Adoption Therapists in Martinez, CA

Photo of Sara Vazquez-Cutler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Vazquez-Cutler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Martinez, CA 94553
Hello, my name is Sara Vazquez-Cutler, and I am a first-generation Latina. My pronouns are she/her/they and I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master's of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling through CSU Fresno. I have been working in the psychotherapy field for the past 5 years as an MFT trainee, registered associate MFT, and now as a Licensed MFT. I view therapy as a collaborative approach between you and me working toward the same goals.
Hello, my name is Sara Vazquez-Cutler, and I am a first-generation Latina. My pronouns are she/her/they and I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master's of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling through CSU Fresno. I have been working in the psychotherapy field for the past 5 years as an MFT trainee, registered associate MFT, and now as a Licensed MFT. I view therapy as a collaborative approach between you and me working toward the same goals.
(925) 320-3735 View (925) 320-3735
Photo of Donna Christianson, MA, LMFT, CCATP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donna Christianson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553  (Online Only)
Are you in transition? Struggling with anxiety, depression, self-criticism or low self-esteem? Wanting to feel more empowered in your life, relationships and work? Tired of simply surviving? Are you seeking a warm and caring therapist who will listen and help support you to create a life that truly reflects and supports your aspirations and dreams? Who is devoted to your well-being and can offer both the practical help and emotional support to help you to thrive? If so, I'd like to help; I offer affordable day and evening appointments.
Are you in transition? Struggling with anxiety, depression, self-criticism or low self-esteem? Wanting to feel more empowered in your life, relationships and work? Tired of simply surviving? Are you seeking a warm and caring therapist who will listen and help support you to create a life that truly reflects and supports your aspirations and dreams? Who is devoted to your well-being and can offer both the practical help and emotional support to help you to thrive? If so, I'd like to help; I offer affordable day and evening appointments.
(925) 293-9491 View (925) 293-9491
Photo of Stacey Tisler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Tisler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Hello, my name is Stacey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bakersfield, California. I am passionate about my work and providing an opportunity to help individuals and families cope with life's challenges and work towards healing and creating a life worth living. I work well with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have the ability to engage with and work with any age group. I also have the ability to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
(661) 903-8622 View (661) 903-8622
Photo of Jaimi Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaimi Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Martinez, CA 94553
Hello, I'm Jaimi Martin LCWS, PH-C. I specialize in childhood trauma using EMDR, and postpartum depression and anxiety, using a feminist viewpoint. I work with individuals ages 12 and up, with a focus on life transitions. I support people in becoming their true selves. I've always worked in collaboration with others and found working as a therapist allowed that work to be more meaningful and deeper.
Hello, I'm Jaimi Martin LCWS, PH-C. I specialize in childhood trauma using EMDR, and postpartum depression and anxiety, using a feminist viewpoint. I work with individuals ages 12 and up, with a focus on life transitions. I support people in becoming their true selves. I've always worked in collaboration with others and found working as a therapist allowed that work to be more meaningful and deeper.
(559) 380-4131 View (559) 380-4131
Photo of Kevin Bunch, PsyD, Psychologist
Kevin Bunch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 326-6612 View (925) 326-6612

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Leslie Foge, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leslie Foge
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I have 30 years' experience in working in the adoption/infertility field.
I enjoy working with adults facing transitions -- launching, having a child, beginning or ending a relationship, moving through developmental stages, etc. I love working with folks touched by adoption -- potential adoptive parents, adoptive families, birth families, adopted persons, etc. I enjoy working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, compulsivity, disconnection, loneliness. .
I have 30 years' experience in working in the adoption/infertility field.
I enjoy working with adults facing transitions -- launching, having a child, beginning or ending a relationship, moving through developmental stages, etc. I love working with folks touched by adoption -- potential adoptive parents, adoptive families, birth families, adopted persons, etc. I enjoy working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, compulsivity, disconnection, loneliness. .
(925) 578-2997 View (925) 578-2997
Photo of Anna Sasser-Christian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Sasser-Christian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
(510) 983-8741 View (510) 983-8741
Photo of Leila Bogner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leila Bogner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597  (Online Only)
My particular passion is working with individuals or couples around adoption related issues.
I have found that, all too often, people have remained "stuck" in loneliness, difficult parenting challenges, relationship issues, and have fallen victim to the belief that this is as good as it gets. For many, these struggles have been ongoing for years, if not a lifetime. Assisting people to meaningfully engage in life is not only my passion, it is the reason I have chosen this work. Everybody's situation is unique as to how you have arrived to where you are. My goal is to offer a personalized approach to support you to the next step in your journey. You don't have to do this alone.
My particular passion is working with individuals or couples around adoption related issues.
I have found that, all too often, people have remained "stuck" in loneliness, difficult parenting challenges, relationship issues, and have fallen victim to the belief that this is as good as it gets. For many, these struggles have been ongoing for years, if not a lifetime. Assisting people to meaningfully engage in life is not only my passion, it is the reason I have chosen this work. Everybody's situation is unique as to how you have arrived to where you are. My goal is to offer a personalized approach to support you to the next step in your journey. You don't have to do this alone.
(925) 940-1648 View (925) 940-1648
Photo of Mikhael Fuller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mikhael Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
In my practice, I support teens, adults, and couples residing in Washington or California. I work with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, intimacy and relationships, identity, life-transitions, conflict, divorce and separation, and anything in-between. I also have experience with adoption and blended families. When working with minor clients, I provide guidance to parents through collaborative consultation throughout our therapeutic relationship. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in both Washington and California.
In my practice, I support teens, adults, and couples residing in Washington or California. I work with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, intimacy and relationships, identity, life-transitions, conflict, divorce and separation, and anything in-between. I also have experience with adoption and blended families. When working with minor clients, I provide guidance to parents through collaborative consultation throughout our therapeutic relationship. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in both Washington and California.
(925) 248-4981 View (925) 248-4981
Photo of Kathryn Orfirer, PhD, Psychologist
Kathryn Orfirer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
(510) 692-9736 View (510) 692-9736
Photo of Mary Reyna, PsyD, Psychologist
Mary Reyna
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Greetings! I am a bicultural, bilingual psychologist with 14 years of clinical expertise, specializing in working with children 0-18, adults, and parents from diverse backgrounds. My extensive clinical background encompasses trauma, attachment, adoption, foster care, parent/child dyad therapy, postpartum depression, anxiety and mood diagnosis, as well as addressing school or social difficulties. My professional journey has spanned community, home, school, and clinical settings. In my practice, I collaborate with co-parents and children, guiding them through the intricacies of new experiences and emotions following a separation.
Greetings! I am a bicultural, bilingual psychologist with 14 years of clinical expertise, specializing in working with children 0-18, adults, and parents from diverse backgrounds. My extensive clinical background encompasses trauma, attachment, adoption, foster care, parent/child dyad therapy, postpartum depression, anxiety and mood diagnosis, as well as addressing school or social difficulties. My professional journey has spanned community, home, school, and clinical settings. In my practice, I collaborate with co-parents and children, guiding them through the intricacies of new experiences and emotions following a separation.
(510) 439-0654 View (510) 439-0654
Photo of Georgie Abel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Georgie Abel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I have the most experience working with clients who have suffered some kind of pregnancy loss or birth trauma (abortion, infertility, miscarriage, adoption, near death experiences during delivery, etc).
Trauma and other difficult experiences can impact the way we view our relationships, the world, and ourselves. I support clients in processing traumatic experiences, identifying triggers, and reclaiming their sense of safety and joy. I work with adults, couples/relationships, and families of all kinds. I welcome and affirm non-traditional family structures (donor, adoption, foster, blended families), members of LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past.
I have the most experience working with clients who have suffered some kind of pregnancy loss or birth trauma (abortion, infertility, miscarriage, adoption, near death experiences during delivery, etc).
Trauma and other difficult experiences can impact the way we view our relationships, the world, and ourselves. I support clients in processing traumatic experiences, identifying triggers, and reclaiming their sense of safety and joy. I work with adults, couples/relationships, and families of all kinds. I welcome and affirm non-traditional family structures (donor, adoption, foster, blended families), members of LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past.
(925) 886-0799 View (925) 886-0799
Photo of Rob Dean, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rob Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, parents, and teens with a special interest in masculinity, adoption, and life transitions/initiations.
Welcome, glad you're here. Let's be honest, life often is messy and can feel like a struggle. And yet, what if beneath trauma, disappointments, frustrations, or seemingly poor life choices lie seeds of growth that just need some watering? What if you already contain the ingredients essential for thriving? Might your relationships as well? In my view therapy provides a sacred like opportunity where one is offered a chance to experience renewed vitality, meaning, and an invigorated sense of mind, body, spirit, and soul. A space where the genius in you or perhaps the potentials lying in relationships and parenting roles can emerge.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, parents, and teens with a special interest in masculinity, adoption, and life transitions/initiations.
Welcome, glad you're here. Let's be honest, life often is messy and can feel like a struggle. And yet, what if beneath trauma, disappointments, frustrations, or seemingly poor life choices lie seeds of growth that just need some watering? What if you already contain the ingredients essential for thriving? Might your relationships as well? In my view therapy provides a sacred like opportunity where one is offered a chance to experience renewed vitality, meaning, and an invigorated sense of mind, body, spirit, and soul. A space where the genius in you or perhaps the potentials lying in relationships and parenting roles can emerge.
(510) 901-3796 View (510) 901-3796
Photo of Jessica Spangler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Spangler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94523
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. During my 14 years as a therapist, I have seen clients with various issues, including grief and loss, adoption, infertility, anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. During my 14 years as a therapist, I have seen clients with various issues, including grief and loss, adoption, infertility, anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD.
(858) 780-5386 View (858) 780-5386
Photo of Melissa Rapp, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Rapp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
(510) 822-7911 View (510) 822-7911
Photo of Sarah Borrego, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Borrego
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94595  (Online Only)
I work alongside individuals to assist them with trauma, grief and loss, illness, life transitions, depression, anxiety, fertility, family building, adoption, and third party reproduction.
If you are considering therapy, you have taken the first step toward making a positive change. It takes courage to seek support and talking with someone can help. When we experience painful events, feel our life’s plan has been taken out of our control, and experience disconnect in our relationships, we can feel hopeless, alone and lost. I believe that, through life’s challenges, we can learn how truly strong we are.
I work alongside individuals to assist them with trauma, grief and loss, illness, life transitions, depression, anxiety, fertility, family building, adoption, and third party reproduction.
If you are considering therapy, you have taken the first step toward making a positive change. It takes courage to seek support and talking with someone can help. When we experience painful events, feel our life’s plan has been taken out of our control, and experience disconnect in our relationships, we can feel hopeless, alone and lost. I believe that, through life’s challenges, we can learn how truly strong we are.
(805) 360-4570 View (805) 360-4570
Photo of Laura Frame, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Frame
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I specialize in relationship difficulties, developmental concerns and life transitions, parenting, adoption, foster and kinship care, trauma, attachment-related challenges and disruptions, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
I specialize in relationship difficulties, developmental concerns and life transitions, parenting, adoption, foster and kinship care, trauma, attachment-related challenges and disruptions, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
(510) 399-2147 View (510) 399-2147
Photo of Teagan Benson Darnell - Private Practice, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Private Practice
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
(925) 948-8070 View (925) 948-8070
Photo of Nicole Scanlon-Lodato, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Scanlon-Lodato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have 18 plus years of experience working with children, families and individuals. I specialize working with children (5 to 11), and teens. I work with children and teens who may face many challenges such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer parenting support and guidance. I also work with adults experiencing life transitions, divorce or separation. I offer my knowledge, experience and unconditional acceptance. I also offer all clients a comfortable space to explore their emotions, learn new skills, and overcome challenging situations.
I have 18 plus years of experience working with children, families and individuals. I specialize working with children (5 to 11), and teens. I work with children and teens who may face many challenges such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer parenting support and guidance. I also work with adults experiencing life transitions, divorce or separation. I offer my knowledge, experience and unconditional acceptance. I also offer all clients a comfortable space to explore their emotions, learn new skills, and overcome challenging situations.
(209) 694-4782 View (209) 694-4782
Photo of Marcy Marie Pusey, MS, CRC, CTRP-C
Marcy Marie Pusey
MS, CRC, CTRP-C
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
We often find ourselves members of "clubs" we never signed up for. Unexpected "club" memberships might include living with anxiety, complex ptsd/ptsd, divorce, single parenting, the challenges of fostering or adopting, loss of a loved one, on and on. Isolation and shame are common while navigating these "club memberships." My clients are tired of being tired, ready to move from paralysis to growth, and desperate for hope and healing. They want to believe they are worthy of love, hold intrinsic value, and have something positive to bring to the world. They want positive life change and healthy relationships with self and others.
We often find ourselves members of "clubs" we never signed up for. Unexpected "club" memberships might include living with anxiety, complex ptsd/ptsd, divorce, single parenting, the challenges of fostering or adopting, loss of a loved one, on and on. Isolation and shame are common while navigating these "club memberships." My clients are tired of being tired, ready to move from paralysis to growth, and desperate for hope and healing. They want to believe they are worthy of love, hold intrinsic value, and have something positive to bring to the world. They want positive life change and healthy relationships with self and others.
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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.