Adoption Therapists in La Canada, CA
Additionally, I have an extensive background as an adoption specialist, working with adoptees and adoptive parents, addressing issues of loss, infertility, attachment & adjustment.
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.
Additionally, I have an extensive background as an adoption specialist, working with adoptees and adoptive parents, addressing issues of loss, infertility, attachment & adjustment.
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.
Victoria Gutierrez-Kovner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Canada, CA 91011
I have experience working with trauma, adoption, depression and anxiety.
Do you want to make changes in your life? Do you want to make healthy choices that will enable you to reach your full potential? Psychotherapy provides a healing relationship - a second chance at discovering our capacity to grow, to love, to reflect and to change how we react to the world around us. Through the connection of the therapeutic relationship, one is able to transform patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Today you are one step closer to creating positive changes in your life. It would be an honor and a privilege to join you on this journey!
I have experience working with trauma, adoption, depression and anxiety.
Do you want to make changes in your life? Do you want to make healthy choices that will enable you to reach your full potential? Psychotherapy provides a healing relationship - a second chance at discovering our capacity to grow, to love, to reflect and to change how we react to the world around us. Through the connection of the therapeutic relationship, one is able to transform patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Today you are one step closer to creating positive changes in your life. It would be an honor and a privilege to join you on this journey!
After more than 50 years as a therapist, I still find working with adolescents and adults, exciting and challenging. Each person brings their unique issues to therapy and together we craft a way to move towards a positive solution.
After more than 50 years as a therapist, I still find working with adolescents and adults, exciting and challenging. Each person brings their unique issues to therapy and together we craft a way to move towards a positive solution.
Katie Phillips-Rector
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Canada, CA 91011
I enjoy working with people of all ages facing various kinds of transition. Each new phase of life brings somewhat predictable changes, and then there are other changes that cause us to adapt and grow in somewhat unpredictable ways. Whatever you're facing, my goal is to work with you to find unique strengths and creative solutions that allow you to thrive in the midst of change.
I enjoy working with people of all ages facing various kinds of transition. Each new phase of life brings somewhat predictable changes, and then there are other changes that cause us to adapt and grow in somewhat unpredictable ways. Whatever you're facing, my goal is to work with you to find unique strengths and creative solutions that allow you to thrive in the midst of change.
I am an experienced psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults, children, teens, and families. With adults, I help with life transitions, improve relationships with loved ones, overcome worries, sadness, and destructive habits, and build confidence. I am up-to-date with the research in treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, and adult ADD. With children, I help with ADHD, behavior problems, self-esteem issues, coping with major life transitions, and fighting within the family. If your child acts-out, seems distractible, or needs someone to talk to during difficult times, I can help.
I am an experienced psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults, children, teens, and families. With adults, I help with life transitions, improve relationships with loved ones, overcome worries, sadness, and destructive habits, and build confidence. I am up-to-date with the research in treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, and adult ADD. With children, I help with ADHD, behavior problems, self-esteem issues, coping with major life transitions, and fighting within the family. If your child acts-out, seems distractible, or needs someone to talk to during difficult times, I can help.
Christopher M Thomson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Canada, CA 91011
I specialize in working with dually diagnosed individuals and their families with severe and persistent mental illnesses, such as Polysubstance Dependence, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features, Bipolar Disorder, and Acute Anxiety Disorders. I have always had a special interest in working with family and couples, especially where one or both suffer from severe mental illness. I am on staff at several local inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, and help facilitate hospital admissions in a sensitive and professional manner. I offer individual and family community interventions as needed. I also help professionals coping with workplace stress.
I specialize in working with dually diagnosed individuals and their families with severe and persistent mental illnesses, such as Polysubstance Dependence, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features, Bipolar Disorder, and Acute Anxiety Disorders. I have always had a special interest in working with family and couples, especially where one or both suffer from severe mental illness. I am on staff at several local inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, and help facilitate hospital admissions in a sensitive and professional manner. I offer individual and family community interventions as needed. I also help professionals coping with workplace stress.
Curtis Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, DMin, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Canada, CA 91011
The most fascinating and important part of my job as a therapist is how to have a really good conversation. It may sound too simple, but it cuts to the heart of what to expect from therapy. Through good conversation, you experience connection and understanding. When we are understood, difficult feelings change with resulting freedoms to engage life. Trained both as a Marriage and Family therapist and a psychoanalyst, I work with complex relationship issues, divorce and blended families, depression, anxiety, addictions, men's issues, and sexual trauma recovery, and integration of psychology and faith/spirituality.
The most fascinating and important part of my job as a therapist is how to have a really good conversation. It may sound too simple, but it cuts to the heart of what to expect from therapy. Through good conversation, you experience connection and understanding. When we are understood, difficult feelings change with resulting freedoms to engage life. Trained both as a Marriage and Family therapist and a psychoanalyst, I work with complex relationship issues, divorce and blended families, depression, anxiety, addictions, men's issues, and sexual trauma recovery, and integration of psychology and faith/spirituality.
Dustin Vander Haar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Canada, CA 91012
Healthy psychological development throughout child, adolescent, and young adulthood is the focus of my practice. I utilize family strengths to aid my clients in overcoming a wide range of academic, behavioral and relational challenges while uniquely offering a variety of data collection tools to direct interventions, measure progress, and create meaningful change. I realize that choosing a therapist is a difficult decision, especially when it comes to your children, so please feel free to inquire further to determine if my knowledge and experience fits your needs.
Healthy psychological development throughout child, adolescent, and young adulthood is the focus of my practice. I utilize family strengths to aid my clients in overcoming a wide range of academic, behavioral and relational challenges while uniquely offering a variety of data collection tools to direct interventions, measure progress, and create meaningful change. I realize that choosing a therapist is a difficult decision, especially when it comes to your children, so please feel free to inquire further to determine if my knowledge and experience fits your needs.
Life is difficult. A dramatic life event, a body ravaged by addiction or illness, a symptom that defies an easy cure, a trauma that never quite allows life to move forward, or an emptiness that cannot be filled in the outer world may have forced you to go inward, searching for what is lost. It takes courage to reach out for help. I have been counseling people for over 30 years, and during our work together you will have the opportunity to touch into places where old wounds and new potential reside.
Life is difficult. A dramatic life event, a body ravaged by addiction or illness, a symptom that defies an easy cure, a trauma that never quite allows life to move forward, or an emptiness that cannot be filled in the outer world may have forced you to go inward, searching for what is lost. It takes courage to reach out for help. I have been counseling people for over 30 years, and during our work together you will have the opportunity to touch into places where old wounds and new potential reside.
Dr. Leslie Loubier is a highly skilled and experienced Mindfulness trainer, as well as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, executive and personal coach, university lecturer and key-note speaker. Trained in Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society, Dr. Loubier teaches Mindfulness to individuals and groups nationally. She also works with executives, performers, artists, writers and athletes on peak-performance, self-confidence, motivation and self-esteem. Leslie has a regular yoga practice and has practiced Insight Meditation since 1997.
Dr. Leslie Loubier is a highly skilled and experienced Mindfulness trainer, as well as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, executive and personal coach, university lecturer and key-note speaker. Trained in Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society, Dr. Loubier teaches Mindfulness to individuals and groups nationally. She also works with executives, performers, artists, writers and athletes on peak-performance, self-confidence, motivation and self-esteem. Leslie has a regular yoga practice and has practiced Insight Meditation since 1997.
Relationships can be tough. But they can also be a source of great connection and joy. Are you struggling in your most important relationships? Or having conflicting feelings about the people in your life? Maybe you're feeling anxious or depressed? Or struggling to understand the changes taking place with your child or adolescent? Whatever struggle you're facing, you don't need face them on your own.
Relationships can be tough. But they can also be a source of great connection and joy. Are you struggling in your most important relationships? Or having conflicting feelings about the people in your life? Maybe you're feeling anxious or depressed? Or struggling to understand the changes taking place with your child or adolescent? Whatever struggle you're facing, you don't need face them on your own.
Let's be real - life often throws the hardest curveballs, which leave us feeling damaged, lost, and fearful of how to recover or return to "how things used to be." Too often, we feel unheard and alone in our darkness. What do you do when you feel so anxious and high-strung that it’s hard to breathe? Who will understand when you don’t have the energy to get out of bed, or you avoid certain places because it reminds you of a terrible memory?
Let's be real - life often throws the hardest curveballs, which leave us feeling damaged, lost, and fearful of how to recover or return to "how things used to be." Too often, we feel unheard and alone in our darkness. What do you do when you feel so anxious and high-strung that it’s hard to breathe? Who will understand when you don’t have the energy to get out of bed, or you avoid certain places because it reminds you of a terrible memory?
Aimee Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
La Canada, CA 91011
Trauma has an undeniable effect on people’s lives that can shape core beliefs about self, relationships, and the safety of the world. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and IFS combined with other trauma-informed practices to provide a safe, judgment-free therapeutic environment. I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to provide a holistic, individualized, and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies and addresses your therapeutic goals. I work with individuals, couples and adolescents as well as offer group therapy.
Trauma has an undeniable effect on people’s lives that can shape core beliefs about self, relationships, and the safety of the world. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and IFS combined with other trauma-informed practices to provide a safe, judgment-free therapeutic environment. I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to provide a holistic, individualized, and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies and addresses your therapeutic goals. I work with individuals, couples and adolescents as well as offer group therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
Alexandra Block
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PsyD-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 (Online Only)
My extensive training and personal adoption experience makes me uniquely qualified to work with members of the adoption constellation.
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
My extensive training and personal adoption experience makes me uniquely qualified to work with members of the adoption constellation.
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
Roberto J Olivo Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I have over 20 years experience working with various types of relationship problems; marital conflict, communication difficulties, parenting difficulties, adoption, chronic illnesses, LGBTQ issues, addictions, sadness, anxiety, etc.
Intimate relationships could be difficult to maintain and understand. Sometimes we are left confused and hurt by the behaviors and words of others. Our responses to these unfortunate behaviors might create a negative reaction which could worsen the feelings of despair. Having a personal psychotherapist with whom to explore some of these problems could be very rewarding and healing. Finding assertive ways to express our emotions using a win/win approach might assist in the healing of those injuries. Anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflict could be minimized or eliminated with the appropriate interventions.
I have over 20 years experience working with various types of relationship problems; marital conflict, communication difficulties, parenting difficulties, adoption, chronic illnesses, LGBTQ issues, addictions, sadness, anxiety, etc.
Intimate relationships could be difficult to maintain and understand. Sometimes we are left confused and hurt by the behaviors and words of others. Our responses to these unfortunate behaviors might create a negative reaction which could worsen the feelings of despair. Having a personal psychotherapist with whom to explore some of these problems could be very rewarding and healing. Finding assertive ways to express our emotions using a win/win approach might assist in the healing of those injuries. Anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflict could be minimized or eliminated with the appropriate interventions.
Christina G Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montrose, CA 91020
If you're someone who's had trauma, an illness, recent loss, relationship struggles strong emotions of anger and/or saddness that are getting in the way of living fully, I'm here, bringing my 20+ years experience helping folks work through barriers to lasting change. Often past experiences cause us to develop creative ways of surviving that don't function well with our current life. I work with folks on processing their present concerns while keeping an open door to looking at the past and dreams that inform, revealing the source of repeating patterns. I help people to transform their pain into new meaningful emotional experience.
If you're someone who's had trauma, an illness, recent loss, relationship struggles strong emotions of anger and/or saddness that are getting in the way of living fully, I'm here, bringing my 20+ years experience helping folks work through barriers to lasting change. Often past experiences cause us to develop creative ways of surviving that don't function well with our current life. I work with folks on processing their present concerns while keeping an open door to looking at the past and dreams that inform, revealing the source of repeating patterns. I help people to transform their pain into new meaningful emotional experience.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
Elisa Rosenblatt Pomerantz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Montrose, CA 91020
Hello, welcome to my page. If you are emotionally suffering and want to feel better about yourself and the possibilities ahead, I would like the opportunity to talk with you. I am dedicated and passionate about working collaboratively with individuals who desire personal growth and increased self awareness. Choosing to work on oneself in therapy is both a life affirming and courageous decision and I consider it a deep privilege to be a part of that journey. By participating in a supportive therapeutic process , you can begin to understand and honor your life experiences with a new perspective and an increased sense of vitality.
Hello, welcome to my page. If you are emotionally suffering and want to feel better about yourself and the possibilities ahead, I would like the opportunity to talk with you. I am dedicated and passionate about working collaboratively with individuals who desire personal growth and increased self awareness. Choosing to work on oneself in therapy is both a life affirming and courageous decision and I consider it a deep privilege to be a part of that journey. By participating in a supportive therapeutic process , you can begin to understand and honor your life experiences with a new perspective and an increased sense of vitality.
Do you feel stuck? Stuck in an unhealthy relationship? Stuck in the same emotional state - anxious, fearful, depressed, numb? Stuck in communication patterns that leave you feeling empty? You keep trying to feel or be something different but it just doesn't work? feeling stuck can be one of the most paralyzing states. As Sheryl Sandberg says, "We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." With curiosity as our leader let's become aware of what we feel and why we feel it. By leaning in we can begin to move.
Do you feel stuck? Stuck in an unhealthy relationship? Stuck in the same emotional state - anxious, fearful, depressed, numb? Stuck in communication patterns that leave you feeling empty? You keep trying to feel or be something different but it just doesn't work? feeling stuck can be one of the most paralyzing states. As Sheryl Sandberg says, "We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." With curiosity as our leader let's become aware of what we feel and why we feel it. By leaning in we can begin to move.
Rachel Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
We all want to be understood and feel like we are making progress towards our life goals. My approach is comforting, humorous, humble, creative and lovingly direct. Everyone needs connection and in my experience the benefits of connecting and being seen by someone in therapy are many. Are you interested in working on an issue related to a relationship, major life change, depression and/or anxiety? Visit my website www.rachelwardlmft.com or call at 626-327-3456 for a free 25 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. Making sure we connect is very important.
We all want to be understood and feel like we are making progress towards our life goals. My approach is comforting, humorous, humble, creative and lovingly direct. Everyone needs connection and in my experience the benefits of connecting and being seen by someone in therapy are many. Are you interested in working on an issue related to a relationship, major life change, depression and/or anxiety? Visit my website www.rachelwardlmft.com or call at 626-327-3456 for a free 25 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. Making sure we connect is very important.
See more therapy options for La Canada
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for La Canada
- Altadena
- Burbank
- Eagle Rock
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- La Canada Flintridge
- La Crescenta
- Montrose
- Pasadena
- San Marino
- Sierra Madre
- South Pasadena
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.