Adoption Therapists in El Cerrito, CA

Photo of Tara Noone, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara Noone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I also specialize in working with adoption issues.
Many of life's problems and traumas are difficult not just in and of themselves, but because they are isolating, leaving you with the feeling that no one understands or that no one sees your struggles. ​ As a therapist, I think the relationship comes first. The work we do together requires warmth, comfort, trust and "goodness of fit" between us. I believe the relationship is both the safe and warm point of departure for your exploration and the soft landing place.
I also specialize in working with adoption issues.
Many of life's problems and traumas are difficult not just in and of themselves, but because they are isolating, leaving you with the feeling that no one understands or that no one sees your struggles. ​ As a therapist, I think the relationship comes first. The work we do together requires warmth, comfort, trust and "goodness of fit" between us. I believe the relationship is both the safe and warm point of departure for your exploration and the soft landing place.
(510) 592-5151 View (510) 592-5151
Photo of Vicki Young, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vicki Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
I help navigate life transitions, pregnancy, adoption, parenting, ADHD, autism, loss, divorce, health-related challenges, retirement & aging.
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
I help navigate life transitions, pregnancy, adoption, parenting, ADHD, autism, loss, divorce, health-related challenges, retirement & aging.
Welcome! I specialize in relationships, work and parenting. I’m warm, creative, supportive & smart. I like to help people in life transitions. These are hard times. If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, upset or worried about the future, let me help. We collaborate to address the hard things in your life, discover your unique abilities & strengths & create a path toward your dreams and goals. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 30 + years’ experience working with people from age 2 to 100. I create space where you can feel comfortable expressing feelings & exploring difficult issues. We transform you’re goals into do-able steps.
(510) 380-7909 View (510) 380-7909
Photo of Jill Pettegrew, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Pettegrew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Providing Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and Psychedelic Integration. I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood-related issues. I am dedicated to helping you find balance, clarity and meaning in your livfe through evidence-based mind-body psychotherapy. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and grow, going at a pace that does not overwhelm the nervous system, and allows for integration.
Providing Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and Psychedelic Integration. I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood-related issues. I am dedicated to helping you find balance, clarity and meaning in your livfe through evidence-based mind-body psychotherapy. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and grow, going at a pace that does not overwhelm the nervous system, and allows for integration.
(925) 308-6168 View (925) 308-6168
Photo of Celeste Monnette, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Celeste Monnette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Are you struggling with worry, sadness, the effects of trauma, and/or managing life transitions and losses? Are you a couple in crisis or needing support to navigate your relationship? If so, I maybe able to help. I am a licensed therapist with over 25 years experience working with adults and couples. With advanced training, compassion, and kindness, I work with clients to help them identify the areas they are struggling and then provide structure, support, and intervention to make changes and find relief from discomfort, frustration, and suffering. I work with clients from a warm and empathic, non-judgmental approach.
Are you struggling with worry, sadness, the effects of trauma, and/or managing life transitions and losses? Are you a couple in crisis or needing support to navigate your relationship? If so, I maybe able to help. I am a licensed therapist with over 25 years experience working with adults and couples. With advanced training, compassion, and kindness, I work with clients to help them identify the areas they are struggling and then provide structure, support, and intervention to make changes and find relief from discomfort, frustration, and suffering. I work with clients from a warm and empathic, non-judgmental approach.
(707) 629-5318 View (707) 629-5318
Photo of Dora Ritzer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dora Ritzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
Play is the language of childhood and I speak it fluently. Whatever situation your child is going through, we will face it together. We might be adventurers, exploring the rocky seas of emotion regulation. Perhaps we are princes and princesses trapped in a castle of loneliness, race car drivers going around on the track of ADHD, or warriors battling monsters in the dark. We might even teach a bear to use the potty.
(510) 907-7061 View (510) 907-7061
Photo of Stacy Taylor, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacy Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Therapy Without the Angst! Therapy doesn't have to take years and be intensely painful. I help clients to develop the skills to feel better soon. I'll teach you to calm your anxious mind, feel more confident, and find meaning in life challenges. As a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, I've culled the best of many different techniques, for instance: CBT helps change unproductive thinking and behavior; insight therapy offers awareness; and DBT helps to regulate intense emotions and reactions. I offer not just therapeutic techniques but good-old common sense!
Therapy Without the Angst! Therapy doesn't have to take years and be intensely painful. I help clients to develop the skills to feel better soon. I'll teach you to calm your anxious mind, feel more confident, and find meaning in life challenges. As a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, I've culled the best of many different techniques, for instance: CBT helps change unproductive thinking and behavior; insight therapy offers awareness; and DBT helps to regulate intense emotions and reactions. I offer not just therapeutic techniques but good-old common sense!
(510) 404-8463 View (510) 404-8463
Photo of Stephen Adair Vernon, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephen Adair Vernon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I have always found the more relational and emotionally based this work is then the more rewarding and successful it is for clients and myself. I work with a wide range of clients. Their basic desire is to connect with themselves and others. Of late, it seems, many of my clients are couples; men ; adolescents; and mid-life and elderly of both sexes. Each are addressing important problems and/or transitional stages of life. Our work can be fearful and/or fearless, exciting and/or slow and always the challenge of facing not-knowing, making choices and exploring ourselves.
I have always found the more relational and emotionally based this work is then the more rewarding and successful it is for clients and myself. I work with a wide range of clients. Their basic desire is to connect with themselves and others. Of late, it seems, many of my clients are couples; men ; adolescents; and mid-life and elderly of both sexes. Each are addressing important problems and/or transitional stages of life. Our work can be fearful and/or fearless, exciting and/or slow and always the challenge of facing not-knowing, making choices and exploring ourselves.
(510) 528-8814 View (510) 528-8814
Photo of Catherine Cavette, PhD, Psychologist
Catherine Cavette
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
Therapy is many levels of psychological work from resolving conflicts, to understanding the secrets we keep from ourselves and how they impact our lives. In addition to joy and success, many of us also experience trauma, grief, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, as well as physical illness. Fortunately, these challenges are a portal to self-knowledge that allows us to grow and to learn. Therapy is working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. It leads to profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
Therapy is many levels of psychological work from resolving conflicts, to understanding the secrets we keep from ourselves and how they impact our lives. In addition to joy and success, many of us also experience trauma, grief, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, as well as physical illness. Fortunately, these challenges are a portal to self-knowledge that allows us to grow and to learn. Therapy is working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. It leads to profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
(510) 661-3034 View (510) 661-3034
Photo of Wendy Fiering, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Fiering
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
Feeling overwhelmed? Is anxiety, grief, or stress taking over? I'm here to help. I offer therapy for adults, kids, and families that's strengths-based, collaborative, and solution-focused. We'll create positive momentum from our first meeting. Building on the strengths you or your child already have, I’ll offer tools and strategies to use when challenging situations arise. You'll gain a new perspective, a sense of hope, and practical strategies to use during the week.
(510) 681-2740 View (510) 681-2740
Photo of Nancy Sarah Rothschild, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nancy Sarah Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Waitlist for new clients
As a long-time practitioner, my way of working has evolved from a more traditional dynamic approach to a deep interest in the bridge between mind/body spiritual traditions and contemporary psychology. I have much varied experience working with both men and women who struggle with the challenges of loneliness and living a conscious, fulfilling and spontaneous life. If you are feeling stressed, or if anxiety or depression have you wrestling with problems that never seem to resolve, perhaps it's time to turn for help to a compassionate and engaged therapist.
As a long-time practitioner, my way of working has evolved from a more traditional dynamic approach to a deep interest in the bridge between mind/body spiritual traditions and contemporary psychology. I have much varied experience working with both men and women who struggle with the challenges of loneliness and living a conscious, fulfilling and spontaneous life. If you are feeling stressed, or if anxiety or depression have you wrestling with problems that never seem to resolve, perhaps it's time to turn for help to a compassionate and engaged therapist.
(510) 730-3867 View (510) 730-3867
Photo of Phyllis Rothblatt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
(510) 246-3735 View (510) 246-3735
Photo of Melissa Meris, PhD, Psychologist
Melissa Meris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530  (Online Only)
As a psychologist, my goal is to create a safe and comfortable place to explore feelings and experiences, hopes and dreams. Through reflection and increased self-knowledge, you will be able to reestablish emotional wholeness and increased compassion for yourself and others. This experience will bring greater self acceptance, resilience and self confidence.
As a psychologist, my goal is to create a safe and comfortable place to explore feelings and experiences, hopes and dreams. Through reflection and increased self-knowledge, you will be able to reestablish emotional wholeness and increased compassion for yourself and others. This experience will bring greater self acceptance, resilience and self confidence.
(510) 931-5949 View (510) 931-5949
Photo of Susan Bolea, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Bolea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
(341) 444-2172 View (341) 444-2172
Photo of Rosalie Stillford, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rosalie Stillford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I am a trauma-informed, somatic therapist, passionate about supporting and empowering adults and children through therapy. I have a special interest in working with adults on: complex & acute trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. With children, I treat: anger, traumatic events, adjusting to change, general/social/separation anxiety, friendship skills, bullying, frequent arguing, self-esteem, school-based issues, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS. I welcome clients who are queer, gender-nonconforming, and in poly/kink/non-traditional relationship structures.
I am a trauma-informed, somatic therapist, passionate about supporting and empowering adults and children through therapy. I have a special interest in working with adults on: complex & acute trauma, emotion regulation, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. With children, I treat: anger, traumatic events, adjusting to change, general/social/separation anxiety, friendship skills, bullying, frequent arguing, self-esteem, school-based issues, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS. I welcome clients who are queer, gender-nonconforming, and in poly/kink/non-traditional relationship structures.
(510) 279-4533 View (510) 279-4533
Photo of Sara Willott, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Willott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
(303) 943-9718 View (303) 943-9718
Photo of Sami Qreini, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sami Qreini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Are you looking for help, guidance or support as a parent, adolescent, adult, or couple? Do you feel out of tune with your friends or family? Overwhelmed with demands? Or stuck in relational or behavioral patterns? Therapy can open you to new perspectives. As your therapist, I can help you widen your view, find your competence and reconnect with yourself, so you feel up to life’s challenges. I will be a curious and empathic listener and provide a secure, contained space to explore.
Are you looking for help, guidance or support as a parent, adolescent, adult, or couple? Do you feel out of tune with your friends or family? Overwhelmed with demands? Or stuck in relational or behavioral patterns? Therapy can open you to new perspectives. As your therapist, I can help you widen your view, find your competence and reconnect with yourself, so you feel up to life’s challenges. I will be a curious and empathic listener and provide a secure, contained space to explore.
(510) 996-5994 View (510) 996-5994
Photo of Amanda Campbell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
(510) 288-5383 View (510) 288-5383
Photo of Audrey Sabol, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Audrey Sabol
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Welcome to an opportunity to feel and think differently about yourself. I have many years experience providing an intuitive and safe therapeutic environment. Creating a trusting relationship allows us to explore your relationships, moods and anxieties. We also will focus on thoughts or ways of being in the world that are troubling to you so that you may start experiencing more success at work and in your personal relationships.
Welcome to an opportunity to feel and think differently about yourself. I have many years experience providing an intuitive and safe therapeutic environment. Creating a trusting relationship allows us to explore your relationships, moods and anxieties. We also will focus on thoughts or ways of being in the world that are troubling to you so that you may start experiencing more success at work and in your personal relationships.
(510) 788-2322 View (510) 788-2322
Photo of Leah Platoni, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leah Platoni
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Not accepting new clients
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
(510) 939-9268 View (510) 939-9268

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nathan Greene, PsyD, Psychologist
Nathan Greene
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94707
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
(949) 577-6606 View (949) 577-6606
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.