Adoption Therapists in Denver, CO

Photo of Lisa Ali, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Ali
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
Since 2005, I have worked with children, teens and adults who have experienced neglect/abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, adoption struggles, lack of a sense of belonging, life transitions, grief and loss and attachment challenges.
I work collaboratively with clients who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, life transitions, genuine connections, relationship issues, attachment, bonding and adoption-related issues. I believe in the strength of families and individuals and I will collaborate with you by building on those strengths during the therapeutic process. I believe we all have strengths we can draw from which make us a stronger healthier human being. I believe in looking at therapy as a part of a holistic maintenance we as humans should all participate in. We are exercising our brains and emotions to strengthen who we are and who we strive to be.
Since 2005, I have worked with children, teens and adults who have experienced neglect/abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, adoption struggles, lack of a sense of belonging, life transitions, grief and loss and attachment challenges.
I work collaboratively with clients who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, life transitions, genuine connections, relationship issues, attachment, bonding and adoption-related issues. I believe in the strength of families and individuals and I will collaborate with you by building on those strengths during the therapeutic process. I believe we all have strengths we can draw from which make us a stronger healthier human being. I believe in looking at therapy as a part of a holistic maintenance we as humans should all participate in. We are exercising our brains and emotions to strengthen who we are and who we strive to be.
(303) 569-4350 View (303) 569-4350
Photo of Sofia Anlei Robinson Kent, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sofia Anlei Robinson Kent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. Life is hard and can present us with emotional challenges we’re not sure how to process. The first step is asking for help. If you're going through the adoption process, are an adoptee (youth or adult), experiencing relationship issues (monogamous and non-monogamous), are of a marginalized community, or have a special needs child in the family, I'd love to help you process through the complex feelings that accompany your unique intersection of identities.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. Life is hard and can present us with emotional challenges we’re not sure how to process. The first step is asking for help. If you're going through the adoption process, are an adoptee (youth or adult), experiencing relationship issues (monogamous and non-monogamous), are of a marginalized community, or have a special needs child in the family, I'd love to help you process through the complex feelings that accompany your unique intersection of identities.
(720) 445-8324 View (720) 445-8324
Photo of Lisa Talucci, MA, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Talucci
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
My approach is to help people recover from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, adoption issues, perfectionism, difficult family relationship dynamics and feeling "not enough" no matter how hard you try. I know that taking the first step is big, and you've probably already been working really hard to manage things yourself. Let's work together in a productive way and get your life going in the direction that you want. Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss what you need.
My approach is to help people recover from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, adoption issues, perfectionism, difficult family relationship dynamics and feeling "not enough" no matter how hard you try. I know that taking the first step is big, and you've probably already been working really hard to manage things yourself. Let's work together in a productive way and get your life going in the direction that you want. Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss what you need.
(303) 963-9161 View (303) 963-9161
Photo of Naomi Akwei-Sturdy, MA, MS, LPCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Naomi Akwei-Sturdy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80224
I am passionate about helping individuals with sexual trauma, abuse issues, narcissistic abuse recovery, divorce recovery, substance abuse issues, anxiety, depression, cultural issues, religious trauma, bio-polar, adoption and attachment issues, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorders.
Hello and thanks for choosing to learn a little bit more about me and how I can help you on your counseling journey. I am originally from the UK where I trained at The Gestalt Center of Counseling and psychotherapy! What is "Gestalt therapy"- a form of psychotherapy in which self-awareness and self-acceptance are considered keys to personal growth. I believe that therapy should be person centered and am excited to partner with you towards achieving your goals.
I am passionate about helping individuals with sexual trauma, abuse issues, narcissistic abuse recovery, divorce recovery, substance abuse issues, anxiety, depression, cultural issues, religious trauma, bio-polar, adoption and attachment issues, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorders.
Hello and thanks for choosing to learn a little bit more about me and how I can help you on your counseling journey. I am originally from the UK where I trained at The Gestalt Center of Counseling and psychotherapy! What is "Gestalt therapy"- a form of psychotherapy in which self-awareness and self-acceptance are considered keys to personal growth. I believe that therapy should be person centered and am excited to partner with you towards achieving your goals.
(720) 832-9629 View (720) 832-9629
Photo of Meghan Scanlan, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meghan Scanlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
My true passion is working with families of adoption.
Hi! I am guessing that if I you have found me here, you are pretty desperate to help your little (or big) family. I have been working in private practice since 2010 helping families feel connected and calm again. My goal is for clients to be excited to come and see me and we can make some progress towards healing at the same time. I continue to be an active learner and have participated in many trainings- most notably EMDR, Karyn Purvis's Trust Based Relational Intervention, Gottman's Couples Therapy, Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Framework, DBT, and Heather Forbes's Beyond Consequences.
My true passion is working with families of adoption.
Hi! I am guessing that if I you have found me here, you are pretty desperate to help your little (or big) family. I have been working in private practice since 2010 helping families feel connected and calm again. My goal is for clients to be excited to come and see me and we can make some progress towards healing at the same time. I continue to be an active learner and have participated in many trainings- most notably EMDR, Karyn Purvis's Trust Based Relational Intervention, Gottman's Couples Therapy, Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Framework, DBT, and Heather Forbes's Beyond Consequences.
(303) 872-9163 View (303) 872-9163
Photo of Shanly H Weber, MA, SEP
Shanly H Weber
MA, SEP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma and attachment and adoption issues, couples work and life transition counseling.
I help individuals and couples work through issues related to depression, anxiety, shame, insomnia, fatigue, illness, interpersonal challenges and trauma. I honor diversity in my practice and approach the therapist-client relationship with compassion, openness, safety and even humor. I am trained in Buddhist meditation, Medical Chi Kung, Kaiut Yoga, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment and Adoption issues and Feeding Your Demons. I believe that we are all inherently healthy and that with support and the right approach, healing is always possible.
I specialize in trauma and attachment and adoption issues, couples work and life transition counseling.
I help individuals and couples work through issues related to depression, anxiety, shame, insomnia, fatigue, illness, interpersonal challenges and trauma. I honor diversity in my practice and approach the therapist-client relationship with compassion, openness, safety and even humor. I am trained in Buddhist meditation, Medical Chi Kung, Kaiut Yoga, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment and Adoption issues and Feeding Your Demons. I believe that we are all inherently healthy and that with support and the right approach, healing is always possible.
(303) 625-7946 View (303) 625-7946
Photo of Jani Tomski, MA LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jani Tomski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80204
Hello! Every one of my clients is unique. What I specialize in is trauma, learned/experienced relationship patterns, adoption, family challenges, neuro-diversity and am LGBTQ+ friendly. . My focus is on using the (sometimes unrecognized) strengths of clients to overcome even severe obstacles to success. My 41 years of experience includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, teaching at the Master's level at Regis University and DU, elementary school counseling, local and national educational presentations, and animal assisted therapy. I am also a birth, foster and adoptive parent.
Hello! Every one of my clients is unique. What I specialize in is trauma, learned/experienced relationship patterns, adoption, family challenges, neuro-diversity and am LGBTQ+ friendly. . My focus is on using the (sometimes unrecognized) strengths of clients to overcome even severe obstacles to success. My 41 years of experience includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, teaching at the Master's level at Regis University and DU, elementary school counseling, local and national educational presentations, and animal assisted therapy. I am also a birth, foster and adoptive parent.
(720) 903-4631 View (720) 903-4631
Photo of Caitlin Bader, Pre-Licensed Professional
Caitlin Bader
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80231
I am passionate about serving clients of all ages who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, women’s issues, life transitions, relational and attachment issues, grief and loss, adoption and foster care, and couples and families work.
Every individual is unique and has a distinctive perspective. There are many factors that contribute to the way we operate whether it is significant life events, relationships, or stressors. We are hard-wired to be in relationships with others. Relationships have a big impact on the way we are able to interact with others.
I am passionate about serving clients of all ages who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, women’s issues, life transitions, relational and attachment issues, grief and loss, adoption and foster care, and couples and families work.
Every individual is unique and has a distinctive perspective. There are many factors that contribute to the way we operate whether it is significant life events, relationships, or stressors. We are hard-wired to be in relationships with others. Relationships have a big impact on the way we are able to interact with others.
(303) 529-8119 View (303) 529-8119
Photo of Tayler Clark, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tayler Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80219
New client spots available... Licensed in WI,IL,CO & FL(by endorsement). I identify as a Bi/queer cis woman (she/her) who was late diagnosed as ADHD. I provide LGBTQI+ and Neurodivergent affirming and informed therapy. I also provide therapy to those involved in Adoption & Foster through the TAC (Training in Adoption Competency) approach. We go against the grain of “typical” & how “things should be” & focus instead on what works for you. Are you ready to dig into root issues, explore your identity, set boundaries, communicate your needs and build healthy coping skills?
New client spots available... Licensed in WI,IL,CO & FL(by endorsement). I identify as a Bi/queer cis woman (she/her) who was late diagnosed as ADHD. I provide LGBTQI+ and Neurodivergent affirming and informed therapy. I also provide therapy to those involved in Adoption & Foster through the TAC (Training in Adoption Competency) approach. We go against the grain of “typical” & how “things should be” & focus instead on what works for you. Are you ready to dig into root issues, explore your identity, set boundaries, communicate your needs and build healthy coping skills?
View
Photo of Aaron J. Wiemeier - High Mountain Counseling Llc, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Aaron J. Wiemeier - High Mountain Counseling Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80227
I specialize in the neurophysiology of trauma, attachment, adoption and emotional intelligence particularly relating to interpersonal relationships.
I offer a supportive, encouraging and pragmatic approach, and will partner with you to help you understand how and why you were designed to heal and overcome everything from severe childhood trauma to the everyday struggles of parenting, marriage and interpersonal relationships. Once the how and why are established, then we move on to helping you actively create new patterns in your life that will lead you, and often others connected to you, on the path to becoming everything you and they are meant to be.
I specialize in the neurophysiology of trauma, attachment, adoption and emotional intelligence particularly relating to interpersonal relationships.
I offer a supportive, encouraging and pragmatic approach, and will partner with you to help you understand how and why you were designed to heal and overcome everything from severe childhood trauma to the everyday struggles of parenting, marriage and interpersonal relationships. Once the how and why are established, then we move on to helping you actively create new patterns in your life that will lead you, and often others connected to you, on the path to becoming everything you and they are meant to be.
(303) 625-7627 View (303) 625-7627
Photo of Mia Bertram, MA, LPC, Counselor
Mia Bertram
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80123
Play Therapy is an effective intervention for children who have experienced emotional overwhelm and disregulation caused by such experiences as medical procedure, traumatic accidents, violence (both seen and felt), neglect, adoption, self esteem issues, divorce, loss, and difficult transitions experienced during development.
I am a Child and Family Therapist specializing in Play Therapy, working with children ages 3- 12 struggling with such issues such as grief, adoption/foster care, trauma, self- esteem, divorce and sensory processing disorder. I have received extensive training at the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado in brain development and utilizing the nervous system as a means to understand and help clients regulate themselves. I am a resource for parents and caregivers, offering coaching and education to help create loving relationships by understanding their child's needs and ways to support their growth individually and within the family system.
Play Therapy is an effective intervention for children who have experienced emotional overwhelm and disregulation caused by such experiences as medical procedure, traumatic accidents, violence (both seen and felt), neglect, adoption, self esteem issues, divorce, loss, and difficult transitions experienced during development.
I am a Child and Family Therapist specializing in Play Therapy, working with children ages 3- 12 struggling with such issues such as grief, adoption/foster care, trauma, self- esteem, divorce and sensory processing disorder. I have received extensive training at the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado in brain development and utilizing the nervous system as a means to understand and help clients regulate themselves. I am a resource for parents and caregivers, offering coaching and education to help create loving relationships by understanding their child's needs and ways to support their growth individually and within the family system.
(720) 340-6615 View (720) 340-6615
Photo of Beth K Cohen, LCSW
Beth K Cohen
LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246
I am interested working with older adults (age 40+), people in the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, adoptees) and people who are providing care for others, whether professionally, as healthcare providers, veterinarians, therapists, teachers, or personally, as parents, or adult children taking care of aging parents.
Let's work together to create change, to increase your ability to bounce back from hardships and disappointments, to create and sustain meaningful connections to others, to heal from loss and heartaches. With support, you can take steps towards health and happiness and build the life that you deserve.
I am interested working with older adults (age 40+), people in the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, adoptees) and people who are providing care for others, whether professionally, as healthcare providers, veterinarians, therapists, teachers, or personally, as parents, or adult children taking care of aging parents.
Let's work together to create change, to increase your ability to bounce back from hardships and disappointments, to create and sustain meaningful connections to others, to heal from loss and heartaches. With support, you can take steps towards health and happiness and build the life that you deserve.
(720) 792-8360 View (720) 792-8360
Photo of Anne Maxwell, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Maxwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80211
As a play therapist and family therapist, I believe that healing is a family affair, and, I include parents as an integral part of their child's therapy. I specialize in trauma, attachment, adoption, blended families, difficult and severe behaviors, as well as parenting, and issues stemming from any and all of the above. I love working with children and their parents and families. Children seem to have an innate sense of what is going on and what needs to happen in order for healing to occur, and, when they are able to express that and be heard, the whole family can shift and change.
As a play therapist and family therapist, I believe that healing is a family affair, and, I include parents as an integral part of their child's therapy. I specialize in trauma, attachment, adoption, blended families, difficult and severe behaviors, as well as parenting, and issues stemming from any and all of the above. I love working with children and their parents and families. Children seem to have an innate sense of what is going on and what needs to happen in order for healing to occur, and, when they are able to express that and be heard, the whole family can shift and change.
(303) 900-5872 View (303) 900-5872
Photo of Naomi Victoria Akwei-Sturdy, LPCC
Naomi Victoria Akwei-Sturdy
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate , LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203  (Online Only)
Hey there! I am an experienced mental health therapist from the UK. With a background in Gestalt therapy, I also work from an integrative stand point using Person Centered, CBT, as well as DBT therapeutic interventions. I am experienced in working with issues such as sexual trauma, abuse issues, anxiety, depression, cultural issues, divorce, bio-polar , adoption issues. Together, I can help you accomplish all your goals.
Hey there! I am an experienced mental health therapist from the UK. With a background in Gestalt therapy, I also work from an integrative stand point using Person Centered, CBT, as well as DBT therapeutic interventions. I am experienced in working with issues such as sexual trauma, abuse issues, anxiety, depression, cultural issues, divorce, bio-polar , adoption issues. Together, I can help you accomplish all your goals.
(720) 928-3337 View (720) 928-3337
Photo of Laura X. Williams - Racial Justice Attachment Therapy, MA, LMFT, LAC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Laura X. Williams - Racial Justice Attachment Therapy
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
Hello! My name is Laura X. Williams, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Relational Psychotherapist in the Denver area. My ideal clients are those who seek to explore potential in their own identity and relationships with an emphasis on love, sexual health, and gender. I work with couples wanting to build trust and/or are navigating polyamorous relationships; families who are seeking stronger unity about gender and communication; and individuals who hold intersecting identities, including gender, race, and adoption. We are here to repair, heal, and explore our potential for peace, trust, and well-being together.
Hello! My name is Laura X. Williams, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Relational Psychotherapist in the Denver area. My ideal clients are those who seek to explore potential in their own identity and relationships with an emphasis on love, sexual health, and gender. I work with couples wanting to build trust and/or are navigating polyamorous relationships; families who are seeking stronger unity about gender and communication; and individuals who hold intersecting identities, including gender, race, and adoption. We are here to repair, heal, and explore our potential for peace, trust, and well-being together.
(303) 800-3084 View (303) 800-3084
Photo of Dawn Crosswhite, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Crosswhite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205
I have been in practice for over 30 years. I specialize in working with adolescent females, and LGBTQIA-identified clients and their families who are often times involved in the juvenile justice system and child welfare. I also work with female and LGBTQIA military personnel and veterans. Working with these systems has afforded me the opportunity to build my skills so that I am very proficient in many areas, such as trauma and PTSD, adoption, permanency, military personnel, and addiction concerns. I work from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential treatment models.
I have been in practice for over 30 years. I specialize in working with adolescent females, and LGBTQIA-identified clients and their families who are often times involved in the juvenile justice system and child welfare. I also work with female and LGBTQIA military personnel and veterans. Working with these systems has afforded me the opportunity to build my skills so that I am very proficient in many areas, such as trauma and PTSD, adoption, permanency, military personnel, and addiction concerns. I work from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential treatment models.
(720) 897-3017 View (720) 897-3017
Photo of Jessica Reyka - Grass Roots Healing, LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Grass Roots Healing, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238  (Online Only)
Reyka's experience involves complex trauma, attachment & relationship issues, anxiety & other mood disorders, adoption-related trauma, & rebuilding skills related to relaxation and stress management.
Dr. Jessica Reyka, Psy.D., the founder and owner of Grass Roots Healing, LLC, is a firm believer that in order to reconnect and heal, we must first go back to the "root" of the problem or concern, which often stems far back into one's life, and then work towards healing from an inward-out approach. "The stronger our roots are, the more beautiful the leaves that come from the tree"; similar to the process of therapy where we rebuild the foundation from which you view the world and create a life/beliefs/behaviors that are more in alignment with your true values and authentic self.
Reyka's experience involves complex trauma, attachment & relationship issues, anxiety & other mood disorders, adoption-related trauma, & rebuilding skills related to relaxation and stress management.
Dr. Jessica Reyka, Psy.D., the founder and owner of Grass Roots Healing, LLC, is a firm believer that in order to reconnect and heal, we must first go back to the "root" of the problem or concern, which often stems far back into one's life, and then work towards healing from an inward-out approach. "The stronger our roots are, the more beautiful the leaves that come from the tree"; similar to the process of therapy where we rebuild the foundation from which you view the world and create a life/beliefs/behaviors that are more in alignment with your true values and authentic self.
(716) 301-2694 View (716) 301-2694
Photo of Erin Wertheimer, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Wertheimer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218
I absolutely love working as a therapist! Nothing gives me more satisfaction than assisting individuals to reach their full potential. I work with individuals to help each person resolve problems, to create more satisfying relationships with themselves, and to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I specialize in trauma therapy, adoption, foster care, postpartum, anxiety and depression. I work collaboratively with each person to search for the best options when choosing what type of therapy treatment they feel is best for them.
I absolutely love working as a therapist! Nothing gives me more satisfaction than assisting individuals to reach their full potential. I work with individuals to help each person resolve problems, to create more satisfying relationships with themselves, and to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I specialize in trauma therapy, adoption, foster care, postpartum, anxiety and depression. I work collaboratively with each person to search for the best options when choosing what type of therapy treatment they feel is best for them.
(720) 868-9350 View (720) 868-9350
Photo of Owen Konecnik - W. Owen Konecnik, LCSW, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
W. Owen Konecnik, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
I have expertise and special interest in chronic pain/health conditions, stress/anxiety, depression, LGBTIQA+ concerns, OCD, grief/loss, adoption and parenting issues, trauma-informed care, and life transitions.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been helping people reach their goals and improve their health for 20+ years. I received my Master of Social Work from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, with an emphasis in direct clinical practice. I have worked in various settings, including in-patient, out-patient, as a health coach, and as a psychotherapist in group and private practice.
I have expertise and special interest in chronic pain/health conditions, stress/anxiety, depression, LGBTIQA+ concerns, OCD, grief/loss, adoption and parenting issues, trauma-informed care, and life transitions.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been helping people reach their goals and improve their health for 20+ years. I received my Master of Social Work from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, with an emphasis in direct clinical practice. I have worked in various settings, including in-patient, out-patient, as a health coach, and as a psychotherapist in group and private practice.
(720) 806-9042 View (720) 806-9042
Photo of Dawn Goers, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dawn Goers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203
My background in foster care and adoption provides a unique perspective to the challenges that families face.
After working with children and families for 15 years in foster care and adoption settings, I developed a passion for empowering people who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, and who struggle with relationship issues. Life always presents challenges and the ability to move through those challenges with a strong sense of self is important. I work closely with clients to develop a strong therapeutic relationship, which engenders an environment of safety and promotes healing. I am an EMDR Certified Clinician which integrates attachment theory, CBT and emotion regulation. I also use child-centered play therapy with children.
My background in foster care and adoption provides a unique perspective to the challenges that families face.
After working with children and families for 15 years in foster care and adoption settings, I developed a passion for empowering people who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, and who struggle with relationship issues. Life always presents challenges and the ability to move through those challenges with a strong sense of self is important. I work closely with clients to develop a strong therapeutic relationship, which engenders an environment of safety and promotes healing. I am an EMDR Certified Clinician which integrates attachment theory, CBT and emotion regulation. I also use child-centered play therapy with children.
(303) 814-9173 View (303) 814-9173
1
...
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.