Adoption Therapists in West Roxbury, MA
![Photo of Michelle A Novelle, PhD, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4982ced8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle A Novelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Roxbury, MA 02132
* 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.
![Photo of Isadora Howard-Karp, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3760c66-e759-44f7-ad5d-414cb1ab7b69/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience with mental illness, adoption, attachment, gender transition, and generational trauma.
I’m a licensed mental health clinician with current daytime openings. I see adults experiencing major life transitions, struggling through difficult periods, or working to break old patterns. I work with children experiencing anxiety, impulsivity, or friendships and I work with parents to help them support their child and adapt their parenting to meet their child's needs. I am LGBTQ+-affirming, direct, caring, and insightful, and I love to use humor in my approach.
I have experience with mental illness, adoption, attachment, gender transition, and generational trauma.
I’m a licensed mental health clinician with current daytime openings. I see adults experiencing major life transitions, struggling through difficult periods, or working to break old patterns. I work with children experiencing anxiety, impulsivity, or friendships and I work with parents to help them support their child and adapt their parenting to meet their child's needs. I am LGBTQ+-affirming, direct, caring, and insightful, and I love to use humor in my approach.
![Photo of Carol Abizaid, MFA, MA, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc030972-9104-4871-991c-1bb8d6d467a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Abizaid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, MA, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Roxbury, MA 02132 (Online Only)
If you are experiencing difficulties with barriers and obstacles impacted by past trauma, memories, and sustained traumatic affect, and are motivated to enhance your life experience, we will work together to find the path which moves you forward. By using different methods to tune into what feels most organic to your process, we will work together to find the most effective way to reach sustainable emotional growth to increase self regulation and self reliance. I hold BA from Brown Univ., MFA from U. of Calif., Riverside in Experimental Choreography: traumatic memory, MA in Trauma & Violence Studies from NYU, and MSW Fordham Univ.
If you are experiencing difficulties with barriers and obstacles impacted by past trauma, memories, and sustained traumatic affect, and are motivated to enhance your life experience, we will work together to find the path which moves you forward. By using different methods to tune into what feels most organic to your process, we will work together to find the most effective way to reach sustainable emotional growth to increase self regulation and self reliance. I hold BA from Brown Univ., MFA from U. of Calif., Riverside in Experimental Choreography: traumatic memory, MA in Trauma & Violence Studies from NYU, and MSW Fordham Univ.
![Photo of Shira Karman, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcc8536-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In private practice for many years, at the center of my work is my empathy, warmth and clarity. The roots of my work are grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, body-centered psychotherapy and expressive arts therapy. With this foundation I can be ally and guide to clients addressing issues of loss, trauma, the challenges of relationship, work, creativity blocks, illnesses, adoption and parenting. I strive to create a sacred space with clients where the insight, safety and intention needed for change, growth and transformation are possible.
In private practice for many years, at the center of my work is my empathy, warmth and clarity. The roots of my work are grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, body-centered psychotherapy and expressive arts therapy. With this foundation I can be ally and guide to clients addressing issues of loss, trauma, the challenges of relationship, work, creativity blocks, illnesses, adoption and parenting. I strive to create a sacred space with clients where the insight, safety and intention needed for change, growth and transformation are possible.
![Photo of Debbi S Shamon, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e680c3a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Debbi S Shamon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Roxbury, MA 02132 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Additional areas of speciality include creating a family through adoption, especially adoption of an infant or toddler affected by trauma, neglect, or substance exposure.
NO CURRENT OPENINGS . I approach counseling and therapy as a collaborative, healing relationship. I am genuine, funny and thoughtful. I work with adults in all stages of life. One area of speciality includes supporting women and their partners as they transition to parenthood. I see parents individually or with their infants depending on need. Another area of expertise is trauma treatment. I utilize many different ways to support growth including trauma treatment, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I will work with you to find the compassion for yourself that you need to create the life you want to have.
Additional areas of speciality include creating a family through adoption, especially adoption of an infant or toddler affected by trauma, neglect, or substance exposure.
NO CURRENT OPENINGS . I approach counseling and therapy as a collaborative, healing relationship. I am genuine, funny and thoughtful. I work with adults in all stages of life. One area of speciality includes supporting women and their partners as they transition to parenthood. I see parents individually or with their infants depending on need. Another area of expertise is trauma treatment. I utilize many different ways to support growth including trauma treatment, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I will work with you to find the compassion for yourself that you need to create the life you want to have.
![Photo of Megan L McGrath, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7982b82b-6b46-4cdc-b8c7-8aaea7f102b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan L McGrath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Not accepting new clients
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker who received their undergraduate and graduate degree from Boston College. I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital before entering into private practice. I treat individuals from age 14 through adult and older adulthood, having completed clinical internships in graduate school at a school for children with special needs and the geriatric training program at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker who received their undergraduate and graduate degree from Boston College. I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital before entering into private practice. I treat individuals from age 14 through adult and older adulthood, having completed clinical internships in graduate school at a school for children with special needs and the geriatric training program at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Martha Lamb, EdM, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76f36b5a-8eeb-490b-a1ba-38b156d55e8a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked for more than 35 years with adults of all ages in college counseling centers, mental health clinics and for an international adoption agency.
Are things in your life different from what you expected or planned? Are you feeling worried, stressed and “locked in”? Need some place to share/discuss those feelings and make a better/different plan for yourself. Call and make an appointment. I’m thoughtful and listen well, and will help you cope and deal with today’s challenges.
I have worked for more than 35 years with adults of all ages in college counseling centers, mental health clinics and for an international adoption agency.
Are things in your life different from what you expected or planned? Are you feeling worried, stressed and “locked in”? Need some place to share/discuss those feelings and make a better/different plan for yourself. Call and make an appointment. I’m thoughtful and listen well, and will help you cope and deal with today’s challenges.
![Photo of Amy G Fleischer, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd7d4e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Robin Haas - Robin A Haas Coaching, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46999bcc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robin A Haas Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02132 (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.
![Photo of Nancy Inghilleri, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/132aeb83-77a4-4954-8cc3-0de79a507937/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Inghilleri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Roslindale, MA 02131 (Online Only)
I believe clients come to therapy looking for for someone who they can feel comfortable exploring their feelings with in a safe, caring, non judgmental space.It is very important to me that I create a place where my clients feel heard, understood and respected during our work together. I believe helping people live a life of greater authenticity is an important part of the therapeutic process. Using a strength based approach, our initial sessions would include creating goals for our work together.I work with both teens and adults who are dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions , adoption issues and trauma.
I believe clients come to therapy looking for for someone who they can feel comfortable exploring their feelings with in a safe, caring, non judgmental space.It is very important to me that I create a place where my clients feel heard, understood and respected during our work together. I believe helping people live a life of greater authenticity is an important part of the therapeutic process. Using a strength based approach, our initial sessions would include creating goals for our work together.I work with both teens and adults who are dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions , adoption issues and trauma.
![Photo of Marissa Dungan, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a3fe496-af43-420f-b0a4-9c128d172f47/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Seana Peterson, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbc348b1-e3d6-437f-a8ab-c56a236942b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seana Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dedham, MA 02026 (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.
![Photo of Kristin K Bowles - Inclusive Perspectives Counseling , MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dce6e66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Inclusive Perspectives Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dedham, MA 02026
At Inclusive Perspectives Counseling (formerly Kristin Bowles and Assoc.), we offer mental health services for children, adolescents, couples, families, and adults. We provide these services from trained therapists, social workers and mental health counselors with a wide array of expertise and therapeutic approaches. Our therapists provide psychotherapy, crisis counseling, maternal health and wellness counseling for those in need of social, emotional, and behavioral support. We engage in safe, culturally competent, racially sensitive, gender inclusive and evidenced based treatment to the community.
At Inclusive Perspectives Counseling (formerly Kristin Bowles and Assoc.), we offer mental health services for children, adolescents, couples, families, and adults. We provide these services from trained therapists, social workers and mental health counselors with a wide array of expertise and therapeutic approaches. Our therapists provide psychotherapy, crisis counseling, maternal health and wellness counseling for those in need of social, emotional, and behavioral support. We engage in safe, culturally competent, racially sensitive, gender inclusive and evidenced based treatment to the community.
![Photo of Mary Ledoux, PsyD, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/335a9d0d-9d20-4e89-a8db-80cfa10607ad/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Mary and I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with all ages, but find I am most passionate about working with children ages 3 and up. I have been a therapist for almost 20 years and have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient and residential settings. I have recently decided to add more clients to my caseload and am happy to help children navigate their feelings and experiences of the world- whether it be school issues, difficulties with peers, parents, life changes and beyond I help children be better advocates for their emotional needs
Welcome! My name is Mary and I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with all ages, but find I am most passionate about working with children ages 3 and up. I have been a therapist for almost 20 years and have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient and residential settings. I have recently decided to add more clients to my caseload and am happy to help children navigate their feelings and experiences of the world- whether it be school issues, difficulties with peers, parents, life changes and beyond I help children be better advocates for their emotional needs
![Photo of Annie Hawkinson, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b3b07a4-d93f-47b8-808f-485c42de6150/2/320x400.jpeg)
Annie Hawkinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dedham, MA 02026 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! Navigating life changes, especially when things don’t go as planned, can be overwhelming and traumatic. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are coping with anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt as they move through significant life events. Maybe you’re starting college and having a hard time making friends, re-living difficult childhood memories as you enter into a new relationship, or adjusting to parenthood after a complicated pregnancy. No matter what challenges you're facing, you don’t have to go through these ups and downs alone.
Accepting new clients! Navigating life changes, especially when things don’t go as planned, can be overwhelming and traumatic. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are coping with anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt as they move through significant life events. Maybe you’re starting college and having a hard time making friends, re-living difficult childhood memories as you enter into a new relationship, or adjusting to parenthood after a complicated pregnancy. No matter what challenges you're facing, you don’t have to go through these ups and downs alone.
![Photo of George J. Chip Bradish, LMHC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d890dbd0-6223-42c8-839e-0f8102e1d0c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
For over 25 years I have worked with individuals, couples, groups and families to help them find greater clarity and balance, equipping them with the critical skills they need to navigate the challenges of living in a face paced, digital and individualized world. I rely greatly on the tenants of IFS therapy and support that with a holistic and non-pathologizing outlook. I believe that we all carry a self healing drive, that, when supported correctly, leads to improved health and well being. For those with a spiritual bent or curiosity, I aim to bear witness to the intimacies and intricacies of your journey.
For over 25 years I have worked with individuals, couples, groups and families to help them find greater clarity and balance, equipping them with the critical skills they need to navigate the challenges of living in a face paced, digital and individualized world. I rely greatly on the tenants of IFS therapy and support that with a holistic and non-pathologizing outlook. I believe that we all carry a self healing drive, that, when supported correctly, leads to improved health and well being. For those with a spiritual bent or curiosity, I aim to bear witness to the intimacies and intricacies of your journey.
![Photo of Stephen C Duclos, MEd, CST, CRC, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eaa8026-9ec6-4137-8215-014c6eb8b7b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen C Duclos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, CST, CRC, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02131
I have been working with families and couples in various configurations and locations since 1972. In addition to being a Licensed Family Therapist, I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have taught courses in Ethics, Substance Abuse, Sexuality, and other subjects in the Graduate School Of Counseling at UMass/Boston. Primarily, my work is about family and couple relationships. In 2012, I was awarded the Schiller Prize for my work with fathers, daughters, and sexuality by AASECT. I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and train therapists.
I have been working with families and couples in various configurations and locations since 1972. In addition to being a Licensed Family Therapist, I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have taught courses in Ethics, Substance Abuse, Sexuality, and other subjects in the Graduate School Of Counseling at UMass/Boston. Primarily, my work is about family and couple relationships. In 2012, I was awarded the Schiller Prize for my work with fathers, daughters, and sexuality by AASECT. I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and train therapists.
![Photo of Lisa D Stapleton, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29c61a2c-ddf0-4b04-8649-2553ee7a5421/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I work with individual clients to manage stress, build more satisfying relationships, and increase self-esteem. I also work with parents to assist with balancing their needs while addressing the learning styles of their children. My practice would tend to be a good fit if you seek a warm, interactive style. My training includes cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and most importantly, mindfulness-based approaches. I believe that therapy is about honoring who you are now and bringing compassion and skills to live your best life. Please contact me at LisaDStapleton@gmail.com to schedule.
Welcome to my practice. I work with individual clients to manage stress, build more satisfying relationships, and increase self-esteem. I also work with parents to assist with balancing their needs while addressing the learning styles of their children. My practice would tend to be a good fit if you seek a warm, interactive style. My training includes cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and most importantly, mindfulness-based approaches. I believe that therapy is about honoring who you are now and bringing compassion and skills to live your best life. Please contact me at LisaDStapleton@gmail.com to schedule.
![Photo of Nance Aronoff - Nance Aronoff, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd5a12f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that good Supervision is a conduit for mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Having worked with individuals, couples and families I have seen my clients grow and change in the most positive and rewarding ways. In my practice I work closely with people to identify the changes they want to make in their lives. We then focus on the strengths that have helped them thus far and the challenges that have held them back. Effective supervision brings deep understanding of oneself, builds strong self-esteem, and provides an emotional, mental, and spiritual foundation for a gratifying and prosperous Psychotherapy Practice.
I believe that good Supervision is a conduit for mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Having worked with individuals, couples and families I have seen my clients grow and change in the most positive and rewarding ways. In my practice I work closely with people to identify the changes they want to make in their lives. We then focus on the strengths that have helped them thus far and the challenges that have held them back. Effective supervision brings deep understanding of oneself, builds strong self-esteem, and provides an emotional, mental, and spiritual foundation for a gratifying and prosperous Psychotherapy Practice.
![Photo of Hua Ou, LMHC, MA, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4408ade2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Grace Counseling, Hua Ou's private practice. You are unique, precious, and gifted with many strengths and experiences. In Grace Counseling, you are genuinely accepted as who you are, and empowered to achieve restoration and healing.
Welcome to Grace Counseling, Hua Ou's private practice. You are unique, precious, and gifted with many strengths and experiences. In Grace Counseling, you are genuinely accepted as who you are, and empowered to achieve restoration and healing.
See more therapy options for West Roxbury
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for West Roxbury
- Allston
- Brighton
- Brookline
- Brookline Village
- Chestnut Hill
- Dedham
- Jamaica Plain
- Milton
- Needham
- Newton
- Newton Centre
- Roslindale
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.