Adoption Therapists in California
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.
Sofia Fani Mossa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Are you a caregiver of a loved one diagnosed with dementia? Are you going through multicultural family and relationship dynamics? Are you seeking support and guidance in your foster care or adoption journey? With my 18 years of experience with these considerations, I bring positive, genuine and sincere support to my clinical practice. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, trusting and supportive space where together we can bring awareness, identify solutions and create balance in your life.
Are you a caregiver of a loved one diagnosed with dementia? Are you going through multicultural family and relationship dynamics? Are you seeking support and guidance in your foster care or adoption journey? With my 18 years of experience with these considerations, I bring positive, genuine and sincere support to my clinical practice. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, trusting and supportive space where together we can bring awareness, identify solutions and create balance in your life.
Myriam Savage, PhD., SoCal Drama Therapy Center
PhD, MA, RDT, BCT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030 (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.
Marika Reznichek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/ adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/ adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
Susan Rondeau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95472 (Online Only)
Specialties include: Adoption, Anxiety and Panic, Depression, Grief Loss, Relationship and Family Issues, Separation and Divorce, Spirituality Issues, Substance Abuse, Trauma, LGBTQ+.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with 35 years experience in helping families, couples and individuals improve their relationships and develop as individuals. In an atmosphere of safety and respect, your core issues and problems will be understood from the perspective that we are all in ongoing developmental flux. Our work together will be approached collaboratively with your personal history providing the context from which we construct a plan for optimizing your experience of growth and change. Finally, we will work to integrate these changes into your life.
Specialties include: Adoption, Anxiety and Panic, Depression, Grief Loss, Relationship and Family Issues, Separation and Divorce, Spirituality Issues, Substance Abuse, Trauma, LGBTQ+.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with 35 years experience in helping families, couples and individuals improve their relationships and develop as individuals. In an atmosphere of safety and respect, your core issues and problems will be understood from the perspective that we are all in ongoing developmental flux. Our work together will be approached collaboratively with your personal history providing the context from which we construct a plan for optimizing your experience of growth and change. Finally, we will work to integrate these changes into your life.
Kendra Valdez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Therapy is a delicate art and a science. Finding the right therapist is important. The connection by an understanding, intuitive professional, someone with wisdom and effectiveness, who also respects the time and the cost of your investment is valuable. I use an attachment-focused orientation, and tools from EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, 12-step recovery model, and other modalities. I have enjoyed a rich 25-year career as a trauma informed specialist. I have supervised and directed programs in public and non-profit sectors. Adoption is my specialty, as well as work with teens, young adults and families.
Therapy is a delicate art and a science. Finding the right therapist is important. The connection by an understanding, intuitive professional, someone with wisdom and effectiveness, who also respects the time and the cost of your investment is valuable. I use an attachment-focused orientation, and tools from EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, 12-step recovery model, and other modalities. I have enjoyed a rich 25-year career as a trauma informed specialist. I have supervised and directed programs in public and non-profit sectors. Adoption is my specialty, as well as work with teens, young adults and families.
I specialize in working with adopted adults and families formed by adoption.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in northern Novato. I work with individuals, couples and families. I treat a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and borderline personality disorder. I have considerable experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. My approach is character analytic which often helps clients get in touch with their feelings and increases their sense of aliveness and satisfaction with life.
I specialize in working with adopted adults and families formed by adoption.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in northern Novato. I work with individuals, couples and families. I treat a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and borderline personality disorder. I have considerable experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. My approach is character analytic which often helps clients get in touch with their feelings and increases their sense of aliveness and satisfaction with life.
Lori Ann Crosby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
As a Registered Play Therapist, my mission is to bring healing to children, teens, and adults through the power of play. I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families struggling with issues related to divorce, foster/ adoption, abuse, child misbehavior (acting out), bullying, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship problems. Because I incorporate play-based techniques into my practice, I am especially effective with young children (ages 3+) who struggle to express themselves verbally. My clients learn to express their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, develop better solutions to their problems, and interact more positively with the people around them.
As a Registered Play Therapist, my mission is to bring healing to children, teens, and adults through the power of play. I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families struggling with issues related to divorce, foster/ adoption, abuse, child misbehavior (acting out), bullying, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship problems. Because I incorporate play-based techniques into my practice, I am especially effective with young children (ages 3+) who struggle to express themselves verbally. My clients learn to express their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, develop better solutions to their problems, and interact more positively with the people around them.
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.
I hold certifications in Adoption Permanency Curriculum, Adoption Clinical Training, Pathways to Permanence (parenting curriculum for kids w/trauma), Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Seeking Safety, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma, Safe Sound Protocol, and Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and a Certified EMDR consultant.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and their families. I bring to my practice expertise in the fields of foster care, attachment, grief and loss, adoption, trauma and parenting. I have 26+ years of experience in working with traumatized youth in a variety of setting such as Level 12 and 14 residential, hospitals, schools and outpatient settings. I believe that what kids need most is to heal within their families, and although will work with the child individually believe that family sessions are crucial is building attachments and healing past trauma.
I hold certifications in Adoption Permanency Curriculum, Adoption Clinical Training, Pathways to Permanence (parenting curriculum for kids w/trauma), Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Seeking Safety, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma, Safe Sound Protocol, and Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and a Certified EMDR consultant.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and their families. I bring to my practice expertise in the fields of foster care, attachment, grief and loss, adoption, trauma and parenting. I have 26+ years of experience in working with traumatized youth in a variety of setting such as Level 12 and 14 residential, hospitals, schools and outpatient settings. I believe that what kids need most is to heal within their families, and although will work with the child individually believe that family sessions are crucial is building attachments and healing past trauma.
Parents say they are grateful to have a therapist who is compassionate and direct, understanding that adoption is the solution; trauma is the problem.
I believe we all have a wise woman or wise man inside us who tells us our truth. Most of us have been conditioned to disregard this inner voice. My goal is to ask the questions that enable you to know what is true for you and to provide the support you need to act on this truth.
Parents say they are grateful to have a therapist who is compassionate and direct, understanding that adoption is the solution; trauma is the problem.
I believe we all have a wise woman or wise man inside us who tells us our truth. Most of us have been conditioned to disregard this inner voice. My goal is to ask the questions that enable you to know what is true for you and to provide the support you need to act on this truth.
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I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
In addition I have extensive experience working with individuals and families that are part of the adoption constellation and have received training in complex blended family and post- adoption.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. I offer an active and collaborative therapeutic style that allows the opportunity for clients to learn, grow, explore, challenge and live the life they want to be living. With a background working in community mental health, private practice, clinical supervision and consulting in public/private school settings; I have more than 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have helped patients with a broad range of needs including Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Depression, behavioral and/or relational difficulties.
In addition I have extensive experience working with individuals and families that are part of the adoption constellation and have received training in complex blended family and post- adoption.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. I offer an active and collaborative therapeutic style that allows the opportunity for clients to learn, grow, explore, challenge and live the life they want to be living. With a background working in community mental health, private practice, clinical supervision and consulting in public/private school settings; I have more than 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have helped patients with a broad range of needs including Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Depression, behavioral and/or relational difficulties.
Kristie Cain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92618
We specialize with children birth-12 & teens; highly trained play therapy for children, teens & adults; parenting; moms; couples; adoption; special needs; death; loss; illness; selective mutism; enuresis; encopresis & many other child and family struggles.
We are unique. We specialize with families. On your first visit, we ask the whole family come play in our specialized family playroom together. During this family assessment we watch, interact, play and get a feel for your family, personalities, struggles and dynamics. Our hope is for your family to have a place to see what is going on, get some information and collaborate to help your family be the family you envision. We tailor therapy to what you and your family need each week. Come play with us! www.ConnectedLife.Family
We specialize with children birth-12 & teens; highly trained play therapy for children, teens & adults; parenting; moms; couples; adoption; special needs; death; loss; illness; selective mutism; enuresis; encopresis & many other child and family struggles.
We are unique. We specialize with families. On your first visit, we ask the whole family come play in our specialized family playroom together. During this family assessment we watch, interact, play and get a feel for your family, personalities, struggles and dynamics. Our hope is for your family to have a place to see what is going on, get some information and collaborate to help your family be the family you envision. We tailor therapy to what you and your family need each week. Come play with us! www.ConnectedLife.Family
Stephanie Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Clovis, CA 93612
I have also worked with many families through the unique circumstances of adoption and foster care.
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
I have also worked with many families through the unique circumstances of adoption and foster care.
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
Dr. Pixley is a licensed clinical psychologist with unique experience helping people navigate major life transitions, identity expression and exploration, and anxiety and mood disorders. She also supports individuals experiencing challenges related to transracial adoption. Her approach is holistic, social justice informed, practical, and often fun. Dr. Pixley aims to empower clients to live the life they want to live. She enjoys working with teens, adults, and individuals who work in creative and technical fields. She sees patients virtually across the state of California and in person (with vaccination).
Dr. Pixley is a licensed clinical psychologist with unique experience helping people navigate major life transitions, identity expression and exploration, and anxiety and mood disorders. She also supports individuals experiencing challenges related to transracial adoption. Her approach is holistic, social justice informed, practical, and often fun. Dr. Pixley aims to empower clients to live the life they want to live. She enjoys working with teens, adults, and individuals who work in creative and technical fields. She sees patients virtually across the state of California and in person (with vaccination).
Suzan Olson Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105
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.
I have special knowledge of gender identity issues, adoption and psychoanalysis.
Whether you are just going through a particularly hard time, or have ongoing concerns with work, relationships, identity, or regulating your behavior or emotions, it's just a fact that we all need help sometimes. I've been assisting people with moderate to very serious concerns for over twenty-five years. I love working with a sense of common humanity in order to help my clients better manage their day-to-day lives, address struggles and limitations, as well as experience deeper integration of a sense of Self, relationships and life choices.
I have special knowledge of gender identity issues, adoption and psychoanalysis.
Whether you are just going through a particularly hard time, or have ongoing concerns with work, relationships, identity, or regulating your behavior or emotions, it's just a fact that we all need help sometimes. I've been assisting people with moderate to very serious concerns for over twenty-five years. I love working with a sense of common humanity in order to help my clients better manage their day-to-day lives, address struggles and limitations, as well as experience deeper integration of a sense of Self, relationships and life choices.
Julie Roberts Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Waitlist for new clients
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
Whether your an adoptive parent wondering about your child’s behavior, or a individual wondering about opening up your adoption , or a birthmother who finds that she needs help with grief, you will be in good hands.
Did you know that there are normal and predictable developmental milestones for all adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents? Knowing and understanding these can help you navigate life in a more empowered manner. As a member of the adoption constellation, I know from the inside out, the issues facing this population. I have dedicated my life and work as a psychologist, to help educate and heal the lives of all who are affected. While it is sometimes difficult to experience the loss and grief that is inherent in adoption. once It is embraced and validated, this difficult concept becomes manageable and life can be lived more fully
Whether your an adoptive parent wondering about your child’s behavior, or a individual wondering about opening up your adoption , or a birthmother who finds that she needs help with grief, you will be in good hands.
Did you know that there are normal and predictable developmental milestones for all adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents? Knowing and understanding these can help you navigate life in a more empowered manner. As a member of the adoption constellation, I know from the inside out, the issues facing this population. I have dedicated my life and work as a psychologist, to help educate and heal the lives of all who are affected. While it is sometimes difficult to experience the loss and grief that is inherent in adoption. once It is embraced and validated, this difficult concept becomes manageable and life can be lived more fully
See more therapy options for California
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.