Therapists in Little Canada, MN
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![Photo of Natalie A Larson, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9d3af1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
![Photo of Hye-Kyong Kim - Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a80b9a6d-bdbd-4e12-8a6f-95eabb90b55a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
![Photo of Kelly Ann Pieper, LICSW, IMH-E®, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b664f18-d325-4e72-8a09-e69ce2b49538/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Ann Pieper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, IMH-E®
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55106
I work hard to connect and build trust with all children and families but have sub-specialty in early childhood and adoption/permanency work.
I am an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience in providing services to children and families. I have specific specialties in early childhood mental health and permanency/adoption concerns. I am trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI- CPP) for children under 6 and completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency program through the UMN in early 2015. My approach integrates a broad spectrum of modalities based on the child’s development, age, needs, presenting concerns. I believe strongly in the need to integrate family and work to involve caregivers at every step.
I work hard to connect and build trust with all children and families but have sub-specialty in early childhood and adoption/permanency work.
I am an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience in providing services to children and families. I have specific specialties in early childhood mental health and permanency/adoption concerns. I am trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI- CPP) for children under 6 and completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency program through the UMN in early 2015. My approach integrates a broad spectrum of modalities based on the child’s development, age, needs, presenting concerns. I believe strongly in the need to integrate family and work to involve caregivers at every step.
![Photo of Jessica Olson (Licensened In Mn And Wi), LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c55f400-a7b7-4fbe-ad96-1ad79c744805/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Olson (Licensened In Mn And Wi)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55117 (Online Only)
Areas that I specialize in include: working with all types of families; adoptive, foster, and kinship, adult/youth adoptees (adoption competent therapist), transracial parenting, communication/conflict, life transitions, childhood trauma, child development, as well as self-esteem depression, anxiety, PTSD and experiences of trauma.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand. I like to provide validation, exploration, and support. First timers to therapy and those taking the leap to try out therapy again seem to appreciate my style. Whether you are rediscovering yourself, going through a stressful time, wanting to process trauma, etc., I'll be here alongside you. I consider the family system, childhood/caregiver attachment, parenting styles, generational trauma, systemic racism, larger society, etc. and all these impacts.
Areas that I specialize in include: working with all types of families; adoptive, foster, and kinship, adult/youth adoptees (adoption competent therapist), transracial parenting, communication/conflict, life transitions, childhood trauma, child development, as well as self-esteem depression, anxiety, PTSD and experiences of trauma.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand. I like to provide validation, exploration, and support. First timers to therapy and those taking the leap to try out therapy again seem to appreciate my style. Whether you are rediscovering yourself, going through a stressful time, wanting to process trauma, etc., I'll be here alongside you. I consider the family system, childhood/caregiver attachment, parenting styles, generational trauma, systemic racism, larger society, etc. and all these impacts.
![Photo of Kimberly Schultz, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbea3aad-ebb1-4b35-ae57-782481bf5d0e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fridley, MN 55432
I enjoy working with adults, children (ages 10+), pre-teens, teens and their families. I have extensive experience addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem/ self-concept, social/ emotional difficulties, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, grief and loss, parenting, emotional difficulties related to family of origin, and issues related to adoption and kinship care for all members of adoptive and kinship families, particularly attachment related difficulties.
I enjoy working with adults, children (ages 10+), pre-teens, teens and their families. I have extensive experience addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem/ self-concept, social/ emotional difficulties, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, grief and loss, parenting, emotional difficulties related to family of origin, and issues related to adoption and kinship care for all members of adoptive and kinship families, particularly attachment related difficulties.
![Photo of Heather Deveny-Leggitt, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f17bbd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Deveny-Leggitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakdale, MN 55128
I also have a passion for working with the foster/adoption community and am part of Foster Adopt MN’s Help Program Network of therapists.
I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for you to feel seen and heard. I believe that gaining insight and approaching oneself with compassion allows for healing. While exploring emotions and relational patterns, I integrate information about current neuro-research that helps make sense of different reactions and/or stuck patterns. Together, we will work through unresolved issues, process them, and begin to move forward.
I also have a passion for working with the foster/adoption community and am part of Foster Adopt MN’s Help Program Network of therapists.
I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for you to feel seen and heard. I believe that gaining insight and approaching oneself with compassion allows for healing. While exploring emotions and relational patterns, I integrate information about current neuro-research that helps make sense of different reactions and/or stuck patterns. Together, we will work through unresolved issues, process them, and begin to move forward.
![Photo of Carol L Hornbeck, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f33b986-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol L Hornbeck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
![Photo of Sherry Marie Omalley - Aspen Counseling, MA, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/054bd398-6d97-45a4-bb59-f52de1458153/2/320x400.jpeg)
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
![Photo of Kate Goodman, MSW, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0ae6def-5210-4d6d-95df-c6e926c306c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Waitlist for new clients
College and Emerging Adult transitions, Athletes/Performers, Neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming, Life Transitions, Self-harm, Self-esteem, Cultural-identity, Gender-identity, Attachment, Trauma (personal, generational, historical, religious), Loss & Grief, Adoption, Divorce, Addictions and/or Substance Use.
As a therapist, I am committed to being a source of unconditional positive regard, asking hard and important questions, offering observations to identify connections in experiences, exploring and challenging negative self-beliefs, offering tools and skills in the capacity desired, and celebrating the ups and the downs of the process. I believe human growth, change, and healing is most easily found when we allow ourselves the chance to be uncomfortable. I am a Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy Practitioner and have found it to be an incredible tool for increasing healing with life’s big and small difficulties.
College and Emerging Adult transitions, Athletes/Performers, Neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming, Life Transitions, Self-harm, Self-esteem, Cultural-identity, Gender-identity, Attachment, Trauma (personal, generational, historical, religious), Loss & Grief, Adoption, Divorce, Addictions and/or Substance Use.
As a therapist, I am committed to being a source of unconditional positive regard, asking hard and important questions, offering observations to identify connections in experiences, exploring and challenging negative self-beliefs, offering tools and skills in the capacity desired, and celebrating the ups and the downs of the process. I believe human growth, change, and healing is most easily found when we allow ourselves the chance to be uncomfortable. I am a Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy Practitioner and have found it to be an incredible tool for increasing healing with life’s big and small difficulties.
![Photo of Taylor Cravey, MSSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cd8d057-aa47-4727-b373-0e1344642428/4/320x400.png)
Taylor Cravey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakdale, MN 55128
I believe that every person, no matter their age, deserves to have a space where they are unconditionally accepted. I work with children (ages 2 and up), teens, young adults and families to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to come as they are and untangle life’s complexities. I hold extensive experience working with Autism, ADHD, adoption and foster care, trauma and attachment challenges. I work to provide a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals and families, am social and racial justice oriented and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Additionally, I hold space for individuals of all abilities and identities.
I believe that every person, no matter their age, deserves to have a space where they are unconditionally accepted. I work with children (ages 2 and up), teens, young adults and families to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to come as they are and untangle life’s complexities. I hold extensive experience working with Autism, ADHD, adoption and foster care, trauma and attachment challenges. I work to provide a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals and families, am social and racial justice oriented and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Additionally, I hold space for individuals of all abilities and identities.
![Photo of Christina Gwenn Copeland, MS, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6b018f7-4278-4814-ba67-d0545852270a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
![Photo of Sarah Kim Heil-Brenny, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d87f1cd-5330-4dd8-bda4-90dd529ce595/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Kim Heil-Brenny
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Online Only)
Trauma affects everyone differently. I specialize in trauma and women. I work with my clients to establish what they need to heal from their trauma. Trauma work is hard work but my clients are the experts on how to survive and that is their super power. I have the absolute honor to walk with them on their path to healing. I specialize in trauma as it relates to childhood traumas but I am open to working with all types of trauma. If you are looking for a therapist that does therapy differently, who believes in using hiking and nature as healing tools and who will walk with you on this journey, I will be the right fit for you.
Trauma affects everyone differently. I specialize in trauma and women. I work with my clients to establish what they need to heal from their trauma. Trauma work is hard work but my clients are the experts on how to survive and that is their super power. I have the absolute honor to walk with them on their path to healing. I specialize in trauma as it relates to childhood traumas but I am open to working with all types of trauma. If you are looking for a therapist that does therapy differently, who believes in using hiking and nature as healing tools and who will walk with you on this journey, I will be the right fit for you.
![Photo of Julie Jong Koch, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4838328e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS BEGINNING MID-JULY* I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I specialize in working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals, BIPOC queer & trans/non-binary individuals, transracial adoptees, as well as others who have experienced individual or community trauma or marginalization.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS BEGINNING MID-JULY* I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I specialize in working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals, BIPOC queer & trans/non-binary individuals, transracial adoptees, as well as others who have experienced individual or community trauma or marginalization.
![Photo of Allison Kirk, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/319fc95a-8e29-417e-839b-3a323c3ca6c7/1/320x400.png)
I believe each person deserves to live the best life possible. Often, that can be a challenge due to difficult things that have happened in the past or current challenges we face. Trauma and hurt effect how we view the world and ourselves. I work with individuals in including teens and adults, as well as couples, to help them get to a better place in their life. We will work together to figure out how move through current and past challenges more effectively so that hope and ease become a part of everyday life.
I believe each person deserves to live the best life possible. Often, that can be a challenge due to difficult things that have happened in the past or current challenges we face. Trauma and hurt effect how we view the world and ourselves. I work with individuals in including teens and adults, as well as couples, to help them get to a better place in their life. We will work together to figure out how move through current and past challenges more effectively so that hope and ease become a part of everyday life.
![Photo of Elizabeth S Cashin - Elizabeth S. Cashin M.A.,L.P., MA, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5439ba36-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth S. Cashin M.A.,L.P.
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Twenty eight years in private practice. I work with psychological issues of depression, anxiety complex trauma and more. During the initial meeting a process of assessment and sharing of personal and family history will be our focus. Together a process of psychoanalytic informed psychotherapy will begin. Our work will focused on how to improve your ability share, identify and understand your psychological experience with the focus on changing personal symptoms, patterns and perceptions. I want to help you be more intentional in your life as you navigate your worlds of love and work.
Twenty eight years in private practice. I work with psychological issues of depression, anxiety complex trauma and more. During the initial meeting a process of assessment and sharing of personal and family history will be our focus. Together a process of psychoanalytic informed psychotherapy will begin. Our work will focused on how to improve your ability share, identify and understand your psychological experience with the focus on changing personal symptoms, patterns and perceptions. I want to help you be more intentional in your life as you navigate your worlds of love and work.
![Photo of Carmen Kirchhoff, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/512de13a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Note: (I don't currently have availability, but please feel free to reach out to be added to my waiting list!) I believe that providing a collaborative, calm, non-judgmental, and empathic environment is key to encouraging healing and growth. My aim is to help guide clients through choices that move them toward living a more valued life. Having worked in the advertising & marketing fields for many years, I'm intimately familiar with the fast-paced and performance-demanding environment that many of us are faced with in modern society and strive to find ways to bring a sense of calm to everyday life.
Note: (I don't currently have availability, but please feel free to reach out to be added to my waiting list!) I believe that providing a collaborative, calm, non-judgmental, and empathic environment is key to encouraging healing and growth. My aim is to help guide clients through choices that move them toward living a more valued life. Having worked in the advertising & marketing fields for many years, I'm intimately familiar with the fast-paced and performance-demanding environment that many of us are faced with in modern society and strive to find ways to bring a sense of calm to everyday life.
![Photo of Benjamin Wolf - Hope & Healing For Life, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c591d0c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hope & Healing For Life
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55104
I believe in encouraging clients to find their inner strength, resilience, and confidence. My approach to therapy includes offering hope and the skills to overcome struggles, no matter how difficult they might seem. Engaging in therapy will work to develop your own strengths and allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind. When you are ready to open yourself to these changes, don't wait. Call me today. I currently have openings in my schedule for day appointments and can get an appointment setup quickly.
I believe in encouraging clients to find their inner strength, resilience, and confidence. My approach to therapy includes offering hope and the skills to overcome struggles, no matter how difficult they might seem. Engaging in therapy will work to develop your own strengths and allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind. When you are ready to open yourself to these changes, don't wait. Call me today. I currently have openings in my schedule for day appointments and can get an appointment setup quickly.
![Photo of Laura Holway, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edee6cb2-5a8d-4eb0-8a8b-b197b41964b9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you have been pulled to therapy by significant life events, challenges with self-acceptance, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, or difficulty coping with symptoms of anxiety or depression, I believe that therapy offers us an invitation into deeper connection with ourselves and our loved ones. By taking the time to gently untangle the deep patterns fueling our symptoms and behavior (often related to our early environment and attachments), we can begin to make more conscious choices about how we want to show up in our lives.
Whether you have been pulled to therapy by significant life events, challenges with self-acceptance, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, or difficulty coping with symptoms of anxiety or depression, I believe that therapy offers us an invitation into deeper connection with ourselves and our loved ones. By taking the time to gently untangle the deep patterns fueling our symptoms and behavior (often related to our early environment and attachments), we can begin to make more conscious choices about how we want to show up in our lives.
![Photo of Maria Napoli, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e21737-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult decision; one that takes courage and often comes with some anxiety and ambiguity about what the process will entail. I consider empathy, sympathy, and honesty are the key elements to a nurturing and successful therapeutic relationship. I’ve spent the last 4 years training and working with clients at institutions such as New York Presbyterian, New York University and Cornell Medical College. *** Hablo Espanol*****
Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult decision; one that takes courage and often comes with some anxiety and ambiguity about what the process will entail. I consider empathy, sympathy, and honesty are the key elements to a nurturing and successful therapeutic relationship. I’ve spent the last 4 years training and working with clients at institutions such as New York Presbyterian, New York University and Cornell Medical College. *** Hablo Espanol*****
![Photo of Nancy Lawroski, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c03a049-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
People come to therapy for many reasons. In the first few sessions, I want to get to know you--what you are struggling with, your hopes and fears for the future, what seems to be getting in the way, what strengths and assets you bring. Together, we arrive at a plan, identifying your goals, sources of distress, and how best to work toward symptom relief and greater satisfaction with life and relationships. My approach integrates several treatment modalities, including psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based therapies, life-span developmental approaches, attachment theory, family and couples therapy.
People come to therapy for many reasons. In the first few sessions, I want to get to know you--what you are struggling with, your hopes and fears for the future, what seems to be getting in the way, what strengths and assets you bring. Together, we arrive at a plan, identifying your goals, sources of distress, and how best to work toward symptom relief and greater satisfaction with life and relationships. My approach integrates several treatment modalities, including psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based therapies, life-span developmental approaches, attachment theory, family and couples therapy.
See more therapy options for Little Canada
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.