Adoption Therapists in Cambridge, MA
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.
Jessica Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139 (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.
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.
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.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to create a collaborative space, where my patients feel safe to explore a range of topics. I have a particular interest in addressing feelings of anxiety, depression, and disconnect, and together we will explore how these feelings may impact broader life milestones, such as transitions in school and/or vocation, changes in relationships, and geographic re- location (immigration, adoption, or otherwise). I always consider how socio-political context affects your development and experience, and how these contexts intersect with the multifaceted aspects of one's identity.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to create a collaborative space, where my patients feel safe to explore a range of topics. I have a particular interest in addressing feelings of anxiety, depression, and disconnect, and together we will explore how these feelings may impact broader life milestones, such as transitions in school and/or vocation, changes in relationships, and geographic re- location (immigration, adoption, or otherwise). I always consider how socio-political context affects your development and experience, and how these contexts intersect with the multifaceted aspects of one's identity.
I specialize in multicultural treatment, identity development, trauma, depression, anxiety, work issues, life transitions, parenting issues, adoption, fertility issues, gender issues and sexuality.
I have been in private practice in the Boston/Cambridge area for 35 years working with adults and adolescents, couples and families. I work with clients utilizing a trauma informed lens as well as elements of liberation psychology. I feel all clinical work must begin with a thorough understanding of a client's multiple identities and how those identities interact within their communities and the larger culture. My work and my passion are embedded in a deep commitment to social justice.
I specialize in multicultural treatment, identity development, trauma, depression, anxiety, work issues, life transitions, parenting issues, adoption, fertility issues, gender issues and sexuality.
I have been in private practice in the Boston/Cambridge area for 35 years working with adults and adolescents, couples and families. I work with clients utilizing a trauma informed lens as well as elements of liberation psychology. I feel all clinical work must begin with a thorough understanding of a client's multiple identities and how those identities interact within their communities and the larger culture. My work and my passion are embedded in a deep commitment to social justice.
Jennifer Royster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
Jennifer Royster is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan. She has 9 years experience in a variety of settings supporting clients through acute medical concerns, family dynamics, birth, adoption, substance use disorders, mental illness, end of life, and bereavement. Jennifer completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Salem State University. She also completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communications.
Jennifer Royster is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan. She has 9 years experience in a variety of settings supporting clients through acute medical concerns, family dynamics, birth, adoption, substance use disorders, mental illness, end of life, and bereavement. Jennifer completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Salem State University. She also completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communications.
My clinical specialties include Jungian psychology, working with artists from many different mediums on creativity and the psychological process; working in the psychology of Adoption, including search and reunion issues, identity issues and Genetic Sexual Attraction.
For over 35 years I have been providing patients with a safe space that is mutually created together through a trusting connection built to hold whatever you bring into therapy. My focus is on longer term therapy that is aimed at achieving real and lasting change in one's life. It is also my experience that once many of the initial issues are worked through, whether they are older emotional wounds or current relationship issues, that ultimately what will emerge are your own unique qualities that will allow you to flourish in all aspects of your life.
My clinical specialties include Jungian psychology, working with artists from many different mediums on creativity and the psychological process; working in the psychology of Adoption, including search and reunion issues, identity issues and Genetic Sexual Attraction.
For over 35 years I have been providing patients with a safe space that is mutually created together through a trusting connection built to hold whatever you bring into therapy. My focus is on longer term therapy that is aimed at achieving real and lasting change in one's life. It is also my experience that once many of the initial issues are worked through, whether they are older emotional wounds or current relationship issues, that ultimately what will emerge are your own unique qualities that will allow you to flourish in all aspects of your life.
Laura Christine Joyce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, LICSW, JD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I also have extensive background and knowledge of the law (I am also a lawyer) as well as adoption and foster care.
I am a warm, empathic therapist who will help you see results and progress in your day to day life. I have never met a client I do not have hope for and have not seen make positive changes in their life. I specialize in seeing college/graduate students, young adults, young couples and young parents working through modern day challenges. I also help family's in the midst of crises (divorce, a child with a diagnosis of mental illness or struggling at college, substance abuse, legal issues, etc.)
I also have extensive background and knowledge of the law (I am also a lawyer) as well as adoption and foster care.
I am a warm, empathic therapist who will help you see results and progress in your day to day life. I have never met a client I do not have hope for and have not seen make positive changes in their life. I specialize in seeing college/graduate students, young adults, young couples and young parents working through modern day challenges. I also help family's in the midst of crises (divorce, a child with a diagnosis of mental illness or struggling at college, substance abuse, legal issues, etc.)
Annie Olinick
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138 (Online Only)
I have a specialized background in perinatal issues including miscarriage, abortion, infertility, adoption, birth trauma, baby-blues and post-partum depression/anxiety.
No current openings in my practice. My approach is based on respect, empathy, sensitivity and honesty. I believe in the integration of the mind and body in order to create change, growth and healing. I value your awareness, knowledge and self-insight as an integral part of our work together. I use a dynamic approach to therapy and include EMDR, mindfulness and psychodrama. I work with clients across a wide range of ages, backgrounds and presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, jealousy, anger, panic, phobias, trauma, relationship/family conflicts, sexuality/sexual identity, polyamory and parenting challenges.
I have a specialized background in perinatal issues including miscarriage, abortion, infertility, adoption, birth trauma, baby-blues and post-partum depression/anxiety.
No current openings in my practice. My approach is based on respect, empathy, sensitivity and honesty. I believe in the integration of the mind and body in order to create change, growth and healing. I value your awareness, knowledge and self-insight as an integral part of our work together. I use a dynamic approach to therapy and include EMDR, mindfulness and psychodrama. I work with clients across a wide range of ages, backgrounds and presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, jealousy, anger, panic, phobias, trauma, relationship/family conflicts, sexuality/sexual identity, polyamory and parenting challenges.
Marissa Dungan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02140
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.
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Carol Patricia Hodson
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Danica Aldrich
Karen Jo Dilley
I am a deeply compassionate person, who has counseled clients of all ages and backgrounds. I received my doctorate from Boston University and served my inpatient internship in clinical psychology at the Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Mental Health Center. I for many years have been in private practice and also managed a number of counseling and social service agencies in MA and ME.
I am a deeply compassionate person, who has counseled clients of all ages and backgrounds. I received my doctorate from Boston University and served my inpatient internship in clinical psychology at the Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Mental Health Center. I for many years have been in private practice and also managed a number of counseling and social service agencies in MA and ME.
Seana Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138 (Online Only)
I work with people who long to feel more at home with themselves and in their lives. My clients are curious, self-reflective and have experienced things that leave them feeling hurt, fearful and alone. During sessions we may encounter powerful gates of self-discovery like grief, anger, and shame. Together we get to know these parts of you, approach them with kindness, release painful stories and make meaning. Clients leave sessions feeling closer to themselves, able to move through their lives with clarity and presence.
I work with people who long to feel more at home with themselves and in their lives. My clients are curious, self-reflective and have experienced things that leave them feeling hurt, fearful and alone. During sessions we may encounter powerful gates of self-discovery like grief, anger, and shame. Together we get to know these parts of you, approach them with kindness, release painful stories and make meaning. Clients leave sessions feeling closer to themselves, able to move through their lives with clarity and presence.
It can be challenging and scary to seek counseling and to take the first steps toward desired change. Being aware of that, Latrese is grateful and eager about the opportunity to meet people where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.
It can be challenging and scary to seek counseling and to take the first steps toward desired change. Being aware of that, Latrese is grateful and eager about the opportunity to meet people where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.
Kelly Cunha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02142 (Online Only)
I'm Kelly! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts. I received my MSW from Boston University and have been practicing for 13 years. I love my job and hope my passion and enthusiasm comes through. I have a poster in my office that says “Good morning. Eyes up. Hearts up. Mind sharp. Compassion on full blast. (sips coffee) Okay let’s go” a favorite tweet of mine from the inimitable Lin Manuel Miranda. This mantra helps to center me and reminds me that there is almost nothing we can’t do with a little compassion (and some coffee!).
I'm Kelly! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts. I received my MSW from Boston University and have been practicing for 13 years. I love my job and hope my passion and enthusiasm comes through. I have a poster in my office that says “Good morning. Eyes up. Hearts up. Mind sharp. Compassion on full blast. (sips coffee) Okay let’s go” a favorite tweet of mine from the inimitable Lin Manuel Miranda. This mantra helps to center me and reminds me that there is almost nothing we can’t do with a little compassion (and some coffee!).
Mandy Read
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
Waitlist for new clients
I am able to create a warm, comfortable space through active listening along with genuine curiosity to establish a feeling of ease within the therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a collaborative environment in which you are the expert of your own experiences.
I am able to create a warm, comfortable space through active listening along with genuine curiosity to establish a feeling of ease within the therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a collaborative environment in which you are the expert of your own experiences.
Dr. Michael Stokes Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139
Do you find yourself wanting more our of your sex life? Perhaps greater intimacy with your partner(s)? I am a sex therapist who works with folx of all genders and sexual orientations. I can treat porn addiction, sex addiction, sexual dysfunctions, and other types of sexual intimacy difficulties. Let's face it, finding a therapist who can connect with can be a daunting process. You want someone who is easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and someone you can trust. I have worked with thousands of clients who are looking to improve their sex life and increase intimacy within their relationships.
Do you find yourself wanting more our of your sex life? Perhaps greater intimacy with your partner(s)? I am a sex therapist who works with folx of all genders and sexual orientations. I can treat porn addiction, sex addiction, sexual dysfunctions, and other types of sexual intimacy difficulties. Let's face it, finding a therapist who can connect with can be a daunting process. You want someone who is easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and someone you can trust. I have worked with thousands of clients who are looking to improve their sex life and increase intimacy within their relationships.
Are you stuck in your life, work and or relationships? I will work with you to get unstuck by supporting you, guiding you, and helping you to connect past and present so you can create a better future.I believe important changes will take place in a relationship with a caring and skilled therapist. Let me use what I've learned in 30+ years as a therapist to help you.
Are you stuck in your life, work and or relationships? I will work with you to get unstuck by supporting you, guiding you, and helping you to connect past and present so you can create a better future.I believe important changes will take place in a relationship with a caring and skilled therapist. Let me use what I've learned in 30+ years as a therapist to help you.
My ideal client is often a little uncomfortable internally, manifested as anxiety or depression. Often, clients I work best with have a complex childhood that can filter into current relationships. My clients often love objective data (like I do) and will measure key components of their care to understand if they are improving over time.
My ideal client is often a little uncomfortable internally, manifested as anxiety or depression. Often, clients I work best with have a complex childhood that can filter into current relationships. My clients often love objective data (like I do) and will measure key components of their care to understand if they are improving over time.
Aimee Lim-Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02238 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life is a journey of continual self-discovery, filled with challenges, stressors, and moments of adjustment. Sometimes, these demands become overwhelming, and navigating them alone can feel overwhelming. As a therapist, I offer client-centered psychotherapy and consultation services for adults. My expertise lies in assisting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, stressful life situations, relationship difficulties, and adjustments to life changes. Grounded in developmental, cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and internal family systems (IFS) theories, my approach is focused on the client, practical, and strength-based.
Life is a journey of continual self-discovery, filled with challenges, stressors, and moments of adjustment. Sometimes, these demands become overwhelming, and navigating them alone can feel overwhelming. As a therapist, I offer client-centered psychotherapy and consultation services for adults. My expertise lies in assisting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, stressful life situations, relationship difficulties, and adjustments to life changes. Grounded in developmental, cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and internal family systems (IFS) theories, my approach is focused on the client, practical, and strength-based.
See more therapy options for Cambridge
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Cambridge
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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.