Adoption Therapists in Pacifica, CA
Carrie F Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044 (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.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
Teen angst? Bring it on! I work with adolescents, teens, and parents in navigating some of the most difficult years. If you are having difficulty connecting with your child, tween, or teen I will assist you with enhancing your connection while simultaneously setting boundaries as a parent. Sounds like a difficult feat? I know! But isn't it from the challenging times that we gain the most? Do you remember what it was like getting through middle school? Many of us would like to forget, however, with assistance it does not have to be so difficult for your child or for you to reach them.
Teen angst? Bring it on! I work with adolescents, teens, and parents in navigating some of the most difficult years. If you are having difficulty connecting with your child, tween, or teen I will assist you with enhancing your connection while simultaneously setting boundaries as a parent. Sounds like a difficult feat? I know! But isn't it from the challenging times that we gain the most? Do you remember what it was like getting through middle school? Many of us would like to forget, however, with assistance it does not have to be so difficult for your child or for you to reach them.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
My name is Sabina Wieczner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Sacramento, CA. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, depression, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I use mindfulness and CBT in my work. The majority of my experience has been with clients having suffered multiple traumas, substance use disorders, grief/loss, depression, unhealthy interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
My name is Sabina Wieczner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Sacramento, CA. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, depression, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I use mindfulness and CBT in my work. The majority of my experience has been with clients having suffered multiple traumas, substance use disorders, grief/loss, depression, unhealthy interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
I work with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds facing various kinds of transitions. Each new phase of life may bring changes that cause us to adapt and grow in somewhat unpredictable ways. Sometimes hurts from our past arise and get in our way. 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 provide therapy virtually, so I can see anyone in California via telehealth. And I also see clients in person in Pacifica and San Francisco.
I work with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds facing various kinds of transitions. Each new phase of life may bring changes that cause us to adapt and grow in somewhat unpredictable ways. Sometimes hurts from our past arise and get in our way. 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 provide therapy virtually, so I can see anyone in California via telehealth. And I also see clients in person in Pacifica and San Francisco.
Everyone needs support from time to time in navigating through life. Therapy is a great way to meet this need. We all go through life’s ups and downs and experience adversity, challenges and set-backs, which is what helps connect us as human beings. If you are struggling with major life changes, with your career, relationships or parenting, I’m here to help. My goal is to identify behavioral patterns and triggers that contribute to stress in your life. Once identified, together we can provide you the tools to navigate and cope through current and future challenges.
Everyone needs support from time to time in navigating through life. Therapy is a great way to meet this need. We all go through life’s ups and downs and experience adversity, challenges and set-backs, which is what helps connect us as human beings. If you are struggling with major life changes, with your career, relationships or parenting, I’m here to help. My goal is to identify behavioral patterns and triggers that contribute to stress in your life. Once identified, together we can provide you the tools to navigate and cope through current and future challenges.
My name is Karen Perry, M.A., L.M.F.T. 43178, and I believe in a person's ability to grow. As a clinician, the experience of guiding another in the process of growth is invigorating and fueled my passion for over 40 years in the helping professions. I am able to help you discover your self-defeating patterns and use your strengths to develop new strategies and behaviors using a blend of techniques from Rational Emotive Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Solution Focused, Acceptance Commitment, Trauma Resiliency Method, Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered, Motivational, Ego State, and Structural Family therapies.
My name is Karen Perry, M.A., L.M.F.T. 43178, and I believe in a person's ability to grow. As a clinician, the experience of guiding another in the process of growth is invigorating and fueled my passion for over 40 years in the helping professions. I am able to help you discover your self-defeating patterns and use your strengths to develop new strategies and behaviors using a blend of techniques from Rational Emotive Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Solution Focused, Acceptance Commitment, Trauma Resiliency Method, Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered, Motivational, Ego State, and Structural Family therapies.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
I am a client-centered, trauma- and attachment-informed, adoption-competent (Accredited TAC-trained) clinician. I have worked with and in the child welfare system for nearly 13 years. My focus is assisting families and youth going through the adoption process and providing therapeutic support post- adoption. I work comfortably with both youth and adults and family sessions as needed.
I am a client-centered, trauma- and attachment-informed, adoption-competent (Accredited TAC-trained) clinician. I have worked with and in the child welfare system for nearly 13 years. My focus is assisting families and youth going through the adoption process and providing therapeutic support post- adoption. I work comfortably with both youth and adults and family sessions as needed.
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.
Barbara Jean A Douglass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116 (Online Only)
My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 15 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My approach is one of respect, warmth, and attention to the dignity of every person. I utilize a humanistic and person-centered perspective, and maintain a psychodynamic framework for understanding my clients' emotional and therapeutic needs, to help you learn coping skills, and help you explore your options towards recovering a stronger sense of self, identity, spirituality, and balance.
My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 15 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My approach is one of respect, warmth, and attention to the dignity of every person. I utilize a humanistic and person-centered perspective, and maintain a psychodynamic framework for understanding my clients' emotional and therapeutic needs, to help you learn coping skills, and help you explore your options towards recovering a stronger sense of self, identity, spirituality, and balance.
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
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.
Carolee Stabno
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
In addition to my individual work with adults and children, I also work with couples and families, and have expertise in working with issues related to adoption, parenting, same gender relationships, and domestic violence.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
In addition to my individual work with adults and children, I also work with couples and families, and have expertise in working with issues related to adoption, parenting, same gender relationships, and domestic violence.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
I am a clinical psychologist in practice for over 35 years. A primary interest is working with men, particularly problems with men and aging, men and issues of retirement, anger/stress mgmt., and sexual addiction. I enjoy consulting with corporations. (I also have an MBA). I have extensive background and training in infertility and adoption issues. My wife and I are adoptive parents. I also have an interest in working with couples, issues of intimacy, sexuality, soulmate and kindred relationships.
I am a clinical psychologist in practice for over 35 years. A primary interest is working with men, particularly problems with men and aging, men and issues of retirement, anger/stress mgmt., and sexual addiction. I enjoy consulting with corporations. (I also have an MBA). I have extensive background and training in infertility and adoption issues. My wife and I are adoptive parents. I also have an interest in working with couples, issues of intimacy, sexuality, soulmate and kindred relationships.
I treat anxiety, depression, behavior issues, bullying, social skill development, parenting issues/co-parenting, separation/divorce, trauma, loss, postpartum issues, bonding/attachment, adoption, behavior problems at school and at home, professional and personal relationship problems, I also provide consultation to schools on behalf of a child when needed.
I provide psychotherapy for young children as well as adults. In my work with children, the goals is to strengthen the parent-child attachment as well as treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other childhood conditions. In my work with adults, I provide a compassionate and down-to-earth approach that is relatable along with effective interventions to support clients to resolve areas in their life they are feeling stuck and unhappy.
I treat anxiety, depression, behavior issues, bullying, social skill development, parenting issues/co-parenting, separation/divorce, trauma, loss, postpartum issues, bonding/attachment, adoption, behavior problems at school and at home, professional and personal relationship problems, I also provide consultation to schools on behalf of a child when needed.
I provide psychotherapy for young children as well as adults. In my work with children, the goals is to strengthen the parent-child attachment as well as treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other childhood conditions. In my work with adults, I provide a compassionate and down-to-earth approach that is relatable along with effective interventions to support clients to resolve areas in their life they are feeling stuck and unhappy.
I specialize in Adoption Related Issues, and the impact adoption has on children, adults, and families.
Living life in peace can be challenging when suddenly you are confronted with unexpected change...relationship status, health, recovery from loss, trauma and/or addiction. The truth is life is full of change, and the challenges we face often impact the quality of our connection to ourselves and others. I offer confidential, compassionate, effective care by combining the best of traditional psychotherapy with a progressive integration of mindfulness, for a wide range of issues we find ourselves faced with in modern life. A dual approach that encourages healing, connection, focus, and personal growth.
I specialize in Adoption Related Issues, and the impact adoption has on children, adults, and families.
Living life in peace can be challenging when suddenly you are confronted with unexpected change...relationship status, health, recovery from loss, trauma and/or addiction. The truth is life is full of change, and the challenges we face often impact the quality of our connection to ourselves and others. I offer confidential, compassionate, effective care by combining the best of traditional psychotherapy with a progressive integration of mindfulness, for a wide range of issues we find ourselves faced with in modern life. A dual approach that encourages healing, connection, focus, and personal growth.
See more therapy options for Pacifica
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Pacifica
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Millbrae
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- South San Francisco
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.