Adoption Therapists in Altadena, CA

Together we can explore what it means to be human, to embody compassion towards oneself and others, to hold both joy and sorrow, to experience connection, to move away from internalized messages of shame, to feel liberation, to bridge our past to our future and be present in our experiences and relationships.

Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.

I have extensive experience working with families who are currently fostering a child or have built their family through adoption. I use a trauma informed and neurodevelopmental lens in all of my work, and understand how in utero and early developmental trauma affect children in many areas of their life. As a former foster parent and now an adoptive mom, I further understands how close relationships are created through a sense of safety and trust.

Are you feeling stuck in your life patterns or healing from old wounds? Therapy is about finding the right fit with someone you trust. I recognize the importance of beginning where you are at through collaboration, empathy, and guided self-examination. I will help you develop new coping skills, healthy boundaries, and turn insight into action. The most courageous moments provide the greatest growth. Collectively, we can add more tools to your toolbox. Through introspection, directive depth work, and a strong working relationship, I will listen to each important detail of your life story and build upon your strengths and abilities.

My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.

Are you looking for a therapist who is smart, compassionate and can help you navigate through the often painful aspects of relationship conflicts, grief, illness or challenging life transitions? Do you need help in sorting out and understanding the ways in which you get "stuck" in old patterns? My aim is to help you better understand (and have more control over) those issues which may be negatively impacting your quality of life. Such self-understanding can lead to expanded abilities to cope with all sorts of stress, overcome fear and can also improve self-esteem.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

I offer therapy ($290: individual, $345: couples) and assessment for ADHD, learning disorders, mood & neuropsychological testing ($3,500+). I empower my clients to take the next personalized, informed steps towards lasting change. As you learn coping skills in a warm, relational setting, we'll alleviate your symptoms by identifying and challenging your maladaptive thought, emotional or behavioral patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll identify your strengths and apply them towards achieving your goals. My goal is to enable you to achieve a meaningful life of purpose, connection with others, and fulfillment with yourself.

Hello, I am Michelle Pack, LMFT. I focus on building positive relationships with my clients and reducing negative symptoms. I have many years of experience working with foster care and adoption and issues relating to trauma, grief/loss and adoption. I mostly work with individuals, from pre-teen to adult, and sometimes couples. I'm comfortable addressing anxiety, depression, sleep issues, work problems, grief/loss, adoption-related issues, difficulties of being a foster parent, relationship and parenting problems.

I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.