Adoption Therapists in Oakland, CA
The only truth that I know is that everything can change and with the right support, difficult times can be weathered, patterns can be transformed, and adverse experiences can be integrated. My own journey through challenging periods, relationship pains, and wrestling with identity and adoption, trauma, and expression is what inspires me to be of service as a therapist. I have been fortunate to work with clients of diverse identities and intersectionalities, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, ENM/poly, and neurodivergent, and consider myself to be an ally in the fight for authentic expression and equity.
The only truth that I know is that everything can change and with the right support, difficult times can be weathered, patterns can be transformed, and adverse experiences can be integrated. My own journey through challenging periods, relationship pains, and wrestling with identity and adoption, trauma, and expression is what inspires me to be of service as a therapist. I have been fortunate to work with clients of diverse identities and intersectionalities, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, ENM/poly, and neurodivergent, and consider myself to be an ally in the fight for authentic expression and equity.
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.
Dr. Pixley is a licensed clinical psychologist with unique experience helping people navigate major life transitions, identity expression and exploration, and anxiety and mood disorders. She also supports individuals experiencing challenges related to transracial adoption. Her approach is holistic, social justice informed, practical, and often fun. Dr. Pixley aims to empower clients to live the life they want to live. She enjoys working with teens, adults, and individuals who work in creative and technical fields. She sees patients virtually across the state of California and in person (with vaccination).
Dr. Pixley is a licensed clinical psychologist with unique experience helping people navigate major life transitions, identity expression and exploration, and anxiety and mood disorders. She also supports individuals experiencing challenges related to transracial adoption. Her approach is holistic, social justice informed, practical, and often fun. Dr. Pixley aims to empower clients to live the life they want to live. She enjoys working with teens, adults, and individuals who work in creative and technical fields. She sees patients virtually across the state of California and in person (with vaccination).
Carrie F Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! At this point in my career, my primary passion and focus is working with people who have been adopted. Whether your adoption was open or closed, whether you have searched for your biological/first parents or not, whether you are in reunion or not, whether you felt loved and supported by your adoptive parents or not, adoption is complex and has lifelong impacts that are not thoroughly understood or acknowledged. The “win/win” narrative of adoption is being challenged and there is increased awareness of adoption as a trauma, but there is still much to learn about how this affects everyone in the constellation.
Hello and welcome! At this point in my career, my primary passion and focus is working with people who have been adopted. Whether your adoption was open or closed, whether you have searched for your biological/first parents or not, whether you are in reunion or not, whether you felt loved and supported by your adoptive parents or not, adoption is complex and has lifelong impacts that are not thoroughly understood or acknowledged. The “win/win” narrative of adoption is being challenged and there is increased awareness of adoption as a trauma, but there is still much to learn about how this affects everyone in the constellation.
), adoption/foster care issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and issues related to navigating the world as a person of color.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
), adoption/foster care issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and issues related to navigating the world as a person of color.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
I am also specialized in the area of adoption, for adult adoptees as well as children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
I am also specialized in the area of adoption, for adult adoptees as well as children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
Adoption Collective is committed to providing ethical and competent specialized services for all members of the adoption constellation. Nina Anderson, LCSW offers Counseling, Education, and Consultation Services in the area of Adoption and Family Formation. As the founder of Adoption Collective, Nina recognized the need for personalized support for those involved in the adoption process. Nina provides counseling to pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, expectant/birth parents, and adoptees, and supports Post Adoption Contact Relationships.
Adoption Collective is committed to providing ethical and competent specialized services for all members of the adoption constellation. Nina Anderson, LCSW offers Counseling, Education, and Consultation Services in the area of Adoption and Family Formation. As the founder of Adoption Collective, Nina recognized the need for personalized support for those involved in the adoption process. Nina provides counseling to pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, expectant/birth parents, and adoptees, and supports Post Adoption Contact Relationships.
My particular areas of focus include: individual child, adolescent and adult therapy, adoption, and working with LGBTQQIA2S youth, adults, and families.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
My particular areas of focus include: individual child, adolescent and adult therapy, adoption, and working with LGBTQQIA2S youth, adults, and families.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
My specialties include: *Trauma * Adoption *Anxiety *Depression *Parenting *Learning Disorders *Relationship issues *ADHD *Autism spectrum disorder *Sensory Processing Disorder *Psychological Assessments.
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
My specialties include: *Trauma * Adoption *Anxiety *Depression *Parenting *Learning Disorders *Relationship issues *ADHD *Autism spectrum disorder *Sensory Processing Disorder *Psychological Assessments.
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
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.
Areas I specialize in: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting support, family relationships and communication, trauma/abuse, loss/grief, attachment, interpersonal difficulties, adoption and divorce and self-growth.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
Areas I specialize in: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting support, family relationships and communication, trauma/abuse, loss/grief, attachment, interpersonal difficulties, adoption and divorce and self-growth.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
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Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Karisa L Barrow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma
Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma
Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Carla Marie Felten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Your bravery has led you here - welcome! If you’re navigating life transitions, grief/loss, depression & anxiety, the impact of trauma (i.e. abuse, racial, adoption) there is hope for healing. Working with diverse people as a biracial Black woman has shown me how powerful it is to navigate life with the support of a person from a shared set of experiences and understanding. I ask to be a partner in your journey, and commit to provide a safe space to discuss challenges. I offer my reflection and guidance, and accept that your story & culture is uniquely yours and I am only in your life by your invitation to help you meet your goals.
Your bravery has led you here - welcome! If you’re navigating life transitions, grief/loss, depression & anxiety, the impact of trauma (i.e. abuse, racial, adoption) there is hope for healing. Working with diverse people as a biracial Black woman has shown me how powerful it is to navigate life with the support of a person from a shared set of experiences and understanding. I ask to be a partner in your journey, and commit to provide a safe space to discuss challenges. I offer my reflection and guidance, and accept that your story & culture is uniquely yours and I am only in your life by your invitation to help you meet your goals.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
Specialized areas of interest include: supporting those in the adoption triad; transracial adoption; issues related to gender identity/expression; "third culture" children and families; women's health; diagnosing autism spectrum disorders; and parenting support in general.
Are you hoping to have more energy? Would you like to be a calmer parent or partner? Are you hoping for stronger or smoother relationships with important people in your life? Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner? I provide detailed assessments, and individual, group and family therapy to help kids, families and adults build on their strengths. Together we will figure out how to help you, and/or your children, feel better, function better, and live a life with less friction and more fulfillment.
Specialized areas of interest include: supporting those in the adoption triad; transracial adoption; issues related to gender identity/expression; "third culture" children and families; women's health; diagnosing autism spectrum disorders; and parenting support in general.
Are you hoping to have more energy? Would you like to be a calmer parent or partner? Are you hoping for stronger or smoother relationships with important people in your life? Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner? I provide detailed assessments, and individual, group and family therapy to help kids, families and adults build on their strengths. Together we will figure out how to help you, and/or your children, feel better, function better, and live a life with less friction and more fulfillment.
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.
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
See more therapy options for Oakland
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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.