Adoption Therapists in 28694
![Photo of Laura L Lawson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0936c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Laura L Lawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Jefferson, NC 28694 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
For 30 years I have provided counseling services to couples, families, and individuals. I assist individual adults who are dealing with depression, relationship issues, childhood or adult trauma, or aging concerns. I work with clients to understand and resolve the effects of stress on the mind and body. With couples we focus on resolving underlying issues that impede communication as well as crises such as dealing with sexual or emotional infidelity and most other relationship problems. I work extensively with families dealing with addiction, parenting concerns, and with intergenerational family conflicts.
For 30 years I have provided counseling services to couples, families, and individuals. I assist individual adults who are dealing with depression, relationship issues, childhood or adult trauma, or aging concerns. I work with clients to understand and resolve the effects of stress on the mind and body. With couples we focus on resolving underlying issues that impede communication as well as crises such as dealing with sexual or emotional infidelity and most other relationship problems. I work extensively with families dealing with addiction, parenting concerns, and with intergenerational family conflicts.
![Photo of Carrie A Richardson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd4a6a84-2bbb-4086-ac1b-dcbd5f2ecb1f/1/320x400.png)
Carrie A Richardson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Jefferson, NC 28694 (Online Only)
I am a LCSW practicing in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC since 2010. Therapy is an opportunity for learning and growth, and I have witnessed amazing outcomes for individuals who worked hard in treatment to elicit positive personal change. I have extensive experience as a Crisis Clinician in Emergency Departments, an outpatient therapy provider, a Mobile Crisis Clinician, a Health Coach, and an Employee Assistance Program therapist. I am equipped to provide clinical supervision for associate professionals seeking licensure through the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
I am a LCSW practicing in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC since 2010. Therapy is an opportunity for learning and growth, and I have witnessed amazing outcomes for individuals who worked hard in treatment to elicit positive personal change. I have extensive experience as a Crisis Clinician in Emergency Departments, an outpatient therapy provider, a Mobile Crisis Clinician, a Health Coach, and an Employee Assistance Program therapist. I am equipped to provide clinical supervision for associate professionals seeking licensure through the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
![Photo of Melissa R Parlier - Melissa R. Parlier, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8e2782-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa R. Parlier, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Jefferson, NC 28694
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Are you having difficulty bouncing back after a traumatic experience? Are you having difficulties in a relationship? I can help! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience providing trauma-informed services to children, adults, families, and couples. Areas of specialization include: anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, grief and loss, child/adolescent behavior problems, adjustment and phase of life issues, and interpersonal relationship problems.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Are you having difficulty bouncing back after a traumatic experience? Are you having difficulties in a relationship? I can help! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience providing trauma-informed services to children, adults, families, and couples. Areas of specialization include: anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, grief and loss, child/adolescent behavior problems, adjustment and phase of life issues, and interpersonal relationship problems.
See more therapy options for 28694
Adoption Therapists
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 behavioral 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, behavioral, 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.