Adoption Therapists in Playa Vista, CA
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are" (E.E. Cummings) It also takes courage to wade through this directory. And, courage to take the leap of faith to email, text, or call. So, I want you to know I am passionate about helping my clients grow and find out who you really are - and heal from what has kept you from yourself, and others. Becoming is the wondrous journey along the way. Think we may be a match? We may also be a match if you are highly sensitive, parenting a highly sensitive child, or navigating the world of adoption or later in life parenting.
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are" (E.E. Cummings) It also takes courage to wade through this directory. And, courage to take the leap of faith to email, text, or call. So, I want you to know I am passionate about helping my clients grow and find out who you really are - and heal from what has kept you from yourself, and others. Becoming is the wondrous journey along the way. Think we may be a match? We may also be a match if you are highly sensitive, parenting a highly sensitive child, or navigating the world of adoption or later in life parenting.
Amber Lopez Molnar
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
Chaka McAlpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
I believe therapy is about connection. Therapy is based on the connection with your therapist to create a meaningful, supportive space to explore your most vulnerable emotions. Therapy can help you strengthen your connection with the people in your life in a positive and hopeful way. And most of all, therapy can grow your connection to your most authentic self. Therapy can help guide and support you through times of stress, build communication and interpersonal skills, and develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
I believe therapy is about connection. Therapy is based on the connection with your therapist to create a meaningful, supportive space to explore your most vulnerable emotions. Therapy can help you strengthen your connection with the people in your life in a positive and hopeful way. And most of all, therapy can grow your connection to your most authentic self. Therapy can help guide and support you through times of stress, build communication and interpersonal skills, and develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
Life is full of joy and pain. And now may be a time in your life when pain is felt more strongly; the pain from worry, hurt, loss, failure, disconnection, or unfulfillment. We all have a deep yearning to understand ourselves and be understood, especially during those time. I would love to walk alongside you in this journey as you make sense of your pain and regain your joy.
Life is full of joy and pain. And now may be a time in your life when pain is felt more strongly; the pain from worry, hurt, loss, failure, disconnection, or unfulfillment. We all have a deep yearning to understand ourselves and be understood, especially during those time. I would love to walk alongside you in this journey as you make sense of your pain and regain your joy.
Michael O'Hara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking help shows how strong you already are. Your story, experiences, struggles, pain, and resiliency are welcome here. Psychotherapy is a collaborative and relational process. My goal is to highlight your potential and strengths. Together we can find ways to honor your journey and encourage growth. I specialize in working with individuals navigating chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, perinatal mental health, and parenting stressors. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health. I am passionate about supporting parents, and caregivers who are navigating postpartum. I also offer couples counseling.
Seeking help shows how strong you already are. Your story, experiences, struggles, pain, and resiliency are welcome here. Psychotherapy is a collaborative and relational process. My goal is to highlight your potential and strengths. Together we can find ways to honor your journey and encourage growth. I specialize in working with individuals navigating chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, perinatal mental health, and parenting stressors. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health. I am passionate about supporting parents, and caregivers who are navigating postpartum. I also offer couples counseling.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and therapy is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Whether you are going through a life transition, experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with low self-esteem, overwhelmed with day to day life, or just needing a place to talk to someone who will listen, I am here for you.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and therapy is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Whether you are going through a life transition, experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with low self-esteem, overwhelmed with day to day life, or just needing a place to talk to someone who will listen, I am here for you.
More Therapists Nearby
Debra Padmini Bergman Therapy For The Soul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
Jennifer Quirina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Suzan Olson Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026
My personal journey as an adoptive mother navigating an open adoption has helped me gain a deep understanding of the complex vulnerabilities those in the adoption community experience, and has driven my desire to help us understand ourselves and each other better.
All of us experience twists and turns, triumphs and losses as we navigate our own unique paths. As a supportive co-collaborator, I will compassionately guide you through life's numerous obstacles – identifying and exploring the challenges which are blocking you from living your preferred life. Together, we’ll build a solid foundation to make space for new narratives of empowerment inspired by your values, hopes, and dreams. My therapeutic approach is integrative and grounded in mindfulness - drawing from various therapeutic modalities in order to fit your own unique needs.
My personal journey as an adoptive mother navigating an open adoption has helped me gain a deep understanding of the complex vulnerabilities those in the adoption community experience, and has driven my desire to help us understand ourselves and each other better.
All of us experience twists and turns, triumphs and losses as we navigate our own unique paths. As a supportive co-collaborator, I will compassionately guide you through life's numerous obstacles – identifying and exploring the challenges which are blocking you from living your preferred life. Together, we’ll build a solid foundation to make space for new narratives of empowerment inspired by your values, hopes, and dreams. My therapeutic approach is integrative and grounded in mindfulness - drawing from various therapeutic modalities in order to fit your own unique needs.
Cassie Karr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I also enjoy working with issues around adoption, parenting, and non-traditional families and relationships.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision. Therapy tends to work best when there is a strong relationship between you and your therapist. My goal is to create an environment where you feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood. Processing your experiences in therapy helps to deepen self-awareness, and can positively impact your mood, functioning, and interpersonal relationships. The therapeutic process can be both challenging and rewarding, so the ideal client is one who is up to the challenge.
I also enjoy working with issues around adoption, parenting, and non-traditional families and relationships.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision. Therapy tends to work best when there is a strong relationship between you and your therapist. My goal is to create an environment where you feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood. Processing your experiences in therapy helps to deepen self-awareness, and can positively impact your mood, functioning, and interpersonal relationships. The therapeutic process can be both challenging and rewarding, so the ideal client is one who is up to the challenge.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071
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.
Ricki Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I have a particular interest in working with adoption related concerns.
I view psychotherapy as a creative, collaborative process between client and therapist. I value the uniqueness of each individual client and strive to create an environment of trust, compassion, respect and empathy. While we cannot change difficult and oftentimes traumatic past experiences, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
I have a particular interest in working with adoption related concerns.
I view psychotherapy as a creative, collaborative process between client and therapist. I value the uniqueness of each individual client and strive to create an environment of trust, compassion, respect and empathy. While we cannot change difficult and oftentimes traumatic past experiences, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
I work with individuals, couples, and families interested in exploring relationship patterns, effective communication, parenting and attachment, gender identity, teen/pre-teen experience, adoption, and work / life balance.
Welcome. I work with children, adolescents, and adults coping with relational, attachment, and anxiety disorders. In my practice, therapy often entails exploring the impact of early attachment experiences on our views of self and our ability to form close, meaningful relationships throughout life. In our work together, you will be treated with warmth, empathy, and openness. The most important part of our work is the development of a trusting relationship. This relationship creates a thoughtful, safe space to explore your strengths, challenges, and goals. My approach to clinical work is largely relational and psychodynamic.
I work with individuals, couples, and families interested in exploring relationship patterns, effective communication, parenting and attachment, gender identity, teen/pre-teen experience, adoption, and work / life balance.
Welcome. I work with children, adolescents, and adults coping with relational, attachment, and anxiety disorders. In my practice, therapy often entails exploring the impact of early attachment experiences on our views of self and our ability to form close, meaningful relationships throughout life. In our work together, you will be treated with warmth, empathy, and openness. The most important part of our work is the development of a trusting relationship. This relationship creates a thoughtful, safe space to explore your strengths, challenges, and goals. My approach to clinical work is largely relational and psychodynamic.
Tracy Sondern
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I work with couples on communication, emotional and intimate connection, mismatched libidos, sexual issues, infertility, adoption and issues related to menopause.
I help couples find connection again, so that everything doesn’t have to be so hard. I want to help you communicate more effectively, so that you can locate your friendship and be able to hear, see and support each other. My hope is to create a space for you to have the difficult conversations you avoid the rest of the week. I've been married for over 30 years, and I know firsthand the ups and downs of partnerships.
I work with couples on communication, emotional and intimate connection, mismatched libidos, sexual issues, infertility, adoption and issues related to menopause.
I help couples find connection again, so that everything doesn’t have to be so hard. I want to help you communicate more effectively, so that you can locate your friendship and be able to hear, see and support each other. My hope is to create a space for you to have the difficult conversations you avoid the rest of the week. I've been married for over 30 years, and I know firsthand the ups and downs of partnerships.
Megan Pitsios
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
Dr. Shannon N Thomas
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90071
I also specialize in assessment: ADHD, pre-adoption evaluation, neuropsych/cognitive, personality & vocation (job-personality-strenghts fit) testing to identify your ideal job.
I offer therapy ($290: individual, $345: couples) and assessment for ADHD, learning disorders, mood & neuropsychological testing ($3,500+). I empower my clients to take the next personalized, informed steps towards lasting change. As you learn coping skills in a warm, relational setting, we'll alleviate your symptoms by identifying and challenging your maladaptive thought, emotional or behavioral patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll identify your strengths and apply them towards achieving your goals. My goal is to enable you to achieve a meaningful life of purpose, connection with others, and fulfillment with yourself.
I also specialize in assessment: ADHD, pre-adoption evaluation, neuropsych/cognitive, personality & vocation (job-personality-strenghts fit) testing to identify your ideal job.
I offer therapy ($290: individual, $345: couples) and assessment for ADHD, learning disorders, mood & neuropsychological testing ($3,500+). I empower my clients to take the next personalized, informed steps towards lasting change. As you learn coping skills in a warm, relational setting, we'll alleviate your symptoms by identifying and challenging your maladaptive thought, emotional or behavioral patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll identify your strengths and apply them towards achieving your goals. My goal is to enable you to achieve a meaningful life of purpose, connection with others, and fulfillment with yourself.
Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90065
I work with children of all ages, families, new mothers, and adoption.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
I work with children of all ages, families, new mothers, and adoption.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
See more therapy options for Playa Vista
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Playa Vista
- Alhambra
- Bell
- Eagle Rock
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Los Angeles
- Montebello
- Pasadena
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- Silver Lake
- South Pasadena
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.