Adoption Therapists in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
Carolyn Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (Online Only)
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
You deserve a happy, healthy life. Life and relationships can be increasingly painful, yet it is difficult to reach out for help. The longer we put off getting help, the worse things can become. I am here to support your growth and help you make needed changes. It is possible to learn to stop life patterns that keep us in a cycle of unhappiness. I confront in a gentle way so that you can begin to learn how to change those patterns.
You deserve a happy, healthy life. Life and relationships can be increasingly painful, yet it is difficult to reach out for help. The longer we put off getting help, the worse things can become. I am here to support your growth and help you make needed changes. It is possible to learn to stop life patterns that keep us in a cycle of unhappiness. I confront in a gentle way so that you can begin to learn how to change those patterns.
We offer expert Psychological and Substance Abuse Assessments to people aged 17 and older. We know that you are a unique individual and we evaluate your problems in the context of your individuality and life circumstances. When you work with us, you will be treated in a manner that reflects your individuality. You will receive: a high quality evaluation administered by a psychologist, a holistic picture of your problems, comprehensive answers to your questions, recommendations for the next steps, and direct referrals so you can follow up with other treatment providers as needed.
We offer expert Psychological and Substance Abuse Assessments to people aged 17 and older. We know that you are a unique individual and we evaluate your problems in the context of your individuality and life circumstances. When you work with us, you will be treated in a manner that reflects your individuality. You will receive: a high quality evaluation administered by a psychologist, a holistic picture of your problems, comprehensive answers to your questions, recommendations for the next steps, and direct referrals so you can follow up with other treatment providers as needed.
Randy Buckley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and families. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, early childhood physical/sexual and emotional abuse, parenting, parent-child conflict, grief, relationship issues and divorce issues. I am currently only offering tele therapy. Online therapy can be offered in the comfort of your own home.
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and families. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, early childhood physical/sexual and emotional abuse, parenting, parent-child conflict, grief, relationship issues and divorce issues. I am currently only offering tele therapy. Online therapy can be offered in the comfort of your own home.
Mary Puntenney Mou
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Does your child or teen seem sad or irritable? Do you feel like he has difficulty following through when given instructions? Does she whine or frequently ask you to do things that she can do herself? Is your child or teen having trouble in school or with a life adjustment? Parents and children alike can feel stuck and overwhelmed with their struggles. I am passionate about helping families heal, find solutions, and live well together. My focus is providing developmentally appropriate services to children (any age!), teens, and their families.
Does your child or teen seem sad or irritable? Do you feel like he has difficulty following through when given instructions? Does she whine or frequently ask you to do things that she can do herself? Is your child or teen having trouble in school or with a life adjustment? Parents and children alike can feel stuck and overwhelmed with their struggles. I am passionate about helping families heal, find solutions, and live well together. My focus is providing developmentally appropriate services to children (any age!), teens, and their families.
Sunlight “Sunny” Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, in your relationship, or getting calls from your child's school? Facing a divorce? I will assist you in navigating your way to a healthier, happier life of your choosing. With compassion and understanding, you will be supported in your growth. and healing. I work with adults, children, and adolescents. If you or your loved one is experiencing grief & loss, relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, or drug addiction, I encourage you to reach out today.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, in your relationship, or getting calls from your child's school? Facing a divorce? I will assist you in navigating your way to a healthier, happier life of your choosing. With compassion and understanding, you will be supported in your growth. and healing. I work with adults, children, and adolescents. If you or your loved one is experiencing grief & loss, relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, or drug addiction, I encourage you to reach out today.
Life can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our communities. Often, symptoms are natural reactions to painful circumstances and foreclose access to our innate wisdom and ability to navigate tough situations. I believe in the unique healing journey of each individual and work with you to open space and reconnect with your authentic ways of being. I help folks get curious about their life, get unstuck from difficult patterns, make meaning of life experiences, and ultimately create more choice and freedom.
Life can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our communities. Often, symptoms are natural reactions to painful circumstances and foreclose access to our innate wisdom and ability to navigate tough situations. I believe in the unique healing journey of each individual and work with you to open space and reconnect with your authentic ways of being. I help folks get curious about their life, get unstuck from difficult patterns, make meaning of life experiences, and ultimately create more choice and freedom.
Heidi Furnish
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
If you are an individual, couple or family struggling with stress, difficult emotions, relationship issues, trauma or any other life challenge, I am here to provide a safe space to help you find hope and restoration. Difficulties come our way unexpectedly and in many different ways. I am dedicated to getting to know each person’s story with compassion and respect, and working collaboratively towards the achievement of personal and collective goals of my clients.
If you are an individual, couple or family struggling with stress, difficult emotions, relationship issues, trauma or any other life challenge, I am here to provide a safe space to help you find hope and restoration. Difficulties come our way unexpectedly and in many different ways. I am dedicated to getting to know each person’s story with compassion and respect, and working collaboratively towards the achievement of personal and collective goals of my clients.
Whether you are struggling in relationships, going through a season of transition or seeking a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life, I would be honored to work with you. My intention as a counselor is to be a healing presence in the life of my clients by offering unconditional acceptance and holding the space for you to be your truest self. I believe that every challenge is an invitation to transformation, and together we will seek wisdom and reflect on the growth that longs to occur in your life.
Whether you are struggling in relationships, going through a season of transition or seeking a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life, I would be honored to work with you. My intention as a counselor is to be a healing presence in the life of my clients by offering unconditional acceptance and holding the space for you to be your truest self. I believe that every challenge is an invitation to transformation, and together we will seek wisdom and reflect on the growth that longs to occur in your life.
Teri Smallwood
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Not accepting new clients
My journey as a counselor began with an avid curiosity about understanding people and grew into a sincere desire to heal. I am a behaviorist by nature, but I have learned through experience that it is only one aspect of healing. After raising my family learning to understand the impact of unresolved behavioral and mental health issues, I decided to pursue a master’s in mental health counseling. Desiring the best for clients, I endeavor to learn which approaches can achieve the best results.
My journey as a counselor began with an avid curiosity about understanding people and grew into a sincere desire to heal. I am a behaviorist by nature, but I have learned through experience that it is only one aspect of healing. After raising my family learning to understand the impact of unresolved behavioral and mental health issues, I decided to pursue a master’s in mental health counseling. Desiring the best for clients, I endeavor to learn which approaches can achieve the best results.
More Therapists Nearby
Bloom Family Therapy | Erica M. Topete, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I have extensive experience and passion working with individuals that struggle with anxiety, adoption, depression, women's issues, premarital counseling, parent-child issues, and low self-esteem.
Life is too short to settle and I strongly believe everyone has the capacity to live a fulfilling life. We were molded and created to live in relationship with one another as well as enjoy every season of it, be it at mountain tops or through valley lows. However, sometimes it is difficult to notice the bright side, but do not worry - you’re not alone. If you desire to take that step and move towards love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control, or perhaps a deeper connection with your partner, your children and overall relationships with others then you have come to the right place.
I have extensive experience and passion working with individuals that struggle with anxiety, adoption, depression, women's issues, premarital counseling, parent-child issues, and low self-esteem.
Life is too short to settle and I strongly believe everyone has the capacity to live a fulfilling life. We were molded and created to live in relationship with one another as well as enjoy every season of it, be it at mountain tops or through valley lows. However, sometimes it is difficult to notice the bright side, but do not worry - you’re not alone. If you desire to take that step and move towards love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control, or perhaps a deeper connection with your partner, your children and overall relationships with others then you have come to the right place.
Ann Alsaadi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
Hello my name is Ann Alsaadi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) since 2007. I have conducted groups for Parenting, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenses and Victims of Crime. I also worked in the foster care and adoption field through both the social work and mental health perspectives for many years. Through this I gained experience with working with several issues in regards to children, families, infertility, adoption issues and issues related to foster care from the perspectives of the foster children and youth, resource parents and birth families.
Hello my name is Ann Alsaadi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) since 2007. I have conducted groups for Parenting, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenses and Victims of Crime. I also worked in the foster care and adoption field through both the social work and mental health perspectives for many years. Through this I gained experience with working with several issues in regards to children, families, infertility, adoption issues and issues related to foster care from the perspectives of the foster children and youth, resource parents and birth families.
Olga Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I specialize in helping professionals who struggle with the impacts of past traumas, self-esteem issues, imposter syndrome, adoption, and relationship problems.
You want to make peace with your past and enjoy the life you’ve built for yourself , but deep down you feel “not enough” and find yourself so overwhelmed that you are just going through the motions. You become irritable “for no reason” and your emotions often get the best of you, making you feel like a horrible person and impacting your relationships. Social interactions leave you exhausted from masking your feelings and overanalyzing everything you said or did. You often think to yourself "Is there something wrong with me?" and you have a sense that painful experiences from your past still affect your life today.
I specialize in helping professionals who struggle with the impacts of past traumas, self-esteem issues, imposter syndrome, adoption, and relationship problems.
You want to make peace with your past and enjoy the life you’ve built for yourself , but deep down you feel “not enough” and find yourself so overwhelmed that you are just going through the motions. You become irritable “for no reason” and your emotions often get the best of you, making you feel like a horrible person and impacting your relationships. Social interactions leave you exhausted from masking your feelings and overanalyzing everything you said or did. You often think to yourself "Is there something wrong with me?" and you have a sense that painful experiences from your past still affect your life today.
Betina Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
My experience has provided the opportunity to encounter and specialize in a broad range of situations: including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, trauma, and foster care/ adoption related issues.
Greetings and congratulations on taking the first step towards change. My name is Dr. Betina Scott and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved one. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
My experience has provided the opportunity to encounter and specialize in a broad range of situations: including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, trauma, and foster care/ adoption related issues.
Greetings and congratulations on taking the first step towards change. My name is Dr. Betina Scott and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved one. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
Amanda Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
If you and your partner are experiencing the challenges of adoption or the depths of grief, you're not alone.
In my practice, I specialize in assisting couples navigating the emotional complexities of intimate relationships. These experiences, unique in their impact and intensity, require a sensitive and nuanced approach. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I strive to create a supportive space where couples can explore their feelings, strengthen their connection, and develop resilience. These evidence-based methods not only help in understanding and processing emotions but also in building a deeper, more meaningful bond, paving the way for healing and growth.
If you and your partner are experiencing the challenges of adoption or the depths of grief, you're not alone.
In my practice, I specialize in assisting couples navigating the emotional complexities of intimate relationships. These experiences, unique in their impact and intensity, require a sensitive and nuanced approach. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I strive to create a supportive space where couples can explore their feelings, strengthen their connection, and develop resilience. These evidence-based methods not only help in understanding and processing emotions but also in building a deeper, more meaningful bond, paving the way for healing and growth.
Katherine Meadows
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
A little about myself, I have been working with Individuals and families in various therapeutic settings for over 20 years. I offer a strength-based approach, utilizing CBT and Solution-Focused modalities through caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to address such issues as historical trauma, relationship barriers, depression, anxiety, anger and stress management, grief/loss, low self-esteem, communication skills, and parenting challenges, as well as effective support for foster/ adoption related challenges.
A little about myself, I have been working with Individuals and families in various therapeutic settings for over 20 years. I offer a strength-based approach, utilizing CBT and Solution-Focused modalities through caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to address such issues as historical trauma, relationship barriers, depression, anxiety, anger and stress management, grief/loss, low self-esteem, communication skills, and parenting challenges, as well as effective support for foster/ adoption related challenges.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in California. I've been practicing therapy for close to 10 years and am dedicated to helping individuals struggling with past trauma live happier, more fulfilling lives. Making the choice to talk to someone about what you've experienced is deeply personal work even before you start searching for THE therapist. I understand and celebrate you for the courage it took for you to get here.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in California. I've been practicing therapy for close to 10 years and am dedicated to helping individuals struggling with past trauma live happier, more fulfilling lives. Making the choice to talk to someone about what you've experienced is deeply personal work even before you start searching for THE therapist. I understand and celebrate you for the courage it took for you to get here.
Teri Gelgood
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Teri and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Northern California. (I provide telehealth services only at this time.)
Hi! I'm Teri and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Northern California. (I provide telehealth services only at this time.)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the State of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the State of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
See more therapy options for Rancho Santa Fe
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Rancho Santa Fe
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
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.