Adoption Therapists in Sun Valley, CA
My name is Mary Sheppard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My overall approach to therapy is person centered, and I believe all individuals are unique and have their own personal values and ideals that can support self fulfillment. My therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by a humanistic theoretical framework. I also work in an integrated systems approach that is solution focused with a heavy emphasis on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief and loss and families with inter generational trauma.
My name is Mary Sheppard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My overall approach to therapy is person centered, and I believe all individuals are unique and have their own personal values and ideals that can support self fulfillment. My therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by a humanistic theoretical framework. I also work in an integrated systems approach that is solution focused with a heavy emphasis on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief and loss and families with inter generational trauma.
My name is William Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I bring 20 years of experience working with individuals who are either experiencing pain or are feeling "stuck." My approach consists of working alongside you to help you overcome difficult periods in life. I do this through the use of evidence-based, yet realistic and practical approaches that will help you on your path to reaching your long-term goals.
My name is William Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I bring 20 years of experience working with individuals who are either experiencing pain or are feeling "stuck." My approach consists of working alongside you to help you overcome difficult periods in life. I do this through the use of evidence-based, yet realistic and practical approaches that will help you on your path to reaching your long-term goals.
I strive to ensure my clients feel valued, accepted, and heard. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I also enjoy working with all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with trauma, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, and loss. The modalities I incorporate are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theories, and Psychodynamic and Behavioral Therapy. Together, we will work to bring you the happiness and healthy life you want to have and enjoy.
I strive to ensure my clients feel valued, accepted, and heard. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I also enjoy working with all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with trauma, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, and loss. The modalities I incorporate are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theories, and Psychodynamic and Behavioral Therapy. Together, we will work to bring you the happiness and healthy life you want to have and enjoy.
I am Merla Huntley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am Passionate about my work and strive to give my clients the tools and assistance they need to meet their goals. I believe each client is unique and not one modality fits every client. We will "tailor" a plan that best fits the client and fits what they want to get out of therapy. I work with children as young as 3 and range to older adults. Most of my clients deal with various symptoms that we target and address to change.
I am Merla Huntley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am Passionate about my work and strive to give my clients the tools and assistance they need to meet their goals. I believe each client is unique and not one modality fits every client. We will "tailor" a plan that best fits the client and fits what they want to get out of therapy. I work with children as young as 3 and range to older adults. Most of my clients deal with various symptoms that we target and address to change.
More Therapists Nearby
Ledette Gambini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
I combine Child Centered Play Therapy, EMDR and sandtray to provide a safe place for children to process and express their emotions, and to work through their experiences, including their trauma and adoption stories.
I have extensive experience working with families who are currently fostering a child or have built their family through adoption. I use a trauma informed and neurodevelopmental lens in all of my work, and understand how in utero and early developmental trauma affect children in many areas of their life. As a former foster parent and now an adoptive mom, I further understands how close relationships are created through a sense of safety and trust.
I combine Child Centered Play Therapy, EMDR and sandtray to provide a safe place for children to process and express their emotions, and to work through their experiences, including their trauma and adoption stories.
I have extensive experience working with families who are currently fostering a child or have built their family through adoption. I use a trauma informed and neurodevelopmental lens in all of my work, and understand how in utero and early developmental trauma affect children in many areas of their life. As a former foster parent and now an adoptive mom, I further understands how close relationships are created through a sense of safety and trust.
Hazel Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Hollywood, CA 91606
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
Megan Stevenson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting individuals and couples as they work through the complexities of life and relationships, with a particular focus on healing from childhood trauma and its lasting impact. I bring a deep understanding of the resilience required to navigate the guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and other layers of distress that often accompany past experiences such as adoption, sibling grief, and relationship challenges.
I specialize in supporting individuals and couples as they work through the complexities of life and relationships, with a particular focus on healing from childhood trauma and its lasting impact. I bring a deep understanding of the resilience required to navigate the guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and other layers of distress that often accompany past experiences such as adoption, sibling grief, and relationship challenges.
Additionally, I have an extensive background as an adoption specialist, working with adoptees and adoptive parents, addressing issues of loss, infertility, attachment & adjustment.
Are you feeling stuck in your life patterns or healing from old wounds? Therapy is about finding the right fit with someone you trust. I recognize the importance of beginning where you are at through collaboration, empathy, and guided self-examination. I will help you develop new coping skills, healthy boundaries, and turn insight into action. The most courageous moments provide the greatest growth. Collectively, we can add more tools to your toolbox. Through introspection, directive depth work, and a strong working relationship, I will listen to each important detail of your life story and build upon your strengths and abilities.
Additionally, I have an extensive background as an adoption specialist, working with adoptees and adoptive parents, addressing issues of loss, infertility, attachment & adjustment.
Are you feeling stuck in your life patterns or healing from old wounds? Therapy is about finding the right fit with someone you trust. I recognize the importance of beginning where you are at through collaboration, empathy, and guided self-examination. I will help you develop new coping skills, healthy boundaries, and turn insight into action. The most courageous moments provide the greatest growth. Collectively, we can add more tools to your toolbox. Through introspection, directive depth work, and a strong working relationship, I will listen to each important detail of your life story and build upon your strengths and abilities.
Debra Padmini Bergman Therapy For The Soul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
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.
Myriam Savage, PhD., SoCal Drama Therapy Center
PhD, MA, RDT, BCT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91205 (Online Only)
I am a narrative-trained drama therapist who is person-centered in approach. I facilitate individuals, families, and groups in corporate or educational settings. We will work together to re-author problem saturated life narratives as you explore expressive therapies in sessions as a means toward an embodied, cognitive, safe, creative experience. Restoring the whole person is the goal. My expertise has been on self-identity, foster care, adoption, rehab, adolescence, anxiety, trauma, multiculturalism & social skills. Talk, discovery, and recovery through rapport from a drama therapy and a positive psychology foundation nurture you.
I am a narrative-trained drama therapist who is person-centered in approach. I facilitate individuals, families, and groups in corporate or educational settings. We will work together to re-author problem saturated life narratives as you explore expressive therapies in sessions as a means toward an embodied, cognitive, safe, creative experience. Restoring the whole person is the goal. My expertise has been on self-identity, foster care, adoption, rehab, adolescence, anxiety, trauma, multiculturalism & social skills. Talk, discovery, and recovery through rapport from a drama therapy and a positive psychology foundation nurture you.
I work with hopeful parents to manage stress and anxiety throughout your family building process, whether it be through fertility treatments, third party reproduction, or adoption.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
I work with hopeful parents to manage stress and anxiety throughout your family building process, whether it be through fertility treatments, third party reproduction, or adoption.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
Jeanette Yoffe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
My desire to become a child and adult therapist with a particular focus on adoption and foster care derived from my experience of being adopted at age seven and a half and moving through the foster care system.
I understand the complexities of unresolved childhood trauma. Along with feelings of shame, anxiety, grief and loss, related to the experience of adoption or foster care. Gently know, you are not alone. I am an adoptee and former foster youth and adoption-foster care competent. I have a team of adoption therapists, foster care therapists in Los Angeles supporting birth parents, adoptees, foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents skilled in reunification, adoption, adoption trauma, open adoption, foster care to adoption, search, and reunion. We have a network of peer support groups so you can be part of a thriving community!
My desire to become a child and adult therapist with a particular focus on adoption and foster care derived from my experience of being adopted at age seven and a half and moving through the foster care system.
I understand the complexities of unresolved childhood trauma. Along with feelings of shame, anxiety, grief and loss, related to the experience of adoption or foster care. Gently know, you are not alone. I am an adoptee and former foster youth and adoption-foster care competent. I have a team of adoption therapists, foster care therapists in Los Angeles supporting birth parents, adoptees, foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents skilled in reunification, adoption, adoption trauma, open adoption, foster care to adoption, search, and reunion. We have a network of peer support groups so you can be part of a thriving community!
Colin Ebeling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91505 (Online Only)
I specialize in LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, entertainment industry professionals, and members of the adoption constellation.
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ― C.G. Jung . . . Are you feeling stuck, heavy, and depressed? Are you ready to wake up and uncover profound meanings in your experiences? Do you desire a supportive environment to explore your unique identities, relationships, and histories?
I specialize in LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, entertainment industry professionals, and members of the adoption constellation.
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ― C.G. Jung . . . Are you feeling stuck, heavy, and depressed? Are you ready to wake up and uncover profound meanings in your experiences? Do you desire a supportive environment to explore your unique identities, relationships, and histories?
Jacob Kajiwara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90077 (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping my clients explore the intersections of adoption, racial/ethnic identity, childhood trauma, confidence, and major life transitions. Throughout life, we continually revisit and re-negotiate our understanding of the experiences that have shaped us. It’s especially hard if you’ve been impacted by unique circumstances such as international/domestic adoption, multi-cultural family, or even just the experience of being a minority in America. I provide a warm and safe space that allows clients to explore their authentic self.
I am passionate about helping my clients explore the intersections of adoption, racial/ethnic identity, childhood trauma, confidence, and major life transitions. Throughout life, we continually revisit and re-negotiate our understanding of the experiences that have shaped us. It’s especially hard if you’ve been impacted by unique circumstances such as international/domestic adoption, multi-cultural family, or even just the experience of being a minority in America. I provide a warm and safe space that allows clients to explore their authentic self.
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.
Alexandra Block
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PsyD-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (Online Only)
My extensive training and personal adoption experience makes me uniquely qualified to work with members of the adoption constellation.
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
My extensive training and personal adoption experience makes me uniquely qualified to work with members of the adoption constellation.
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
Suzan Olson Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91501
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.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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.
Rachel Rainne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-C
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90038 (Online Only)
She also specializes in adoption, substance use, sex addiction, family of origin issues, soul loss, and attachment issues in relationships.
Rainne specializes in addiction and trauma and has been working in the field of psychotherapy since 2003. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist candidate (CSAT-C) through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and is being mentored by Heidi Kinsella. Rainne received her two master’s degrees from Pacifica Graduate Institute; one in Counseling Psychology and the other in Depth and Somatic Psychology. Working from an instinctual approach, Rainne connects deeply with clients and helps them learn to be free from their shame and suffering.
She also specializes in adoption, substance use, sex addiction, family of origin issues, soul loss, and attachment issues in relationships.
Rainne specializes in addiction and trauma and has been working in the field of psychotherapy since 2003. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist candidate (CSAT-C) through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and is being mentored by Heidi Kinsella. Rainne received her two master’s degrees from Pacifica Graduate Institute; one in Counseling Psychology and the other in Depth and Somatic Psychology. Working from an instinctual approach, Rainne connects deeply with clients and helps them learn to be free from their shame and suffering.
See more therapy options for Sun Valley
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Sun Valley
- Burbank
- Glendale
- Hollywood
- La Crescenta
- Montrose
- North Hollywood
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Sylmar
- Toluca Lake
- Valley Village
- Van Nuys
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.