Adoption Therapists in El Cajon, CA
![Photo of Marylee (Mary) Sheppard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0778ca11-cbfe-4e12-ac71-d83c89313b37/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Mary Sheppard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My overall approach to therapy is person centered, and I believe all individuals are unique and have their own personal values and ideals that can support self fulfillment. My therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by a humanistic theoretical framework. I also work in an integrated systems approach that is solution focused with a heavy emphasis on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief and loss and families with inter generational trauma.
My name is Mary Sheppard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My overall approach to therapy is person centered, and I believe all individuals are unique and have their own personal values and ideals that can support self fulfillment. My therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by a humanistic theoretical framework. I also work in an integrated systems approach that is solution focused with a heavy emphasis on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief and loss and families with inter generational trauma.
![Photo of Isabelle George - Live Inspired Child & Family Therapy, Inc., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46808f7e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Live Inspired Child & Family Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020 (Online Only)
Through a holistic approach including: Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Integrative Nutrition, I support clients in exploring their unique strengths and individual needs. I am a believer in the extraordinary healing powers of play! "The creation of something new is not powered by the intellect, but by the play instinct arising from inner necessity." ~ Carl Jung.
Through a holistic approach including: Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Integrative Nutrition, I support clients in exploring their unique strengths and individual needs. I am a believer in the extraordinary healing powers of play! "The creation of something new is not powered by the intellect, but by the play instinct arising from inner necessity." ~ Carl Jung.
![Photo of Krystle Joy Briese, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b18c94b7-1b56-4a0a-9115-a54da8770583/2/320x400.jpeg)
Krystle Joy Briese
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92021
It’s getting close to the start of a new school year. Get your child established in therapy before the school year starts. Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
It’s getting close to the start of a new school year. Get your child established in therapy before the school year starts. Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
![Photo of April Pearl Gutierrez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14f91516-f490-4839-b71b-767ac60963b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker w/ over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I received my master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University in 2012 and I have worked with children, adults, and families in Community Mental Health Setting in both Riverside County and San Diego County. I am currently providing telehealth services on a HIPPA compliant platform as well as in person sessions. My practice specialties include treating depression, anxiety, panic disorders and tough life transitions as well post-traumatic stress disorders.
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker w/ over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I received my master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University in 2012 and I have worked with children, adults, and families in Community Mental Health Setting in both Riverside County and San Diego County. I am currently providing telehealth services on a HIPPA compliant platform as well as in person sessions. My practice specialties include treating depression, anxiety, panic disorders and tough life transitions as well post-traumatic stress disorders.
![Photo of Andrew Lancaster Byrne - Balanced Life Therapy Center, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7c613d8-3157-431a-bc8c-321a39ed07cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balanced Life Therapy Center, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
Just being human can be hard, and with all that is expected of us in this life, it can seem almost impossible at times. The external world can feel overwhelming and unsafe and our internal world can feel chaotic and just as unsafe. At the heart of any therapeutic approach is the attempt to find peace within so we can learn to be at peace with what is beyond our control. At Balanced Life Therapy Center, our clinicians are trained, each in their own preferred approach to healing, to support the inner world of their clients and help them get connected to the power they hold to move towards the life they desire.
Just being human can be hard, and with all that is expected of us in this life, it can seem almost impossible at times. The external world can feel overwhelming and unsafe and our internal world can feel chaotic and just as unsafe. At the heart of any therapeutic approach is the attempt to find peace within so we can learn to be at peace with what is beyond our control. At Balanced Life Therapy Center, our clinicians are trained, each in their own preferred approach to healing, to support the inner world of their clients and help them get connected to the power they hold to move towards the life they desire.
![Photo of Amy Lynn Kabler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d437f6bd-6624-4c77-b020-b44b82a61d1f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a child struggling with their behavior, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a child struggling with their behavior, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
![Photo of Andrea Guttman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f90079b2-a369-4070-83f5-70b6adfc80d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Guttman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020 (Online Only)
Hi! I work with adults and teens and love holding space for people where they are at and their experiences. I specialize in supporting women who find themselves overwhelmed by life's demands and struggling to prioritize their own well-being. Whether it's maintaining relationships, taking care of family, managing a career, or finding time for self-care, the pressure can be overwhelming. When every day feels like an uphill battle, it seems impossible to find time to care for yourself. I know you’re tired and this isn’t what you imagined for yourself.
Hi! I work with adults and teens and love holding space for people where they are at and their experiences. I specialize in supporting women who find themselves overwhelmed by life's demands and struggling to prioritize their own well-being. Whether it's maintaining relationships, taking care of family, managing a career, or finding time for self-care, the pressure can be overwhelming. When every day feels like an uphill battle, it seems impossible to find time to care for yourself. I know you’re tired and this isn’t what you imagined for yourself.
![Photo of Souphaphone Hagan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05ab2bf5-f308-4133-a9eb-128c89251af5/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Sandy Hagan, and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I specialized in treating depression, anxiety, and stress management. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.
My name is Sandy Hagan, and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I specialized in treating depression, anxiety, and stress management. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.
![Photo of Shannon Ashburn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5641a298-cbdd-4ea6-ad1f-71867fc16db9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I have experience working in Child Welfare, non-profit, and private practice settings with individuals, couples, families, and groups who are experiencing a wide range of challenges. Much of my experience has been dedicated to helping those affected by trauma. My experience with this hurting population spans over 12 years. I am trained in Trauma-Informed Practice and have assisted individuals and families in overcoming barriers to personal emotional and psychological safety.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I have experience working in Child Welfare, non-profit, and private practice settings with individuals, couples, families, and groups who are experiencing a wide range of challenges. Much of my experience has been dedicated to helping those affected by trauma. My experience with this hurting population spans over 12 years. I am trained in Trauma-Informed Practice and have assisted individuals and families in overcoming barriers to personal emotional and psychological safety.
![Photo of Olga Goodman, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/247d9c06-dc92-4647-b4b9-0c0d1c477d25/3/320x400.jpeg)
Olga Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
Do you find yourself getting irritable “for no reason”? Do you get caught off guard by sudden mood changes? Do you feel like your emotions get the best of you which makes you feel like a horrible person and impacts your relationships? Do you struggle with asserting your needs and setting healthy boundaries? This could be the result of trauma or other impactful past life events. Treatments like EMDR help to process these past experiences so you can heal, feel good about yourself, and re-gain control of your thoughts and feelings. As someone who had to do my own healing, I get how vulnerable and scary therapy can be. I also know
Do you find yourself getting irritable “for no reason”? Do you get caught off guard by sudden mood changes? Do you feel like your emotions get the best of you which makes you feel like a horrible person and impacts your relationships? Do you struggle with asserting your needs and setting healthy boundaries? This could be the result of trauma or other impactful past life events. Treatments like EMDR help to process these past experiences so you can heal, feel good about yourself, and re-gain control of your thoughts and feelings. As someone who had to do my own healing, I get how vulnerable and scary therapy can be. I also know
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
15 Second Videos
Krystle Joy Briese
Olga Goodman
Jennifer Kashou
![Photo of Sarah Wright, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e74b8ce-9fb0-489b-9db5-22a5f79c7d40/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Wright
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
Is your child experiencing difficulty at school, preschool, or in day to day life? Are you a parent that is experiencing stress due to child issues? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia and California, as well as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who can assist you and your child create a sense of calm in the current storm. While I primarily work with children, I feel that it is equally important to work with parents in conjunction or just the parents in some instances to create a better outcome for the family unit. For families in California, I would be working solely through telehealth.
Is your child experiencing difficulty at school, preschool, or in day to day life? Are you a parent that is experiencing stress due to child issues? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia and California, as well as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who can assist you and your child create a sense of calm in the current storm. While I primarily work with children, I feel that it is equally important to work with parents in conjunction or just the parents in some instances to create a better outcome for the family unit. For families in California, I would be working solely through telehealth.
![Photo of Adriene Robinson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14cd5050-62fc-4851-a80a-52d0e2522bd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Adriene M. Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose focus is family relationships, personal adjustment issues to life transitions, unresolved adult and childhood issues particularly various issues of abuse and trauma. I believe there is a need to provide behavior and coping skills for the child and/or adults in either individual or group sessions. Further, the parents/ caregivers and seniors who may be raising grandchildren.
I am Adriene M. Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose focus is family relationships, personal adjustment issues to life transitions, unresolved adult and childhood issues particularly various issues of abuse and trauma. I believe there is a need to provide behavior and coping skills for the child and/or adults in either individual or group sessions. Further, the parents/ caregivers and seniors who may be raising grandchildren.
![Photo of Adam Moore, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e7cdb28-1409-4f0b-b1df-3d8157f75017/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in San Diego, California who has been working in the field of psychology since 2013. I have experience working in residential, schools, outpatient, and crisis settings as well as work now in my own private practice with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, social concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis situations, and general adjustment issues. I have diagnosed and helped clients work through most of the disorders listed in the DSM-5.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in San Diego, California who has been working in the field of psychology since 2013. I have experience working in residential, schools, outpatient, and crisis settings as well as work now in my own private practice with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, social concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis situations, and general adjustment issues. I have diagnosed and helped clients work through most of the disorders listed in the DSM-5.
![Photo of Laura Magno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bb992e6-557b-4434-8042-f49d6dea0d06/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, relational challenges and more. Maybe you’ve had a recent painful experience or just feel ‘stuck’ in general. Let’s work together to get you back on track.
I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, relational challenges and more. Maybe you’ve had a recent painful experience or just feel ‘stuck’ in general. Let’s work together to get you back on track.
![Photo of William Martinez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e184ac3-a02c-42a3-b9d1-d5292640908f/1/320x400.png)
My name is William Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I bring 20 years of experience working with individuals who are either experiencing pain or are feeling "stuck." My approach consists of working alongside you to help you overcome difficult periods in life. I do this through the use of evidence-based, yet realistic and practical approaches that will help you on your path to reaching your long-term goals.
My name is William Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I bring 20 years of experience working with individuals who are either experiencing pain or are feeling "stuck." My approach consists of working alongside you to help you overcome difficult periods in life. I do this through the use of evidence-based, yet realistic and practical approaches that will help you on your path to reaching your long-term goals.
![Photo of Felicia Kelley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8306e403-aaf9-45e4-ac46-90bf3d92dc76/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Felicia Kelley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Do you feel that your life needs more balance? Do you question your self-worth and identity? Are you realizing that you do so much for others and the various systems in your life that you forgot about you? I motivate children, teens, young adults, women and parents to build their self-esteem and overcome the hardship of living with anxiety and depression. Working together, we can build on healthy ways of coping with life stressors and find ways achieve your emotional goals.
Hello, I'm Felicia Kelley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Do you feel that your life needs more balance? Do you question your self-worth and identity? Are you realizing that you do so much for others and the various systems in your life that you forgot about you? I motivate children, teens, young adults, women and parents to build their self-esteem and overcome the hardship of living with anxiety and depression. Working together, we can build on healthy ways of coping with life stressors and find ways achieve your emotional goals.
![Photo of Susan Brumer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc660cb9-172e-47a4-a5d9-380760e281a6/2/320x400.png)
Hello, My name is Susan Brumer and I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for 25+ years. From 2013-2021, I was an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's MSW program. I have specialized in adoptions, infertility, surrogacy, and grief therapy.
Hello, My name is Susan Brumer and I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for 25+ years. From 2013-2021, I was an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's MSW program. I have specialized in adoptions, infertility, surrogacy, and grief therapy.
![Photo of Jennifer Kashou, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72d3c5ca-8ceb-457d-87ef-515b9ecf9594/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Kashou
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! As a therapist, I understand that starting a journey towards self-improvement can be tough, but you’re not alone. With my empathetic, warm, and collaborative approach, we can make a real difference together. We will work to tackle the core beliefs and negative thoughts that are holding you back. We’ll navigate through your past experiences and relationships to see how they’re impacting you. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or improvement in your relationships, let’s work together to identify what’s working well and what changes we need to make to help you achieve your goals.
Hello and welcome! As a therapist, I understand that starting a journey towards self-improvement can be tough, but you’re not alone. With my empathetic, warm, and collaborative approach, we can make a real difference together. We will work to tackle the core beliefs and negative thoughts that are holding you back. We’ll navigate through your past experiences and relationships to see how they’re impacting you. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or improvement in your relationships, let’s work together to identify what’s working well and what changes we need to make to help you achieve your goals.
![Photo of Vanessa Rodriguez, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/454cffdc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe the two major problem areas we face in life deal with our relationships and our coping; and the main factors influencing how we manage these issues relies on our attachment style, trauma history, and our emotional intelligence, or lack there-of. My job is to help unlock the unconscious- help bring awareness to these issues and how they may be negatively impacting your life and relationships. Essentially, my aim is to assist you in identifying and allowing yourself to express emotions, and learn to tolerate/manage anxiety and discomfort, rather than self-soothe in various, unsafe ways that are causing problems in your life.
I believe the two major problem areas we face in life deal with our relationships and our coping; and the main factors influencing how we manage these issues relies on our attachment style, trauma history, and our emotional intelligence, or lack there-of. My job is to help unlock the unconscious- help bring awareness to these issues and how they may be negatively impacting your life and relationships. Essentially, my aim is to assist you in identifying and allowing yourself to express emotions, and learn to tolerate/manage anxiety and discomfort, rather than self-soothe in various, unsafe ways that are causing problems in your life.
See more therapy options for El Cajon
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for El Cajon
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
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.