Adoption Therapists in Orinda, CA

Photo of Leslie Foge, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leslie Foge
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (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 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 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 Mikhael Fuller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mikhael Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
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 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 Judy Bensinger Haynes, MEd, MA, LMFT , #114669, Marriage & Family Therapist
Judy Bensinger Haynes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT , #114669
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
JBHtherapy.com These days there are times when we need someone to talk to. For the past forty years I have embraced individuals who have experienced shame, anxiety, social anxiety, depression and stress. Individuals and families served have had questions and concerns related to caring for family members with special needs and adoptions. My approach is optimistic, empathic and enhances attachments and relationships. My wish is to lessen stress and provide advocacy. Whether your journey is individual, infant-child related or a family dream; I will work to support you and your loved ones in a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship.
JBHtherapy.com These days there are times when we need someone to talk to. For the past forty years I have embraced individuals who have experienced shame, anxiety, social anxiety, depression and stress. Individuals and families served have had questions and concerns related to caring for family members with special needs and adoptions. My approach is optimistic, empathic and enhances attachments and relationships. My wish is to lessen stress and provide advocacy. Whether your journey is individual, infant-child related or a family dream; I will work to support you and your loved ones in a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship.
(925) 357-9994 View (925) 357-9994
Photo of Katelyn Simons, PsyD, Psychologist
Katelyn Simons
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I practice both individual psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in understanding and addressing coping skills, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and family conflict. Through therapy, assessment, or consultation, I provide support in navigating individual complexities. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, my aim is to help those I work with manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging situations, and address barriers standing in the way of contentment and clarity.
I practice both individual psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in understanding and addressing coping skills, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and family conflict. Through therapy, assessment, or consultation, I provide support in navigating individual complexities. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, my aim is to help those I work with manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging situations, and address barriers standing in the way of contentment and clarity.
(510) 296-6515 View (510) 296-6515
Photo of Elizabeth Rae Walker, MA, MBA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Rae Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
(925) 259-3986 View (925) 259-3986
Photo of Margie Ryerson, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Margie Ryerson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My orientation is cognitive and behavioral (CBT). I'm a caring compassionate listener and also actively engage with clients to elicit thoughts, feelings, and strategies for healing. My specialties include eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, parenting, and teens. My therapy approach is directive and problem-solving while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. I believe that everyone is capable of change at their own rate and comfort level. I help my clients eliminate self-critical thinking that too often sabotages their happiness and their relationships.
My orientation is cognitive and behavioral (CBT). I'm a caring compassionate listener and also actively engage with clients to elicit thoughts, feelings, and strategies for healing. My specialties include eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, parenting, and teens. My therapy approach is directive and problem-solving while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. I believe that everyone is capable of change at their own rate and comfort level. I help my clients eliminate self-critical thinking that too often sabotages their happiness and their relationships.
(925) 392-3516 View (925) 392-3516
Photo of Jill Pettegrew, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Pettegrew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
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 Barton Lynch, PsyD, Psychologist
Barton Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
"Anyone with children knows that they are challenging as well as rewarding. It is when these challenges outweigh the loving relationship that children start to typically manifest symptoms. Due to internal and/or environmental stresses, children can become withdrawn, oppositional, easily overwhelmed, and scared. This in turn can compromise your child's present and future relationships, academic performance, self-esteem, and the parent-child relationship. When difficulties are addressed early, children gain a sense of mastery and safety lasting a lifetime." Dr. Lynch has worked with young children in preschool, research, state/county, and clinical settings over the last ten years.
"Anyone with children knows that they are challenging as well as rewarding. It is when these challenges outweigh the loving relationship that children start to typically manifest symptoms. Due to internal and/or environmental stresses, children can become withdrawn, oppositional, easily overwhelmed, and scared. This in turn can compromise your child's present and future relationships, academic performance, self-esteem, and the parent-child relationship. When difficulties are addressed early, children gain a sense of mastery and safety lasting a lifetime." Dr. Lynch has worked with young children in preschool, research, state/county, and clinical settings over the last ten years.
(925) 308-5238 View (925) 308-5238
Photo of J Aaron Foster, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
J Aaron Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
(510) 930-1807 View (510) 930-1807
Photo of Nicole Kangas, PhD, MA, LMFT, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Kangas
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
(925) 660-7363 View (925) 660-7363
Photo of Dr. Catherine Ferreira-Babor, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Catherine Ferreira-Babor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I completed my doctoral training in the UCSF Dept. of Psychiatry working primarily with trauma survivors. Within that setting our standards of care were very high & I maintain that standard in my practice. My patients felt confused, irritated, exhausted & hopeless, worrying that their lives would never improve. I imagine that you do as well. With perspective & compassion I will help you make sense of your experiences, reducing the degree to which you blame yourself & helping you use your strengths to create a much more satisfying life.
I completed my doctoral training in the UCSF Dept. of Psychiatry working primarily with trauma survivors. Within that setting our standards of care were very high & I maintain that standard in my practice. My patients felt confused, irritated, exhausted & hopeless, worrying that their lives would never improve. I imagine that you do as well. With perspective & compassion I will help you make sense of your experiences, reducing the degree to which you blame yourself & helping you use your strengths to create a much more satisfying life.
(925) 267-6803 View (925) 267-6803
Photo of Jean Milam, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jean Milam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome, the parts you know and like and those parts that you may keep hidden. Asking for help is not easy. You may have been taught that you should be able to handle difficulty by yourself, but, in fact, seeking support is the most courageous step you can take toward your own healing and emotional well-being. You don't have to experience sadness, anxiety, trauma, anger, or loss on your own.
I provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome, the parts you know and like and those parts that you may keep hidden. Asking for help is not easy. You may have been taught that you should be able to handle difficulty by yourself, but, in fact, seeking support is the most courageous step you can take toward your own healing and emotional well-being. You don't have to experience sadness, anxiety, trauma, anger, or loss on your own.
(510) 257-9386 View (510) 257-9386
Photo of Dr. Eric Bottino, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Eric Bottino
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
(628) 227-5455 View (628) 227-5455
Photo of Hannah Acevedo, MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA
Hannah Acevedo
MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
(510) 683-5930 View (510) 683-5930
Photo of Susan Overhauser, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Overhauser
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
(925) 392-6507 View (925) 392-6507
Photo of Jessica Shaddock, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica Shaddock
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
My specialties include working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty-nest and retirement.
My specialties include working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty-nest and retirement.
(510) 863-8849 View (510) 863-8849
Photo of Linda Michels, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Michels
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I think you know what would make you happy but don't know how to make it happen. This applies to both individuals and couples. People stop themselves from moving forward because they think they can't or don't deserve to get their own needs met. I can help you overcome blocks, fears, guilt, depression, and/or self-defeating behaviors so you can free yourself to be happy and more successful. It seems daunting but, with support and direction, it is possible to improve your life. This is even true for people who are suffering from more debilitating problems such as Bipolar Disorder, OCD,or Schizoaffective Disorders.
I think you know what would make you happy but don't know how to make it happen. This applies to both individuals and couples. People stop themselves from moving forward because they think they can't or don't deserve to get their own needs met. I can help you overcome blocks, fears, guilt, depression, and/or self-defeating behaviors so you can free yourself to be happy and more successful. It seems daunting but, with support and direction, it is possible to improve your life. This is even true for people who are suffering from more debilitating problems such as Bipolar Disorder, OCD,or Schizoaffective Disorders.
(415) 800-3916 View (415) 800-3916
1
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.