Adoption Therapists in Needham, MA

Photo of Debra N. Olshever, MEd, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debra N. Olshever
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
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.
(508) 348-7205 View (508) 348-7205
Photo of Nellie Broderick, LICSW, SAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nellie Broderick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02494  (Online Only)
I commend you for engaging in the timely, sometimes daunting, and perhaps exciting process of seeking out therapy, for yourself or for a loved one. A trusting therapeutic relationship is essential. I will work to establish a safe, supportive environment for you to share, process and discuss your innermost thoughts and emotions. I currently work full-time at a public high school as an adjustment counselor. I previously worked as a clinical social worker at a domestic adoption agency and a partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program.
I commend you for engaging in the timely, sometimes daunting, and perhaps exciting process of seeking out therapy, for yourself or for a loved one. A trusting therapeutic relationship is essential. I will work to establish a safe, supportive environment for you to share, process and discuss your innermost thoughts and emotions. I currently work full-time at a public high school as an adjustment counselor. I previously worked as a clinical social worker at a domestic adoption agency and a partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program.
(617) 404-2438 View (617) 404-2438
Photo of Sandra Duggan, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sandra Duggan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02192  (Online Only)
I work with individuals and couples experiencing many different struggles in areas that include Depression, Anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, adoption issues, ADHD, family stressors, transitions in families, job changes, interpersonal struggles, identity issues and much more.
I have over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for couples, adolescents, adults and families. My style is interactive, warm and compassionate. I offer easily usable strategies along with deeper dives to help improve how a client is feeling. I believe in using clients' strengths to help inform the work we do together. I believe in understanding what is going well as well as understanding where people are struggling. I have a strong respect for all of my clients and believe in providing a safe, trusting environment so clients have space to discuss what feels challenging at this time.
I work with individuals and couples experiencing many different struggles in areas that include Depression, Anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, adoption issues, ADHD, family stressors, transitions in families, job changes, interpersonal struggles, identity issues and much more.
I have over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for couples, adolescents, adults and families. My style is interactive, warm and compassionate. I offer easily usable strategies along with deeper dives to help improve how a client is feeling. I believe in using clients' strengths to help inform the work we do together. I believe in understanding what is going well as well as understanding where people are struggling. I have a strong respect for all of my clients and believe in providing a safe, trusting environment so clients have space to discuss what feels challenging at this time.
(617) 420-7545 View (617) 420-7545
Photo of Jackie Washington, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jackie Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02192
Treatment with specific populations include: substance abuse, co-parenting/blended families, interracial adoption, new parents, challenging adolescents, and children with a history of trauma.
Welcome! My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, warm, safe space for individuals and families to process their thoughts, feelings, obstacles, and traumas. Whether it’s every day stressors, debilitating anxiety, depression, or significant family conflict, my hope is that the therapeutic process will provide insight and skills for my clients to live their best lives.
Treatment with specific populations include: substance abuse, co-parenting/blended families, interracial adoption, new parents, challenging adolescents, and children with a history of trauma.
Welcome! My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, warm, safe space for individuals and families to process their thoughts, feelings, obstacles, and traumas. Whether it’s every day stressors, debilitating anxiety, depression, or significant family conflict, my hope is that the therapeutic process will provide insight and skills for my clients to live their best lives.
(781) 705-7321 View (781) 705-7321
Photo of Michelle Hoffman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I offer either parent coaching or full family therapy around topics such as ADHD, late diagnosed autism, adoption, chronic dysregulation, emerging borderline personality disorder, anxiety/depression, or school refusal.
Do you feel like nothing you say or do with your teenager is right? Are you worried about your child's safety, their behavior, and/or their future? Trying to effectively parent a struggling teenager can be incredibly challenging. Whether your teen is engaging in unsafe behaviors, won't go to school, or is constantly dysregulated, the pressure this puts on parents and siblings can be overwhelming. I help families/parents/individuals identify what their therapeutic goals are, what is getting in the way of meeting those goals, and what needs to happen to create a safer, healthier family that can move forward together.
I offer either parent coaching or full family therapy around topics such as ADHD, late diagnosed autism, adoption, chronic dysregulation, emerging borderline personality disorder, anxiety/depression, or school refusal.
Do you feel like nothing you say or do with your teenager is right? Are you worried about your child's safety, their behavior, and/or their future? Trying to effectively parent a struggling teenager can be incredibly challenging. Whether your teen is engaging in unsafe behaviors, won't go to school, or is constantly dysregulated, the pressure this puts on parents and siblings can be overwhelming. I help families/parents/individuals identify what their therapeutic goals are, what is getting in the way of meeting those goals, and what needs to happen to create a safer, healthier family that can move forward together.
(508) 978-3719 View (508) 978-3719
Photo of Alison Ratner Mayer, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alison Ratner Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
At Child Therapy Boston, we have a passion for working with children, teens, siblings, families and groups. We are confident that we can help individuals and families struggling with diagnoses including ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Attachment. We enjoy working with clients who are struggling with self-esteem, family relationships, grief and loss, bullying, life transitions, and stress management. We also offer specialized counseling for LGBTQIA+ youth.
At Child Therapy Boston, we have a passion for working with children, teens, siblings, families and groups. We are confident that we can help individuals and families struggling with diagnoses including ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Attachment. We enjoy working with clients who are struggling with self-esteem, family relationships, grief and loss, bullying, life transitions, and stress management. We also offer specialized counseling for LGBTQIA+ youth.
(781) 471-4302 View (781) 471-4302
Photo of Lauren Auwood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren Auwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
Are you a millennial mom noticing motherhood is a lot harder than you thought it would be? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of being the "perfect" mom who can do it all while managing relationships with your in-laws or extended family? Are you struggling to find a balance between your own needs and the expectations placed on you by others? I’m here to help you navigate these challenges, heal from past wounds, and become the mom & person you want to be.
Are you a millennial mom noticing motherhood is a lot harder than you thought it would be? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of being the "perfect" mom who can do it all while managing relationships with your in-laws or extended family? Are you struggling to find a balance between your own needs and the expectations placed on you by others? I’m here to help you navigate these challenges, heal from past wounds, and become the mom & person you want to be.
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Photo of Barbara Weinberg, MEd, EdD, Psychologist
Barbara Weinberg
Psychologist, MEd, EdD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
I am a clinical psychologist who has been working with children, adolescents and adults for over 25 years. I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches in order to target your child's and your family's unique set of needs. Depending on your child's age and challenges, my approach blends components of developmental psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, family systems and neuropsychology. I specialize in helping children learn strategies for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, depression, learning/developmental disabilities, Autism, and ADHD, to name a few.
I am a clinical psychologist who has been working with children, adolescents and adults for over 25 years. I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches in order to target your child's and your family's unique set of needs. Depending on your child's age and challenges, my approach blends components of developmental psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, family systems and neuropsychology. I specialize in helping children learn strategies for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, depression, learning/developmental disabilities, Autism, and ADHD, to name a few.
(508) 928-9066 View (508) 928-9066
Photo of Angeline Maughan, PhD, Psychologist
Angeline Maughan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I specialize in the treatment of maternal depression (both prenatal and postpartum), with a specific focus on reducing depressive symptoms, improving relationships, and creating lasting change. Many women come to therapy feeling stuck or trapped in the confines of their depression, and often hopeless about freeing themselves from their feelings of sadness and despair. I believe that everyone, despite current challenges, has the capacity to improve their lives and enjoy a rich and meaningful life. Therapy provides the help and support to formulate a way out of whatever is holding you back from having the life you want.
I specialize in the treatment of maternal depression (both prenatal and postpartum), with a specific focus on reducing depressive symptoms, improving relationships, and creating lasting change. Many women come to therapy feeling stuck or trapped in the confines of their depression, and often hopeless about freeing themselves from their feelings of sadness and despair. I believe that everyone, despite current challenges, has the capacity to improve their lives and enjoy a rich and meaningful life. Therapy provides the help and support to formulate a way out of whatever is holding you back from having the life you want.
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Photo of Beryl Ann Cowan, PhD, Psychologist
Beryl Ann Cowan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
Stressful experiences, challenging behaviors, and emotional distress can impact all ages, beginning with very young children. As a clinical psychologist, my focus is to provide compassionate care and strength based support to children, teens, and families as well as adults. I am experienced treating anxiety, mood and trauma related disorders, as well as relationship issues. My treatment approach starts with an assessment of each person’s needs. Having received post doctoral training as a child and family therapist, I work through an array of cognitive behavioral interventions, expressive and talk therapies and psycho-education with ages three and older.
Stressful experiences, challenging behaviors, and emotional distress can impact all ages, beginning with very young children. As a clinical psychologist, my focus is to provide compassionate care and strength based support to children, teens, and families as well as adults. I am experienced treating anxiety, mood and trauma related disorders, as well as relationship issues. My treatment approach starts with an assessment of each person’s needs. Having received post doctoral training as a child and family therapist, I work through an array of cognitive behavioral interventions, expressive and talk therapies and psycho-education with ages three and older.
(617) 544-3982 View (617) 544-3982
Photo of Judith A. Swack, PhD
Judith A. Swack
PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I believe we all have a soul that is radiant and beautiful. Our souls are currently embodied in human form for two reasons: to manifest our soul mission and to experience the fullness of life. If you are not on track with your soul mission or are not getting the desired results in some area of your life, then there must be some type of interference pattern causing a misalignment between the conscious, unconscious, body and/or soul levels. The methodology I developed, Healing from the Body Level Up, clears these interference patterns from all levels quickly, painlessly and permanently.
I believe we all have a soul that is radiant and beautiful. Our souls are currently embodied in human form for two reasons: to manifest our soul mission and to experience the fullness of life. If you are not on track with your soul mission or are not getting the desired results in some area of your life, then there must be some type of interference pattern causing a misalignment between the conscious, unconscious, body and/or soul levels. The methodology I developed, Healing from the Body Level Up, clears these interference patterns from all levels quickly, painlessly and permanently.
(781) 236-3467 View (781) 236-3467
Photo of Jolene F Ross - Advanced Neurotherapy, PC, PhD, Psychologist
Advanced Neurotherapy, PC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494  (Online Only)
Do you want to feel better? Do you want to do better in life, career, workplace, family, and/or relationships? I am a licensed Psychologist focused on results. My services are tailored to address your unique needs, encompassing a spectrum of therapeutic interventions from cognitive behavior therapy, behavioral medicine, parent coaching, anxiety management, and psychotherapy to advanced techniques like EMDR and Interactive Guided Imagery. I bring a holistic and brain-based approach to my practice, recognizing the diversity of challenges my clients face.
Do you want to feel better? Do you want to do better in life, career, workplace, family, and/or relationships? I am a licensed Psychologist focused on results. My services are tailored to address your unique needs, encompassing a spectrum of therapeutic interventions from cognitive behavior therapy, behavioral medicine, parent coaching, anxiety management, and psychotherapy to advanced techniques like EMDR and Interactive Guided Imagery. I bring a holistic and brain-based approach to my practice, recognizing the diversity of challenges my clients face.
(781) 519-2458 View (781) 519-2458
Photo of Bianca Grace, MA, LMHC
Bianca Grace
MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
My life’s work is focused on shining the light upon psychological influences that bind us to the past and affect our present life situations in a patterned, repetitive and unconscious ways. I will help you to develop a deeper understanding of your internal conflicts, which will have a positive effect on your overall state-of-mind, mood, emotions, and ultimately your future.
My life’s work is focused on shining the light upon psychological influences that bind us to the past and affect our present life situations in a patterned, repetitive and unconscious ways. I will help you to develop a deeper understanding of your internal conflicts, which will have a positive effect on your overall state-of-mind, mood, emotions, and ultimately your future.
(508) 206-9846 View (508) 206-9846
Photo of Margo Porter, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margo Porter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
I am an interactive, insight-oriented and solution-focused therapist. With compassion and understanding, I will work with you to help you build on your strengths, and attain the personal growth you are looking for.
I am an interactive, insight-oriented and solution-focused therapist. With compassion and understanding, I will work with you to help you build on your strengths, and attain the personal growth you are looking for.
(781) 518-0163 View (781) 518-0163
Photo of Dr. Jennifer Hermes, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jennifer Hermes
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
Hello! I am a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in assessment, consultation, and treatment of children and adolescents. A primary emphasis of my clinical work is supporting young children (as young as 12 months of age) and their families, as well as consulting with providers and educators. Therapeutically, I aim to act as an advocate to ensure children receive necessary supports and services, as well as provide parenting support and individual therapy. I treat children and adolescents, as well as provide direct support to parents regarding their children's emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
Hello! I am a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in assessment, consultation, and treatment of children and adolescents. A primary emphasis of my clinical work is supporting young children (as young as 12 months of age) and their families, as well as consulting with providers and educators. Therapeutically, I aim to act as an advocate to ensure children receive necessary supports and services, as well as provide parenting support and individual therapy. I treat children and adolescents, as well as provide direct support to parents regarding their children's emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
(617) 533-0212 View (617) 533-0212
Photo of Alan S Jacobson, PsyD, MBA, Psychologist
Alan S Jacobson
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been treating adolescents, adults, couples, and families for over 20 years. I am trained in a wide variety of techniques that are designed to produce measurable and meaningful results. I also work with families and couples to help improve or repair relationships. My approach is positive, empathic, and solution-focused. Therapy results should not be a mystery - it should be clear that it works as you feel better, reach goals, and set new ones.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been treating adolescents, adults, couples, and families for over 20 years. I am trained in a wide variety of techniques that are designed to produce measurable and meaningful results. I also work with families and couples to help improve or repair relationships. My approach is positive, empathic, and solution-focused. Therapy results should not be a mystery - it should be clear that it works as you feel better, reach goals, and set new ones.
(617) 767-0148 View (617) 767-0148
Photo of Judith Levin, EdD, Psychologist
Judith Levin
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
One of the great joys of my work is the opportunity to help people create lives with greater meaning and purpose. Many of my clients are dealing with the "normal challenges of living." I work collaboratively with them, and while their current circumstances may be quite difficult, they transform their suffering by developing greater resilience. Through our work, my clients learn to make problems more manageable, gain greater clarity regarding their feelings and needs, and improve their communication skills. They learn to make choices that move their lives in better directions.
One of the great joys of my work is the opportunity to help people create lives with greater meaning and purpose. Many of my clients are dealing with the "normal challenges of living." I work collaboratively with them, and while their current circumstances may be quite difficult, they transform their suffering by developing greater resilience. Through our work, my clients learn to make problems more manageable, gain greater clarity regarding their feelings and needs, and improve their communication skills. They learn to make choices that move their lives in better directions.
(617) 682-9197 View (617) 682-9197
Photo of Aviva R Bock, MA, EdM, CCMHC, LMHC, Counselor
Aviva R Bock
Counselor, MA, EdM, CCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
(617) 446-3042 View (617) 446-3042
Photo of Amanda Zurick, PsyD, Psychologist
Amanda Zurick
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02494
I am currently accepting new supervisees. I offer supervision/consultation for mental health professionals pursuing licensure in MA and licensed early career professionals. I believe therapy works best when a client and therapist are able to develop a genuine connection. Change happens in the context of trusting relationships. I strive to provide a warm, empathic and supportive environment that fosters clients' ability to explore their inner experiences and make positive changes in their lives. It is a privilege to hear clients' unique stories and work with people to create the change they want to see in their lives.
I am currently accepting new supervisees. I offer supervision/consultation for mental health professionals pursuing licensure in MA and licensed early career professionals. I believe therapy works best when a client and therapist are able to develop a genuine connection. Change happens in the context of trusting relationships. I strive to provide a warm, empathic and supportive environment that fosters clients' ability to explore their inner experiences and make positive changes in their lives. It is a privilege to hear clients' unique stories and work with people to create the change they want to see in their lives.
(617) 675-5992 View (617) 675-5992
Photo of Christopher Pagano, Psychologist
Christopher Pagano
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
For over 25 years I have helped adults, couples, teens and children find ways to manage anxiety, depression and trauma in order to achieve an increased capacity for enjoyment in relationships and life. I strive to create a safe environment, where taking risks to connect with emotions leads to increased insight and motivation to change. I take an active approach to help clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. When treating children, I work closely with parents, providing careful guidance about how to help their child develop and thrive.
For over 25 years I have helped adults, couples, teens and children find ways to manage anxiety, depression and trauma in order to achieve an increased capacity for enjoyment in relationships and life. I strive to create a safe environment, where taking risks to connect with emotions leads to increased insight and motivation to change. I take an active approach to help clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. When treating children, I work closely with parents, providing careful guidance about how to help their child develop and thrive.
(617) 944-1025 View (617) 944-1025
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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.