsellor
Alex Bennett
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Retford DN22
No matter who you are or where you come from I am accepting of ALL people and will listen to you in a caring and non-judgmental way. This is a place for you to feel heard, validated and understood. Whatever is troubling you, we will work through together and at a pace that suits you. I will always draw from my specialist training and experience to help you work through whatever comes up in our sessions whilst accepting you as a unique individual with your own needs. I offer sessions online and in person from my warm and private counselling space based in Cusworth, Doncaster.
No matter who you are or where you come from I am accepting of ALL people and will listen to you in a caring and non-judgmental way. This is a place for you to feel heard, validated and understood. Whatever is troubling you, we will work through together and at a pace that suits you. I will always draw from my specialist training and experience to help you work through whatever comes up in our sessions whilst accepting you as a unique individual with your own needs. I offer sessions online and in person from my warm and private counselling space based in Cusworth, Doncaster.
024 7542 4568 View 024 7542 4568

Online Therapists

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 Heather Shipley, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Heather Shipley
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Stratford-upon-Avon CV37
I am a highly qualified Clinical Supervisor and Counsellor who is passionate about supporting my clients. My aim is to create a trusting, safe and comfortable space for you to be able to express your concerns. By combining my variety of skills and experience, I am able to tailor my therapy to suit your needs. I have experience with children and adolescents (Cover Teacher and Nurture Lead, charities, social services, adoption services), as well as extensive work with adults in my private practice and working with an employee assistance programme.
I am a highly qualified Clinical Supervisor and Counsellor who is passionate about supporting my clients. My aim is to create a trusting, safe and comfortable space for you to be able to express your concerns. By combining my variety of skills and experience, I am able to tailor my therapy to suit your needs. I have experience with children and adolescents (Cover Teacher and Nurture Lead, charities, social services, adoption services), as well as extensive work with adults in my private practice and working with an employee assistance programme.
01789 331153 View 01789 331153
Photo of Julia Gibson - Silver Lantern Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Silver Lantern Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Craven Arms SY7
Hello, I’m Julia, a person-centred counsellor and a qualified adoption support counsellor. I am a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). I wonder what might have led you to here. Perhaps something has happened that has turned your world upside down. Maybe life feels overwhelming. Perhaps you feel lost, alone, misunderstood. We all have times when life seems a struggle, when we may feel anxious or sad or hopeless and counselling can offer a space where we can start to touch on those tender bruises inside which often leads to a greater understanding of ourselves and our situation.
Hello, I’m Julia, a person-centred counsellor and a qualified adoption support counsellor. I am a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). I wonder what might have led you to here. Perhaps something has happened that has turned your world upside down. Maybe life feels overwhelming. Perhaps you feel lost, alone, misunderstood. We all have times when life seems a struggle, when we may feel anxious or sad or hopeless and counselling can offer a space where we can start to touch on those tender bruises inside which often leads to a greater understanding of ourselves and our situation.
01588 500990 View 01588 500990
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 Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist), PTUK, Psychotherapist
Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist)
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
Bourne PE10
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 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 Kerrie McCabe, BACP, Counsellor
Kerrie McCabe
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Stockton-on-Tees TS20
I have experience of working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder, adoption, family dynamics, attachment issues and relationship difficulties.
Hello, and a very warm welcome. My name is Kerrie, and I am a qualified Counsellor. I am a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and adhere to their code of ethics. Counselling allows you to discuss any problems and difficult feelings you are experiencing in a relaxed, safe, and confidential environment. The Counselling process gives you the opportunity to talk about your problems enabling you to develop an understanding and insight into your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and issues. A plan of action may be looked at to either help you resolve your issues or help you to find ways of coping.
I have experience of working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder, adoption, family dynamics, attachment issues and relationship difficulties.
Hello, and a very warm welcome. My name is Kerrie, and I am a qualified Counsellor. I am a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and adhere to their code of ethics. Counselling allows you to discuss any problems and difficult feelings you are experiencing in a relaxed, safe, and confidential environment. The Counselling process gives you the opportunity to talk about your problems enabling you to develop an understanding and insight into your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and issues. A plan of action may be looked at to either help you resolve your issues or help you to find ways of coping.
01642 988107 View 01642 988107
Photo of Angela Lawn, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Angela Lawn
Counsellor, MA, 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 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 Anne Andrieux, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Anne Andrieux
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Skipton BD23
Whether your child is dealing with self-esteem issues, grief and loss of a loved one, abuse, trauma, adoption issues, or eating disorders, I am here to help.
I am a passionate and dedicated therapist specializing in working with children and young people. With years of experience in school settings, I have seen first-hand the remarkable positive impact that comes from truly seeing and hearing young individuals. I tailor therapy to each individual's needs, incorporating therapeutic play and expressive art therapy for younger clients. My approach fosters a trusting, non-judgmental environment where clients can thrive. As a French therapist, I understand the complexity of different cultures and am respectful of that, bringing a unique perspective to my practice.
Whether your child is dealing with self-esteem issues, grief and loss of a loved one, abuse, trauma, adoption issues, or eating disorders, I am here to help.
I am a passionate and dedicated therapist specializing in working with children and young people. With years of experience in school settings, I have seen first-hand the remarkable positive impact that comes from truly seeing and hearing young individuals. I tailor therapy to each individual's needs, incorporating therapeutic play and expressive art therapy for younger clients. My approach fosters a trusting, non-judgmental environment where clients can thrive. As a French therapist, I understand the complexity of different cultures and am respectful of that, bringing a unique perspective to my practice.
01756 633436 View 01756 633436
Photo of Phil Anthony Mawson-Lees - Philip Anthony Counselling, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Philip Anthony Counselling
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leigh WN7
I have experience with anxiety, teens, ADHD, self-esteem, discrimination, harassment, grief, adoption, abuse etc.
Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. Talking about personal issues can be difficult but I am here to support your individual needs. I work with children, young people, and adults. Contacting a counsellor can scary if you have never done it before, but please be assured we will move at your own speed in your own time. You can contact me via email or phone, then decide after the free initial consultation if you want to continue. Limited Concessions for students. (Student I.D required). Individuals face to face, zoom or phone. DBS Checked. Memberships: BACP, BPS
I have experience with anxiety, teens, ADHD, self-esteem, discrimination, harassment, grief, adoption, abuse etc.
Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. Talking about personal issues can be difficult but I am here to support your individual needs. I work with children, young people, and adults. Contacting a counsellor can scary if you have never done it before, but please be assured we will move at your own speed in your own time. You can contact me via email or phone, then decide after the free initial consultation if you want to continue. Limited Concessions for students. (Student I.D required). Individuals face to face, zoom or phone. DBS Checked. Memberships: BACP, BPS
01663 798323 View 01663 798323
Photo of Darren Gallagher - Darren Gallagher, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Darren Gallagher
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Darlington DL3
I have specialist experience of working with loss, separation pre-bereavement and bereavement; stress; anxiety; attachment; low mood; self-esteem; grief; anger; domestic abuse; care experienced; adoption; neurodiversity; gender; sexuality and relationships.
Hi, I’m an accredited Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (UKCP/ MBACP) with a specialism of working with children, young people and adult clients. I am trained in EMDR (Masterclass) and have many years experience working with children and families within settings, such as schools, hospices, charities, clinical settings, LAC teams and in the community – Like Violet Oaklander says ‘Play can be a serious business’. I am a humanistic, ‘integrative’ practitioner, so I use different methods to develop a warm, friendly relationship based on individual needs, respect and accepting the person as a whole – in other words - ‘I’m Ok – You’re Ok’.
I have specialist experience of working with loss, separation pre-bereavement and bereavement; stress; anxiety; attachment; low mood; self-esteem; grief; anger; domestic abuse; care experienced; adoption; neurodiversity; gender; sexuality and relationships.
Hi, I’m an accredited Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (UKCP/ MBACP) with a specialism of working with children, young people and adult clients. I am trained in EMDR (Masterclass) and have many years experience working with children and families within settings, such as schools, hospices, charities, clinical settings, LAC teams and in the community – Like Violet Oaklander says ‘Play can be a serious business’. I am a humanistic, ‘integrative’ practitioner, so I use different methods to develop a warm, friendly relationship based on individual needs, respect and accepting the person as a whole – in other words - ‘I’m Ok – You’re Ok’.
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Photo of Elizabeth Oyewole - Succour Empowering Equality Counselling, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Succour Empowering Equality Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hull HU3
I offer Person-centred, Trauma Focused, and Adoption Support Therapy.
Are you noticing and experiencing feelings of worry, and unable to shake it off? Are you increasingly tearful, sad, with low mood, low appetite, experiencing disturbed sleep/lack of a good quality sleep, nightmares, and tiredness? Feeling like something bad is going to happen? If so, do not be alone in your feelings, let's talk about it.
I offer Person-centred, Trauma Focused, and Adoption Support Therapy.
Are you noticing and experiencing feelings of worry, and unable to shake it off? Are you increasingly tearful, sad, with low mood, low appetite, experiencing disturbed sleep/lack of a good quality sleep, nightmares, and tiredness? Feeling like something bad is going to happen? If so, do not be alone in your feelings, let's talk about it.
01482 251689 View 01482 251689
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

See more therapy options for Worksop

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.