Adoption Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Gina Rothermel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19110
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and reach their goals. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, misogyny and sexism, a patriarchal system, homophobia, white supremacy and racism, gender role socialization, and ableism.
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and reach their goals. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, misogyny and sexism, a patriarchal system, homophobia, white supremacy and racism, gender role socialization, and ableism.
Teena Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19143 (Online Only)
My vision as a therapist is to help adolescents, adults, couples and families recognize that they have what it takes to promote their own evolution. Growth and change can be a challenge at times. My role is to support others to work towards their healing holistically; I help them to unpack the pain that exists and recognize the impact on their mind, body, spirit and relationships. t is my intention to break down barriers in areas related to relationships,divorce,infidelity, blending families, adoption, anxiety, depression, and racial inequity in such a way that my clients feel more connected to their own sense of purpose & value.
My vision as a therapist is to help adolescents, adults, couples and families recognize that they have what it takes to promote their own evolution. Growth and change can be a challenge at times. My role is to support others to work towards their healing holistically; I help them to unpack the pain that exists and recognize the impact on their mind, body, spirit and relationships. t is my intention to break down barriers in areas related to relationships,divorce,infidelity, blending families, adoption, anxiety, depression, and racial inequity in such a way that my clients feel more connected to their own sense of purpose & value.
Debrah Anne Cohen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHL, MFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119 (Online Only)
Does this describe you? You're a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself. You feel the pain of breakups and grief very intensely. You are fiercely independent and hate taking help from others. Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. I help clients grieving the losses associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
Does this describe you? You're a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself. You feel the pain of breakups and grief very intensely. You are fiercely independent and hate taking help from others. Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. I help clients grieving the losses associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
Angelle E. Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with anyone impacted by adoption to navigate this process.
I am an experienced and empathetic Family Therapist, specializing in adoption, foster care, trauma and grief. My goal is to hold space for people to share their stories and work toward healing. I have over 18 years of experience working with people from diverse family constellations. I enjoy helping them find a way to move toward a better future.
I enjoy working with anyone impacted by adoption to navigate this process.
I am an experienced and empathetic Family Therapist, specializing in adoption, foster care, trauma and grief. My goal is to hold space for people to share their stories and work toward healing. I have over 18 years of experience working with people from diverse family constellations. I enjoy helping them find a way to move toward a better future.
When life feels messy, out-of-control, even unbearable, it's easy to forget that the human experience is inherently a messy one. Much of the mess is our best attempts at functioning under a deeply flawed and oppressive system. If you seek to understand yourself and your relationships to people and systems around you, to grow and heal, and to explore being human, I would love to share this experience with you. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with challenges such as individual/generational trauma, sex/intimacy, adoption/fostering, interracial couples/families, ADHD/Autism, and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
When life feels messy, out-of-control, even unbearable, it's easy to forget that the human experience is inherently a messy one. Much of the mess is our best attempts at functioning under a deeply flawed and oppressive system. If you seek to understand yourself and your relationships to people and systems around you, to grow and heal, and to explore being human, I would love to share this experience with you. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with challenges such as individual/generational trauma, sex/intimacy, adoption/fostering, interracial couples/families, ADHD/Autism, and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
Samantha Ambrico-Custer
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125
I bring a wealth of experience supporting neurodiverse clients and their families, those who are a part of the foster care/ adoption community, identity formation/exploration, and more.
Embarking on a journey towards mental well-being takes both vulnerability and courage. Therapy is a sacred space, a place of transformation, where vulnerability transforms into strength, and courage takes the helm of your healing journey. As your partner in progress, I would be honored to walk alongside you and support you as you navigate life's challenges and discover the strength within you. My passion lies in supporting individuals living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, neurodiversity, and adoption/foster care.
I bring a wealth of experience supporting neurodiverse clients and their families, those who are a part of the foster care/ adoption community, identity formation/exploration, and more.
Embarking on a journey towards mental well-being takes both vulnerability and courage. Therapy is a sacred space, a place of transformation, where vulnerability transforms into strength, and courage takes the helm of your healing journey. As your partner in progress, I would be honored to walk alongside you and support you as you navigate life's challenges and discover the strength within you. My passion lies in supporting individuals living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, neurodiversity, and adoption/foster care.
In groups for adoptive parents, attachment and adoption topics are integrated into group discussions.
Parenting Services for Families and After Adoption is a prevention-early intervention psychotherapy and educational practice for families with young children, both by birth and via adoption. Elaine Frank and Denise Rowe assist parents in getting to know their infants and toddler's personalities and ways of relating and communicating.
The better one knows one's child, the more effective will be parenting strategies. Parent-child groups are a stimulating, enjoyable way to learn about aspects of the parent-child relationship, improve child and parent behavior, and learn about the 'ghosts' one brings from childhood to parenthood.
In groups for adoptive parents, attachment and adoption topics are integrated into group discussions.
Parenting Services for Families and After Adoption is a prevention-early intervention psychotherapy and educational practice for families with young children, both by birth and via adoption. Elaine Frank and Denise Rowe assist parents in getting to know their infants and toddler's personalities and ways of relating and communicating.
The better one knows one's child, the more effective will be parenting strategies. Parent-child groups are a stimulating, enjoyable way to learn about aspects of the parent-child relationship, improve child and parent behavior, and learn about the 'ghosts' one brings from childhood to parenthood.
Kathlyn Drewicz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd, MPhilEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19104
I specialize in adoption trauma and enjoy working with adoptees.
Hi, I'm Kat! I primarily work with preteens, teens, and adults who would like to learn more about the way their brain works, while also strengthening their interpersonal relationships and determining their own core values and belief system. Things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions can make this more challenging. I would like to offer ways to manage your mental health symptoms and help you to reframe unhelpful thoughts, so you can feel empowered to find meaning and purpose in your life.
I specialize in adoption trauma and enjoy working with adoptees.
Hi, I'm Kat! I primarily work with preteens, teens, and adults who would like to learn more about the way their brain works, while also strengthening their interpersonal relationships and determining their own core values and belief system. Things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions can make this more challenging. I would like to offer ways to manage your mental health symptoms and help you to reframe unhelpful thoughts, so you can feel empowered to find meaning and purpose in your life.
Melissa Dickinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19019 (Online Only)
I also have completed training in Adoption and Foster care (TAC), which is important to me since I am adopted.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LSCW) in Pennsylvania as well as in West Virginia. I have been working in Outpatient Mental Health Therapy for 9 years. My focus is on helping people work through difficult events that have occured in their life and helping them move through the healing process.
I also have completed training in Adoption and Foster care (TAC), which is important to me since I am adopted.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LSCW) in Pennsylvania as well as in West Virginia. I have been working in Outpatient Mental Health Therapy for 9 years. My focus is on helping people work through difficult events that have occured in their life and helping them move through the healing process.
Elizabeth R. Weisman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Areas of focus include:OCD, PTSD, trauma, Addictions, LGBTQ+, Special Needs Parenting, Neurodiversity, PANS / PANDAS, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Grief & Loss, Adoption, Relationship issues, Chronic & severe mental illness, and Mind-body Wellness.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.
Areas of focus include:OCD, PTSD, trauma, Addictions, LGBTQ+, Special Needs Parenting, Neurodiversity, PANS / PANDAS, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Grief & Loss, Adoption, Relationship issues, Chronic & severe mental illness, and Mind-body Wellness.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.
I specialize in evaluation and treatment/support to young children and parents, adoption, grief, depression, trauma and anxiety.
I am here to support you and your children and would be honored to be your family's therapist.
I specialize in evaluation and treatment/support to young children and parents, adoption, grief, depression, trauma and anxiety.
I am here to support you and your children and would be honored to be your family's therapist.
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I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental and behavioral health difficulties in adults, adolescents, couples and families such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, infidelity, academic difficulties, socialization and spectrum disorders. I am is skilled at working with Couples and families who are in transition: experiencing separation, grief and loss, trauma and adoption. I work towards goals that have been established together to enhance the quality of relationship that a client has with themself and others in their life.
I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental and behavioral health difficulties in adults, adolescents, couples and families such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, infidelity, academic difficulties, socialization and spectrum disorders. I am is skilled at working with Couples and families who are in transition: experiencing separation, grief and loss, trauma and adoption. I work towards goals that have been established together to enhance the quality of relationship that a client has with themself and others in their life.
TeenaTalk, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19131
My specialities include: Trauma, abandonment, rejection, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, incarceration, separation, mediation, co parenting, blending unique families, LGBTQIA, adoption/foster care, identity, cultural/religious, & professional athlete stressors.
If you find yourself looking for therapy, I already know you have tried everything. Stop here and let me support you with the solutions and answers to your internal and external conflicts. You really are that powerful...use me to unlock the powers within!
My specialities include: Trauma, abandonment, rejection, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, incarceration, separation, mediation, co parenting, blending unique families, LGBTQIA, adoption/foster care, identity, cultural/religious, & professional athlete stressors.
If you find yourself looking for therapy, I already know you have tried everything. Stop here and let me support you with the solutions and answers to your internal and external conflicts. You really are that powerful...use me to unlock the powers within!
Heather McGee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
I am a Master's-level Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals experiencing a broad range of challenges - trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, addiction, relationship concerns, infertility and adoption. While each person brings their own unique experiences and concerns to therapy, my ultimate goal is to help my clients gain clarity, cultivate greater trust in themselves, and discover new ways of feeling and being in the world.
I am a Master's-level Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals experiencing a broad range of challenges - trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, addiction, relationship concerns, infertility and adoption. While each person brings their own unique experiences and concerns to therapy, my ultimate goal is to help my clients gain clarity, cultivate greater trust in themselves, and discover new ways of feeling and being in the world.
Nita Laver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Whether you are dealing with problematic relationships (parent-child, family conflict, gay, lesbian, heterosexual couples), grief and loss, life transitions (infertility, adoption, divorce, re-marriage and blended families, infidelity), self-esteem issues, trauma and abuse, work concerns, or communication difficulties, help is available and solutions are within your reach.
Are you tired of repeating old patterns that are holding you back in your life? Have you been feeling angry, empty, lonely stressed out and unhappy? Are you struggling through a transition or a loss or with the legacy of emotional, physical or sexual abuse? There are times in everyone's life when reaching out for and receiving help can make a real difference in resolving problems, easing pain and living a more satisfying life. In psychotherapy a safe place will be created in which to deal with and resolve the unhappiness you are experiencing.
Whether you are dealing with problematic relationships (parent-child, family conflict, gay, lesbian, heterosexual couples), grief and loss, life transitions (infertility, adoption, divorce, re-marriage and blended families, infidelity), self-esteem issues, trauma and abuse, work concerns, or communication difficulties, help is available and solutions are within your reach.
Are you tired of repeating old patterns that are holding you back in your life? Have you been feeling angry, empty, lonely stressed out and unhappy? Are you struggling through a transition or a loss or with the legacy of emotional, physical or sexual abuse? There are times in everyone's life when reaching out for and receiving help can make a real difference in resolving problems, easing pain and living a more satisfying life. In psychotherapy a safe place will be created in which to deal with and resolve the unhappiness you are experiencing.
Jade Autumn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Online Only)
I am experienced in and passionate about working with children, students, young adults, healthcare professionals, and those impacted by foster care and adoption.
Availability NEXT week! Life is hard for most of us. Needing support does not mean you are weak or broken; it simply means you're human. The most honest thing we can do when the demands of life outweigh our capacity to cope is to reach out for support. Kudos to you for embarking on this brave (and potentially daunting) journey! As a therapist, I aim to create an emotionally safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself. I also like incorporating humor and laughter in therapy to alleviate fears and foster a sense of safety and trust. My ultimate goal is for you to feel seen, understood, and supported.
I am experienced in and passionate about working with children, students, young adults, healthcare professionals, and those impacted by foster care and adoption.
Availability NEXT week! Life is hard for most of us. Needing support does not mean you are weak or broken; it simply means you're human. The most honest thing we can do when the demands of life outweigh our capacity to cope is to reach out for support. Kudos to you for embarking on this brave (and potentially daunting) journey! As a therapist, I aim to create an emotionally safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself. I also like incorporating humor and laughter in therapy to alleviate fears and foster a sense of safety and trust. My ultimate goal is for you to feel seen, understood, and supported.
I presented internationally and domestically on both psychological issues of immigration and international adoption.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and I have been treating clients in private practice for the past 10 years in Philadelphia.
I work with adults, children and families. I support my clients and help them learn how to cope with and overcome personal challenges, build inner strength and develop self-confidence. I create therapeutic atmosphere of respect, safety, and trust. I help my clients to recognize, discover and develop their own resources.
I listen and take interest in each client. My approach is tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
I presented internationally and domestically on both psychological issues of immigration and international adoption.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and I have been treating clients in private practice for the past 10 years in Philadelphia.
I work with adults, children and families. I support my clients and help them learn how to cope with and overcome personal challenges, build inner strength and develop self-confidence. I create therapeutic atmosphere of respect, safety, and trust. I help my clients to recognize, discover and develop their own resources.
I listen and take interest in each client. My approach is tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
I also have expertise supporting individuals and families with family planning including adoption, IUI/IVF, intentional single parenting, and foster care.
People enter therapy with me for many types of reasons at different stages of their lives. Someone may be processing a recent life transition or anticipating changes in the future. Many people have had something specific happen recently that was stressful, sudden or difficult for them. Often, people find they are struggling to cope with their emotions after many cumulative and sequential events. Sometimes, a specific relationship needs to come into focus and be healed. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to identify problem areas they would like to spend time on with the goal of finding peace and ease in their lives.
I also have expertise supporting individuals and families with family planning including adoption, IUI/IVF, intentional single parenting, and foster care.
People enter therapy with me for many types of reasons at different stages of their lives. Someone may be processing a recent life transition or anticipating changes in the future. Many people have had something specific happen recently that was stressful, sudden or difficult for them. Often, people find they are struggling to cope with their emotions after many cumulative and sequential events. Sometimes, a specific relationship needs to come into focus and be healed. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to identify problem areas they would like to spend time on with the goal of finding peace and ease in their lives.
Julia Ruane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
I offer help with adoption issues of PTSD, grief, abandonment, early childhood trauma.
As an adopted person, my 30 plus years' experience using inner child work, researching, and supporting fellow adopted persons and mothers of adoption loss has given me a unique insight into the struggles of adoption, the primal wound, reunion preparation, reunion difficulties, and the impact of early childhood trauma. I am the author of five adoption related books, three of which have been translated into Chinese, German and Korean.
I offer help with adoption issues of PTSD, grief, abandonment, early childhood trauma.
As an adopted person, my 30 plus years' experience using inner child work, researching, and supporting fellow adopted persons and mothers of adoption loss has given me a unique insight into the struggles of adoption, the primal wound, reunion preparation, reunion difficulties, and the impact of early childhood trauma. I am the author of five adoption related books, three of which have been translated into Chinese, German and Korean.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Drexel Hill
- Elkins Park
- Flourtown
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Jenkintown
- Narberth
- Sharon Hill
- Wynnewood
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.