Adoption Therapists in Hollywood, FL
![Photo of Katalin Hanana, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b6e1333-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I also specialize in working with children & teens ages 2 - 18 years old and their families helping them cope with trauma, adoption, and behavioral issues.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in your life? Do you ever have feelings of low self-esteem or hopelessness? Perhaps you are feeling overly anxious or depressed due to life changing events or everyday stress. Have you been wanting to feel better about yourself but just don’t know how to do so? Are you overwhelmed with your child’s behavior and don’t know what to do? I’m here to help empower you to be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field I can assist you in developing the tools necessary to help you cope and lead a happier life.
I also specialize in working with children & teens ages 2 - 18 years old and their families helping them cope with trauma, adoption, and behavioral issues.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck in your life? Do you ever have feelings of low self-esteem or hopelessness? Perhaps you are feeling overly anxious or depressed due to life changing events or everyday stress. Have you been wanting to feel better about yourself but just don’t know how to do so? Are you overwhelmed with your child’s behavior and don’t know what to do? I’m here to help empower you to be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field I can assist you in developing the tools necessary to help you cope and lead a happier life.
![Photo of Anne-Marie T Brown, LCSW, MCAP, ICADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e25dfdd-9f85-47eb-9b6b-8113adcad82e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anne-Marie T Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MCAP, ICADC
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33025
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, child welfare cases and adoption, and substance use disorder and I work with both individuals and families.
Taking the first step and asking for help takes courage! I'm proud of you for reaching out and I look forward to being part of your healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, TF-CBT Certified Therapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR Approved Consultant, and Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator. I utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered, strengths-based approach when working with all clients and I combine evidence-based trauma treatments with Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, child welfare cases and adoption, and substance use disorder and I work with both individuals and families.
Taking the first step and asking for help takes courage! I'm proud of you for reaching out and I look forward to being part of your healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, TF-CBT Certified Therapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR Approved Consultant, and Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator. I utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered, strengths-based approach when working with all clients and I combine evidence-based trauma treatments with Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
![Photo of Merlyn Asencio, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7635c841-a95c-4e01-bb44-298fe541da54/3/320x400.jpeg)
Merlyn Asencio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33027 (Online Only)
Whether you are a teen or child struggling with family issues, anxiety, trauma, or the issues that come up each day, or you are a divorced woman trying to regain her perspective and learn who she is again, I am here for you. Life throws each of us curve balls that we need help processing and healing from. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. You may be feeling like you are barely able to survive right now, but I am here to tell you healing is possible. You can learn to do more than just survive; you can thrive.
Whether you are a teen or child struggling with family issues, anxiety, trauma, or the issues that come up each day, or you are a divorced woman trying to regain her perspective and learn who she is again, I am here for you. Life throws each of us curve balls that we need help processing and healing from. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. You may be feeling like you are barely able to survive right now, but I am here to tell you healing is possible. You can learn to do more than just survive; you can thrive.
![Photo of LaMora D Pace, LCSW, CAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/989a8d6f-1483-46fd-800e-302f9cc468e1/2/320x400.png)
LaMora D Pace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33020
I'm LaMora D. Pace, LCSW, founder of The Healing Crest Counseling Services. With a heartfelt dedication to guiding men and women through healing from childhood and relationship trauma, infidelity, anxiety, and depression, I'm deeply committed to transformative healing. Beyond individual and couples counseling, as the creator of Simply Lovable, I empower women to make healing and SELF a non-negotiable priority. The heart of the brand lies in its premium-quality card deck, workbook, and notebooks, crafted with the SELF method, are designed to foster self-awareness, empowerment, and self-care.
I'm LaMora D. Pace, LCSW, founder of The Healing Crest Counseling Services. With a heartfelt dedication to guiding men and women through healing from childhood and relationship trauma, infidelity, anxiety, and depression, I'm deeply committed to transformative healing. Beyond individual and couples counseling, as the creator of Simply Lovable, I empower women to make healing and SELF a non-negotiable priority. The heart of the brand lies in its premium-quality card deck, workbook, and notebooks, crafted with the SELF method, are designed to foster self-awareness, empowerment, and self-care.
![Photo of Lisa Zucker, MSW, LCSW, CT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f77c904-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Zucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33021
My approach to therapy is humanistic and strengths-based. I work with my clients to discover past and present successes and use these to address the challenges they face. I also use elements of narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients recognize that the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem. I am trained in relaxation techniques, including hypnotherapy. I am so fortunate that people choose to share their stories and their lives with me.
My approach to therapy is humanistic and strengths-based. I work with my clients to discover past and present successes and use these to address the challenges they face. I also use elements of narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients recognize that the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem. I am trained in relaxation techniques, including hypnotherapy. I am so fortunate that people choose to share their stories and their lives with me.
![Photo of Susan Jacobson, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c543fe31-1afa-4bbb-9ef2-a5d0a1f3f9eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Jacobson, L.M.H.C., N.C.C. Is a Licensed Psychotherapist, with over twenty-five years of experience. Her approach to therapy is to provide a sense of teamwork with her clients, to help meet their goals. Susan's focus of practice is treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marital counseling, couples counseling, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and more. I typically work with clients who find themselves stuck in an uncomfortable situation and/or mindset and do not know how to navigate to feel better and meet their goals.
Susan Jacobson, L.M.H.C., N.C.C. Is a Licensed Psychotherapist, with over twenty-five years of experience. Her approach to therapy is to provide a sense of teamwork with her clients, to help meet their goals. Susan's focus of practice is treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marital counseling, couples counseling, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and more. I typically work with clients who find themselves stuck in an uncomfortable situation and/or mindset and do not know how to navigate to feel better and meet their goals.
![Photo of Holly McIntyre, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f7f00ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Holly McIntyre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33026
Hi! I'm Holly McIntyre LCSW, I am a compassionate and accepting psychotherapist. I offer a judgement-free, safe space for individuals (Children and Adults), couples and family therapy. My approach to therapeutic healing is based on the understanding that each client is special and has a distinctive personal experience and story to tell. I am trained in several treatment modalities; Hypnotherapy, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Narrative Therapy. Call or email me to schedule a free initial phone consultation. I look forward to connecting with you.
Hi! I'm Holly McIntyre LCSW, I am a compassionate and accepting psychotherapist. I offer a judgement-free, safe space for individuals (Children and Adults), couples and family therapy. My approach to therapeutic healing is based on the understanding that each client is special and has a distinctive personal experience and story to tell. I am trained in several treatment modalities; Hypnotherapy, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Narrative Therapy. Call or email me to schedule a free initial phone consultation. I look forward to connecting with you.
![Photo of Laya F Seghi - Laya F. Seghi, LCSW Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, CBP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efe2c9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Laya F. Seghi, LCSW Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CBP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33021 (Online Only)
In over 40 years of practice, I have found that a combination of talk therapy and energy work is the most effective way to achieve emotional stability. My holistic mind-body approach helps reduce stress by releasing unprocessed emotions in the nervous system. As you let go of "stuck" emotional patterns, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma begin to disappear.
In over 40 years of practice, I have found that a combination of talk therapy and energy work is the most effective way to achieve emotional stability. My holistic mind-body approach helps reduce stress by releasing unprocessed emotions in the nervous system. As you let go of "stuck" emotional patterns, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma begin to disappear.
![Photo of Maria Sue Butler, LMFT, DOAM, SSOF, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5d6016-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Sue Butler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DOAM, SSOF
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33024
Aiming to regain what brought you together
Silent tense car rides replace the lively conversations and laughter of years before. Being in the company of the person you love seems more painful than being alone. What happened? There could be many reasons why couples experience difficulties and misunderstandings that set them apart and weaken the once very close relationship. Couples therapy at ART has been successful because it focuses on partners regaining what brought them together
Aiming to regain what brought you together
Silent tense car rides replace the lively conversations and laughter of years before. Being in the company of the person you love seems more painful than being alone. What happened? There could be many reasons why couples experience difficulties and misunderstandings that set them apart and weaken the once very close relationship. Couples therapy at ART has been successful because it focuses on partners regaining what brought them together
![Photo of Alison Ruth Morris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c310ae2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am dedicated to providing a supportive counseling environment to help clients achieve awareness, leading to healing and personal growth. My role is to help clients explore their emotional needs and provide feedback. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to creating the best possible environment for self exploration and permanent change. I take the time to assess my client's needs and work with them to create the life and relationships that they will find ultimately fulfilling.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am dedicated to providing a supportive counseling environment to help clients achieve awareness, leading to healing and personal growth. My role is to help clients explore their emotional needs and provide feedback. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to creating the best possible environment for self exploration and permanent change. I take the time to assess my client's needs and work with them to create the life and relationships that they will find ultimately fulfilling.
![Photo of Mari T. Casares, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e44faac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist and received my doctoral degree from Boston College. I have a holistic approach to psychotherapy taking into consideration all the factors that interfere with your happiness and peace of mind. I like to understand you as a whole taking your upbringing, your culture, and your spirituality/religion into consideration. I specialize in helping people who are struggling with family and romantic relationships. I speak Spanish and English. I am interactive in therapy and provide a safe environment. I will support you but also challenge you to do better.
I am a licensed psychologist and received my doctoral degree from Boston College. I have a holistic approach to psychotherapy taking into consideration all the factors that interfere with your happiness and peace of mind. I like to understand you as a whole taking your upbringing, your culture, and your spirituality/religion into consideration. I specialize in helping people who are struggling with family and romantic relationships. I speak Spanish and English. I am interactive in therapy and provide a safe environment. I will support you but also challenge you to do better.
15 Second Videos
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Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida
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Todd A Shapiro
![Photo of Bonnie Baker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c608766-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bonnie Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33021 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a highly skilled therapist with over 25 years experience working with couples, individuals and children? Relationship issues, lack of communication or conflict resolution skills leave people stuck and frustrated. Finances, health, grief, trauma, transitions and education challenges all take their toll on people's psyche. Being anxious or depressed can cause a person to lose their confidence and skew their decision making. Coming to therapy offers a new perspective, and non-judgemental suggestions. When people become clearer, centered and more focused , they can set goals and work towards them.
Are you looking for a highly skilled therapist with over 25 years experience working with couples, individuals and children? Relationship issues, lack of communication or conflict resolution skills leave people stuck and frustrated. Finances, health, grief, trauma, transitions and education challenges all take their toll on people's psyche. Being anxious or depressed can cause a person to lose their confidence and skew their decision making. Coming to therapy offers a new perspective, and non-judgemental suggestions. When people become clearer, centered and more focused , they can set goals and work towards them.
![Photo of Patricia Jaegerman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0afa91-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment to achieve your highest potential. In therapy, you discover new ways of coping, different points of view, hidden strengths, and an improved outlook on life. Life is filled with the need to change and adapt to new circumstances. Some changes, like marriage, parenting, graduation, and moves, are expected, while events like loss, separation, trauma, and illness are unexpected and more difficult to overcome. Psychotherapy will help you find a new outlook, discover strengths, address difficulties with different tools, and apply the new experiences to future challenges.
Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment to achieve your highest potential. In therapy, you discover new ways of coping, different points of view, hidden strengths, and an improved outlook on life. Life is filled with the need to change and adapt to new circumstances. Some changes, like marriage, parenting, graduation, and moves, are expected, while events like loss, separation, trauma, and illness are unexpected and more difficult to overcome. Psychotherapy will help you find a new outlook, discover strengths, address difficulties with different tools, and apply the new experiences to future challenges.
![Photo of Sheila Bravo, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adccee16-27a2-47a4-8c68-1bdd26c76659/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychotherapist with many years of experience in the fields of Psychology, Psychoanalysis, and Education. I provide a space where I will actively listen to you, creating a place to allow the suffering in your life to be more bearable. I will help you identify the things that are not working for you and that have become obstacles, causing distress, anxiety, and stress. I believe that therapy is about finding that inner, healthier part of people and let that be a new beginning. As a therapist, I will accompany you through this process of discovery and change. Get in touch to learn more.
I am a psychotherapist with many years of experience in the fields of Psychology, Psychoanalysis, and Education. I provide a space where I will actively listen to you, creating a place to allow the suffering in your life to be more bearable. I will help you identify the things that are not working for you and that have become obstacles, causing distress, anxiety, and stress. I believe that therapy is about finding that inner, healthier part of people and let that be a new beginning. As a therapist, I will accompany you through this process of discovery and change. Get in touch to learn more.
![Photo of Clara Peicher Fleischer, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dab5e0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, people come to me for a variety of reasons; they may have been going through life's transitions or through a rough patch. When they want to get to know themselves when trying to understand why their outcome in life is not always what they expected it to be. Being an emigrant myself, I understand the process of starting again. People also come to me when they are not feeling well and they may have symptoms and or psychological disorders such as: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and feel paranoid, are obsessive, anorexia, have personality disorder. I have ample experience working with couples.
As a therapist, people come to me for a variety of reasons; they may have been going through life's transitions or through a rough patch. When they want to get to know themselves when trying to understand why their outcome in life is not always what they expected it to be. Being an emigrant myself, I understand the process of starting again. People also come to me when they are not feeling well and they may have symptoms and or psychological disorders such as: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and feel paranoid, are obsessive, anorexia, have personality disorder. I have ample experience working with couples.
![Photo of Staci Lee Schnell - Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc9c041-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33026
If you or your loved ones are in pain, suffering, hurt, confused, going through a tough time, in need of Help, there is hope! We are here for you! We offer Counseling for Children, Teens, Adults, and Elders. Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, Adolescent Counseling, Art and Music Therapy, EMDR, DBT, ACT, Medical Family Therapy and Group Therapy in a nurturing, supportive, comfortable, and compassionate environment. Our Team of Therapists lead by Staci Lee Schnell are here to help you and your family.
If you or your loved ones are in pain, suffering, hurt, confused, going through a tough time, in need of Help, there is hope! We are here for you! We offer Counseling for Children, Teens, Adults, and Elders. Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, Adolescent Counseling, Art and Music Therapy, EMDR, DBT, ACT, Medical Family Therapy and Group Therapy in a nurturing, supportive, comfortable, and compassionate environment. Our Team of Therapists lead by Staci Lee Schnell are here to help you and your family.
![Photo of Luciana Da Costa, M Ed, BCBA, LBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9606806-2121-4e2f-a23e-211ca1f1f70e/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a BCBA therapist with a Master's in Exceptional Student Education and extensive experience in ABA therapy and ESE education specializing in working with children with autism, ADHD, and developmental delay I understand the unique needs of families navigating the challenges of raising their children with special needs. My approach is deeply empathetic, focusing on each child's and their family's individual needs. I recognize that every situation is different, and I tailor my interventions accordingly, ensuring that each child receives the personalized support they require to thrive to live an independent life as they grow older.
As a BCBA therapist with a Master's in Exceptional Student Education and extensive experience in ABA therapy and ESE education specializing in working with children with autism, ADHD, and developmental delay I understand the unique needs of families navigating the challenges of raising their children with special needs. My approach is deeply empathetic, focusing on each child's and their family's individual needs. I recognize that every situation is different, and I tailor my interventions accordingly, ensuring that each child receives the personalized support they require to thrive to live an independent life as they grow older.
![Photo of Maria Sue Butler, LMFT, DOAM, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c86b887-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tool Box for Life and Relational Skills When clients graduate from treatment, they take with them a box full of "tools", such as effective anger management techniques, avoiding confrontations that lead to negative expressions of anger, resolving conflict peacefully and quietly, making the right decisions in every aspect of life, and perseverance to always build skills against life's problems and apply them consistently. Skill development is relational. No one lives in isolation; everyone maintains many types of relationships. Treatment provides chances to improve all relationships by communicating effectively, listening without making assumptions, and avoiding miscommunication that brings on anger and/or conflict.
Tool Box for Life and Relational Skills When clients graduate from treatment, they take with them a box full of "tools", such as effective anger management techniques, avoiding confrontations that lead to negative expressions of anger, resolving conflict peacefully and quietly, making the right decisions in every aspect of life, and perseverance to always build skills against life's problems and apply them consistently. Skill development is relational. No one lives in isolation; everyone maintains many types of relationships. Treatment provides chances to improve all relationships by communicating effectively, listening without making assumptions, and avoiding miscommunication that brings on anger and/or conflict.
![Photo of Jean Dievendorf, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02313791-eb50-4aad-ae0f-a5323ea98006/1/320x400.png)
Jean Dievendorf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33020 (Online Only)
Do you have unwanted thoughts, poor concentration, panicky feelings, or an uncontrollable worry? Do you feel unmotivated or hopeless, experience excessive nervousness, and be aware of low self-worth, negative self-talk, or low self-esteem? Life got you down, have no pleasure in activities that once brought excitement, feelings of guilt, are you isolating yourself, having difficulty concentrating? Do you have difficulties overcoming stress or a fear of traumatic events that impact sleep, daily performance, or activities? Are you seeking support to create a new and more positive path in life? We’re here to help!
Do you have unwanted thoughts, poor concentration, panicky feelings, or an uncontrollable worry? Do you feel unmotivated or hopeless, experience excessive nervousness, and be aware of low self-worth, negative self-talk, or low self-esteem? Life got you down, have no pleasure in activities that once brought excitement, feelings of guilt, are you isolating yourself, having difficulty concentrating? Do you have difficulties overcoming stress or a fear of traumatic events that impact sleep, daily performance, or activities? Are you seeking support to create a new and more positive path in life? We’re here to help!
![Photo of Dr. Edward Ramos, LCMFC, RBT, MBT, BAC, ACM, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66447ffc-2ea8-4027-a023-5fe61ffd12d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Edward Ramos
Pastoral Counselor, LCMFC, RBT, MBT, BAC, ACM
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33024 (Online Only)
Are you feeling sad? distressed? overwhelmed? hurt ? betrayed? You are not alone. Let me help you. It takes courage to reach out for help and you are brave for taking this courageous step. It's certainly not easy, but there is hope. Lets go together to God to find love & healing. True healing begins when the pain is addressed where you can start your healing process. I bring a compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, strength based approach to marriage and family counseling to restore your relationships. As a Christian Counselor I utilize the Bible, prayer, effective curriculum, personal and professional experience to help you.
Are you feeling sad? distressed? overwhelmed? hurt ? betrayed? You are not alone. Let me help you. It takes courage to reach out for help and you are brave for taking this courageous step. It's certainly not easy, but there is hope. Lets go together to God to find love & healing. True healing begins when the pain is addressed where you can start your healing process. I bring a compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, strength based approach to marriage and family counseling to restore your relationships. As a Christian Counselor I utilize the Bible, prayer, effective curriculum, personal and professional experience to help you.
See more therapy options for Hollywood
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Hollywood
- Aventura
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- Hallandale Beach
- Miami Gardens
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- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Pembroke Pines
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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.