Adoption Therapists in Allston, MA
In person clients preferred. Similar to life therapy is a journey. And with all journeys, nobody deserves to go at it alone. I offer a safe and supportive space for self exploration and healing. My practice is strongly eclectic, art therapy based, and person-centered. Therapy is a collaborative process and together we will find the best interventions to tailor to your unique needs, as I believe the most successful journeys are done as a team. You are the expert and I am here to support you with unconditional positive regard and provide the tools you need as you navigate your journey.
In person clients preferred. Similar to life therapy is a journey. And with all journeys, nobody deserves to go at it alone. I offer a safe and supportive space for self exploration and healing. My practice is strongly eclectic, art therapy based, and person-centered. Therapy is a collaborative process and together we will find the best interventions to tailor to your unique needs, as I believe the most successful journeys are done as a team. You are the expert and I am here to support you with unconditional positive regard and provide the tools you need as you navigate your journey.
Kelsey Lima
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a therapist with a warm and humorous style. My practice focuses on supporting people living with anxiety, chronic illness, life transitions, or grief who choose to not worry alone. I teach people how to regulate stress and reframe experiences. Also, I help people with brain, violence-related injuries or neurological diseases build a more compassionate relationship with difficult emotions and ignite a new sense of meaning. Although I work with people of all ages, I often work with students, people 13-64 yo, and healthcare professionals.
I am a therapist with a warm and humorous style. My practice focuses on supporting people living with anxiety, chronic illness, life transitions, or grief who choose to not worry alone. I teach people how to regulate stress and reframe experiences. Also, I help people with brain, violence-related injuries or neurological diseases build a more compassionate relationship with difficult emotions and ignite a new sense of meaning. Although I work with people of all ages, I often work with students, people 13-64 yo, and healthcare professionals.
The mind is like an iceberg. It floats with one seventh of its bulk above water - Sigmund Freud
The mind is like an iceberg. It floats with one seventh of its bulk above water - Sigmund Freud
Welcome! I’m happy you’ve taken that first step and found your way here. I understand it’s not easy to seek out support. Therapy is unique to each person, but some themes I have noticed people are seeking out are an understanding of their emotions, an improved ability to cope and function and feeling more empowered about their individual situations. I also have an interest in and offer years of expertise supporting individuals around issues related to parenting, identity development, LBGTQIA+ identities and life transitions.
Welcome! I’m happy you’ve taken that first step and found your way here. I understand it’s not easy to seek out support. Therapy is unique to each person, but some themes I have noticed people are seeking out are an understanding of their emotions, an improved ability to cope and function and feeling more empowered about their individual situations. I also have an interest in and offer years of expertise supporting individuals around issues related to parenting, identity development, LBGTQIA+ identities and life transitions.
More Therapists Nearby
Jessica Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newton, MA 02467 (Online Only)
I have worked with many individuals and families that struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, and abusive relationships. In addition, I have experience working with children that are struggling with adoption. I specialize in family-systems models, attachment oriented therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. By utilizing an individualized insight-oriented approach, I can help both children and adults process emotions and achieve positive progress to reach their goals. I am a strong believer of the mind/body/spirit connection.
I have worked with many individuals and families that struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, and abusive relationships. In addition, I have experience working with children that are struggling with adoption. I specialize in family-systems models, attachment oriented therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. By utilizing an individualized insight-oriented approach, I can help both children and adults process emotions and achieve positive progress to reach their goals. I am a strong believer of the mind/body/spirit connection.
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.
Michelle A Novelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
* Adoption referral assessments, the impact of foster care, guardianship documentation, educational advocacy, agency referrals, individual and family counseling.
Welcome! I am a clinical social worker who has over 20 years of experience working with children and families, as well as individuals in need of additional support. I specialize in child and adolescent development and the impact of trauma and loss. I work with individuals and/or families on self-identified goals for either short-term or long-term therapy. I look forward to our collaboration. Bienvenida! Soy una doctora con más que 20 años de experiencia trabajando con niños y familias, incluyendo individuos que necesitan apoyo adicional. Si Ud. o su hijo necesitan un consejero, espero hablar con Ud.
* Adoption referral assessments, the impact of foster care, guardianship documentation, educational advocacy, agency referrals, individual and family counseling.
Welcome! I am a clinical social worker who has over 20 years of experience working with children and families, as well as individuals in need of additional support. I specialize in child and adolescent development and the impact of trauma and loss. I work with individuals and/or families on self-identified goals for either short-term or long-term therapy. I look forward to our collaboration. Bienvenida! Soy una doctora con más que 20 años de experiencia trabajando con niños y familias, incluyendo individuos que necesitan apoyo adicional. Si Ud. o su hijo necesitan un consejero, espero hablar con Ud.
Boston Post Adoption Resources
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445
Waitlist for new clients
No matter what your adoption related question or concern is, you do not have to figure it out alone! Call us today to set up you free 20 minute phone consultation to see how we might best fit your needs!.
Boston Post Adoption Resources, also known as BPAR, is a nonprofit organization that was founded to support all individuals and families who are touched by adoption. We understand the challenges and impact that adoption can have on relationships, family dynamics, and identity. Our team of licensed mental health professionals is specifically trained to deal with post adoption challenges with clients of all ages in individual, family and group settings. We recognize that every situation is different, and our goal is to provide support to you and your family on your lifelong journey through adoption.
No matter what your adoption related question or concern is, you do not have to figure it out alone! Call us today to set up you free 20 minute phone consultation to see how we might best fit your needs!.
Boston Post Adoption Resources, also known as BPAR, is a nonprofit organization that was founded to support all individuals and families who are touched by adoption. We understand the challenges and impact that adoption can have on relationships, family dynamics, and identity. Our team of licensed mental health professionals is specifically trained to deal with post adoption challenges with clients of all ages in individual, family and group settings. We recognize that every situation is different, and our goal is to provide support to you and your family on your lifelong journey through adoption.
It’s my goal to hold space for the everyday moments while looking at things through an adoption lens.
Hi! My name is Maya Rogers-Bursen, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. I was adopted from India when I was six months old and my narrative has shaped the work I love doing with adoptees, and families in the adoption constellation. I am a transracial adoptee with a private practice focused in supporting those navigate the ups and downs of the adoption journey. I named my practice Chandani Post Adoption Counseling - Chandani is my birth name. It means moonlight in Hindi, a place I often look towards when I think about birth family (feel free to read more of my story on my website – Chandanicounseling.com)
It’s my goal to hold space for the everyday moments while looking at things through an adoption lens.
Hi! My name is Maya Rogers-Bursen, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. I was adopted from India when I was six months old and my narrative has shaped the work I love doing with adoptees, and families in the adoption constellation. I am a transracial adoptee with a private practice focused in supporting those navigate the ups and downs of the adoption journey. I named my practice Chandani Post Adoption Counseling - Chandani is my birth name. It means moonlight in Hindi, a place I often look towards when I think about birth family (feel free to read more of my story on my website – Chandanicounseling.com)
I have worked as a clinician in mental health for over 25 years. I have dedicated myself to child welfare and have a specialty in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, adoption, attachment, Bipolar and addictions. I take a supportive approach to my client work so they are able to arrive at healthy solutions. I also have experience in family therapy taking a family systems approach to the work. My practice is located in the center of Medford and is easily accessible by public transportation. The staff in the office are all welcoming and there is a play space for children.
I have worked as a clinician in mental health for over 25 years. I have dedicated myself to child welfare and have a specialty in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, adoption, attachment, Bipolar and addictions. I take a supportive approach to my client work so they are able to arrive at healthy solutions. I also have experience in family therapy taking a family systems approach to the work. My practice is located in the center of Medford and is easily accessible by public transportation. The staff in the office are all welcoming and there is a play space for children.
Jodi Waddell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
I believe positive change in therapy takes place in a safe and collaborative environment. I strive to put my clients at ease with compassion, candor, and humor. I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in perinatal and infertility issues, foster care and adoption and the LGBTQ+ population. I also provide psychotherapy to individuals who are experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, relationship concerns and identity issues. I utilize an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities such as, psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and solution focused treatment.
I believe positive change in therapy takes place in a safe and collaborative environment. I strive to put my clients at ease with compassion, candor, and humor. I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in perinatal and infertility issues, foster care and adoption and the LGBTQ+ population. I also provide psychotherapy to individuals who are experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, relationship concerns and identity issues. I utilize an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities such as, psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and solution focused treatment.
Since Adoption is my primary focus, I work with all people in the adoption triad, meaning original parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children, teens and adults.
I work with people who want to improve themselves, their relationships and their self image. These are people seeking a sounding board, a safe confidential place to talk, and extensive knowledge and experience dealing with their issues. My work focuses on where the client is now, and where they want to go, with no pre-conceived notions. We look at past experiences together and how they impact the present. For parents, I offer coaching and suggestions for managing challenging behaviors, and understanding the impact of early childhood trauma of behavior. With younger children, I encourage learning about expression of feelings.
Since Adoption is my primary focus, I work with all people in the adoption triad, meaning original parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children, teens and adults.
I work with people who want to improve themselves, their relationships and their self image. These are people seeking a sounding board, a safe confidential place to talk, and extensive knowledge and experience dealing with their issues. My work focuses on where the client is now, and where they want to go, with no pre-conceived notions. We look at past experiences together and how they impact the present. For parents, I offer coaching and suggestions for managing challenging behaviors, and understanding the impact of early childhood trauma of behavior. With younger children, I encourage learning about expression of feelings.
Katie Naftzger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02445
It can make all the difference to work with someone who specializes in adoption! I bring my personal experience as a Korean-adoptee and professional experience in working with hundreds of adoptees, parents and families.
I am the author of, "Parenting in the Eye of the Storm: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Navigating the Teen Years." I offer consultation and psychotherapy for individuals and families throughout the life cycle.
It can make all the difference to work with someone who specializes in adoption! I bring my personal experience as a Korean-adoptee and professional experience in working with hundreds of adoptees, parents and families.
I am the author of, "Parenting in the Eye of the Storm: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Navigating the Teen Years." I offer consultation and psychotherapy for individuals and families throughout the life cycle.
You are not alone! Children and adults who experience adoption, complicated divorce, sexual abuse or death feel hurt, helpless and scared. The good news is that with the right support you can create positive changes, feel better and learn to be more resilient! I am easy to talk to, patient and compassionate. I provide a warm and non judgmental environment while taking an active role and suggesting new perspectives. I focus on what is strong not what is wrong. Together we discover your or your child's inherent strength and collaborate to develop healthier attachments and improved confidence.
You are not alone! Children and adults who experience adoption, complicated divorce, sexual abuse or death feel hurt, helpless and scared. The good news is that with the right support you can create positive changes, feel better and learn to be more resilient! I am easy to talk to, patient and compassionate. I provide a warm and non judgmental environment while taking an active role and suggesting new perspectives. I focus on what is strong not what is wrong. Together we discover your or your child's inherent strength and collaborate to develop healthier attachments and improved confidence.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist, with 25 plus years of Clinical experience. I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, feelings of isolation, grief, relationship issues, and life stage transitions. Individuals and families facing parenting and adoption challenges are an additional focus of my practice. I also offer psychodynamically oriented Clinical Supervision to therapists at all levels of experience. I am committed to working with you to ensure therapy is financially accessible.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist, with 25 plus years of Clinical experience. I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, feelings of isolation, grief, relationship issues, and life stage transitions. Individuals and families facing parenting and adoption challenges are an additional focus of my practice. I also offer psychodynamically oriented Clinical Supervision to therapists at all levels of experience. I am committed to working with you to ensure therapy is financially accessible.
Marissa Dungan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Focusing her practice on couples, sexuality, and family systems, Marissa works with couples and families navigating relational dynamics. Marissa has worked with couples to rebuild trust and create new relational agreements. She has experience working with interracial, interfaith, and multicultural families. Marissa training includes working with desire, intimacy, infidelity, conflict management, and parenting. Marissa works with families (ages 14+), navigating topics including adoption, mental health, queerness, and disability. She also offers Individual therapy for those in the process of separating.
Focusing her practice on couples, sexuality, and family systems, Marissa works with couples and families navigating relational dynamics. Marissa has worked with couples to rebuild trust and create new relational agreements. She has experience working with interracial, interfaith, and multicultural families. Marissa training includes working with desire, intimacy, infidelity, conflict management, and parenting. Marissa works with families (ages 14+), navigating topics including adoption, mental health, queerness, and disability. She also offers Individual therapy for those in the process of separating.
With more than 25 years of experience, I have worked in various settings, including clinical, medical, and academic milieus, and with a diverse clientele in urban and rural areas. I have extensive expertise in treating those who face a range of challenges, including anxiety, stress, sadness and depressed mood, grief, family and life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, adoption, attachment-related concerns, OCD, chronic illness, and interpersonal struggles. Additionally, I work with clients seeking to deepen self-awareness, heal unresolved areas, and expand their capacity for meaningful connection and fulfillment.
With more than 25 years of experience, I have worked in various settings, including clinical, medical, and academic milieus, and with a diverse clientele in urban and rural areas. I have extensive expertise in treating those who face a range of challenges, including anxiety, stress, sadness and depressed mood, grief, family and life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, adoption, attachment-related concerns, OCD, chronic illness, and interpersonal struggles. Additionally, I work with clients seeking to deepen self-awareness, heal unresolved areas, and expand their capacity for meaningful connection and fulfillment.
Dr. Utley’s primary areas of interest include: General and social anxiety, depression, trauma, binge eating, life transitions, relationship concerns, family difficulties, and bolstering general life satisfaction. He has a special interest in international adoption and minority identity development, Dr. Utley utilizes a client-centered and evidence-based approach that is flexible based on the client’s cultural background and presenting concerns. He incorporates Emotion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy frameworks when working with clients.
Dr. Utley’s primary areas of interest include: General and social anxiety, depression, trauma, binge eating, life transitions, relationship concerns, family difficulties, and bolstering general life satisfaction. He has a special interest in international adoption and minority identity development, Dr. Utley utilizes a client-centered and evidence-based approach that is flexible based on the client’s cultural background and presenting concerns. He incorporates Emotion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy frameworks when working with clients.
A few of my specialties are; Anxiety disorder, Depression , Mood disorder, Trauma, Relationship building, Interpersonal skills, ADHD/Behavioral problems, Adoption/Infertility, Parenting Support.
I treat an array of ages and psychological issues from anxiety disorder to behavioral challenges with children, adolescents and adults. I am processed oriented and offer skill building strategies to enhance self-awareness and foster positive change.
A few of my specialties are; Anxiety disorder, Depression , Mood disorder, Trauma, Relationship building, Interpersonal skills, ADHD/Behavioral problems, Adoption/Infertility, Parenting Support.
I treat an array of ages and psychological issues from anxiety disorder to behavioral challenges with children, adolescents and adults. I am processed oriented and offer skill building strategies to enhance self-awareness and foster positive change.
Robin A Haas Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02130 (Online Only)
Many come seeking guidance when struggling with coming out, transitioning, grief, sadness, loss, parenting issues, eating disorders, relationships, gay and lesbian issues, adoption and foster care issues, ACOA issues, career and job transition, and many other issues.
Have you ever wondered what life could be like if ... ? Have you ever wanted to experience living life feeling freer and happier, less stuck and more effective in your relationships? I can work with you as you transform your life. I provide counseling and life coaching in a warm and supportive environment. I am a nonbinary queer clinician and life coach who will work with you to gain clarity about what you really want out of, and in, your own life. We will work together to define your dreams, hopes, and desires and establish a plan to help you achieve your goals.
Many come seeking guidance when struggling with coming out, transitioning, grief, sadness, loss, parenting issues, eating disorders, relationships, gay and lesbian issues, adoption and foster care issues, ACOA issues, career and job transition, and many other issues.
Have you ever wondered what life could be like if ... ? Have you ever wanted to experience living life feeling freer and happier, less stuck and more effective in your relationships? I can work with you as you transform your life. I provide counseling and life coaching in a warm and supportive environment. I am a nonbinary queer clinician and life coach who will work with you to gain clarity about what you really want out of, and in, your own life. We will work together to define your dreams, hopes, and desires and establish a plan to help you achieve your goals.
See more therapy options for Allston
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Allston
- Belmont
- Boston
- Brighton
- Brookline
- Brookline Village
- Cambridge
- Chestnut Hill
- Jamaica Plain
- Newton
- Newton Centre
- Somerville
- Watertown
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.