Adoption Therapists in Goose Creek, SC
![Photo of Emilee Scruggs - Deeper Roots Therapy, LLC , LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fbe535a-aa93-430e-a1f3-82c6dc64df35/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deeper Roots Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Goose Creek, SC 29445
As a group, we treat clients ranging from ages 5-105 with issues not limited to anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, OCD, ADD/ADHD, parenting realities, stressors, worries, addiction and recovery, job stress, depression, and family systems (foster care, adoption).
Deeper Roots Therapy is a group practice founded in 2019 by Emilee Scruggs with three locations including Goose Creek, Mauldin, and Simpsonville, . The clinicians include counselors and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and are skilled, passionate, and firmly believe in uncovering and treating the roots and helping individuals and families thrive!
As a group, we treat clients ranging from ages 5-105 with issues not limited to anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, OCD, ADD/ADHD, parenting realities, stressors, worries, addiction and recovery, job stress, depression, and family systems (foster care, adoption).
Deeper Roots Therapy is a group practice founded in 2019 by Emilee Scruggs with three locations including Goose Creek, Mauldin, and Simpsonville, . The clinicians include counselors and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and are skilled, passionate, and firmly believe in uncovering and treating the roots and helping individuals and families thrive!
![Photo of Alicia Zorn, LISW-CP, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a86bcc96-7ea2-4a5a-83be-33492d0b86ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Zorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Is your relationship struggling and you are considering couples counseling? All relationships go through rough patches but sometimes we need help from an objective outsider who can offer insight and direction on how to move beyond past hurts and move towards a relationship with better communication and respect for each other's differences. Or is it that you have been feeling so much anxiety, stress, and depression that you feel you have no idea how to manage your daily emotions? We all have times where we need a supportive person and someone to help empower us to get back to our best self.
Is your relationship struggling and you are considering couples counseling? All relationships go through rough patches but sometimes we need help from an objective outsider who can offer insight and direction on how to move beyond past hurts and move towards a relationship with better communication and respect for each other's differences. Or is it that you have been feeling so much anxiety, stress, and depression that you feel you have no idea how to manage your daily emotions? We all have times where we need a supportive person and someone to help empower us to get back to our best self.
![Photo of Amanda Washel, MA, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a72e286-5b34-4a89-aed7-18c8ac860d3c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Washel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Waitlist for new clients
At times, life can feel emotionally unmanageable. At Grace Recovery Counseling, I can help you find your way through. I believe that with good support and encouraging relationships, recovery and healing can happen. I earned my Master of Counseling in 2006 as well as a Master of Human Development and Family Science in 2004 from The Ohio State University. I have 17 years of experience in the treatment and recovery of disordered eating as well as body image related issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and mood disorders.
At times, life can feel emotionally unmanageable. At Grace Recovery Counseling, I can help you find your way through. I believe that with good support and encouraging relationships, recovery and healing can happen. I earned my Master of Counseling in 2006 as well as a Master of Human Development and Family Science in 2004 from The Ohio State University. I have 17 years of experience in the treatment and recovery of disordered eating as well as body image related issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and mood disorders.
![Photo of Tierra Monique' Burch - The Wellness Pot LLC, MS, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30230099-2c7a-4dd4-99f2-baa176995d23/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Wellness Pot LLC
LPC Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Online Only)
The Wellness Pot integrates a holistic model when working with clients, treating not only the mind but the body as well. Our therapist supports the well-being and growth from youth to adulthood. We believe in creating a nurturing, non-judgmental & supportive environment where young minds can flourish and thrive. Our therapist specializes in single parenthood, teenage parenting, women issues, life transitions, & foster care/adoptions. Our goal is to work collaboratively with clients to promote positive change, build resilience, and empower clients to face life's challenges with confidence.
The Wellness Pot integrates a holistic model when working with clients, treating not only the mind but the body as well. Our therapist supports the well-being and growth from youth to adulthood. We believe in creating a nurturing, non-judgmental & supportive environment where young minds can flourish and thrive. Our therapist specializes in single parenthood, teenage parenting, women issues, life transitions, & foster care/adoptions. Our goal is to work collaboratively with clients to promote positive change, build resilience, and empower clients to face life's challenges with confidence.
![Photo of Katina M Walker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d75b108-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katina M Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Online Only)
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety and those navigating their fertility journey, including infertility, prenatal and postpartum experiences, as well as healing from trauma and PTSD. These journeys can often be emotionally messy and complex, with their own unique moments of joy and grief. Our work together will focus on understanding where you currently are in your journey, where you are headed, and the bumps that happen along the way.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety and those navigating their fertility journey, including infertility, prenatal and postpartum experiences, as well as healing from trauma and PTSD. These journeys can often be emotionally messy and complex, with their own unique moments of joy and grief. Our work together will focus on understanding where you currently are in your journey, where you are headed, and the bumps that happen along the way.
![Photo of Robin Grace, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d41db66f-ab0e-434d-8a60-315819a67555/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Robin Grace and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My license number is 9252.I believe is working with the client where they are and using tools that fit the needs of the client. I have worked with may different type of clientele. I have worked with children & teenagers, couples & families and people with minor disabilities such as autism.
My name is Robin Grace and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My license number is 9252.I believe is working with the client where they are and using tools that fit the needs of the client. I have worked with may different type of clientele. I have worked with children & teenagers, couples & families and people with minor disabilities such as autism.
![Photo of Lee Hartnett, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b53140-14d7-46b9-8041-182c64d4ae5f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Lee Hartnett, a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I specialized in family systems theory and cognitive therapy. I help clients recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior and interactions and work to change negative thoughts. I decided at the age of 30 to apply for graduate school for counseling. The various jobs that I had prior to school helped lead me the counseling. I was a paralegal, in marketing and human resources. I found I was most attracted to human behavior involved in all of those jobs and wanted to know more.
I am Lee Hartnett, a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I specialized in family systems theory and cognitive therapy. I help clients recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior and interactions and work to change negative thoughts. I decided at the age of 30 to apply for graduate school for counseling. The various jobs that I had prior to school helped lead me the counseling. I was a paralegal, in marketing and human resources. I found I was most attracted to human behavior involved in all of those jobs and wanted to know more.
![Photo of Tina Outlaw, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf3f48a1-8b5e-4e35-b00b-1709ef36a313/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her education from The University of Georgia and The University Of South Carolina. She has a bachelor’s in general social work and a Master of Science in Clinical Social Work. Tina carries licensure through the State of South Carolina and West Virginia as an LISW-CP. She has 29 years of experience collaborating with women, children/adolescents, and their families. She also has worked with the Military and their families, both Veteran and Active Duty for 20 years.
Tina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her education from The University of Georgia and The University Of South Carolina. She has a bachelor’s in general social work and a Master of Science in Clinical Social Work. Tina carries licensure through the State of South Carolina and West Virginia as an LISW-CP. She has 29 years of experience collaborating with women, children/adolescents, and their families. She also has worked with the Military and their families, both Veteran and Active Duty for 20 years.
![Photo of Jennifer Eklund - JenniferEklundLLC, LISW-CP, CDP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be41d147-4f8e-4860-80ed-d7e33357da4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
JenniferEklundLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, CDP
Verified Verified
Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Online Only)
Hi! My name's Jennifer and I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)-CP and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) with over 14 years in clinical practice. My mission is to offer the most effective and individualized outpatient psychological care virtually. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral, supportive space for individuals and families all from the comfort of your own home. Utilizing an integrated approach that includes some of the following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Psychotherapy.
Hi! My name's Jennifer and I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)-CP and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) with over 14 years in clinical practice. My mission is to offer the most effective and individualized outpatient psychological care virtually. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral, supportive space for individuals and families all from the comfort of your own home. Utilizing an integrated approach that includes some of the following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Psychotherapy.
![Photo of Mandy Carr, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8f0174-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mandy Carr
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Waitlist for new clients
A healthy mind leads to a happier life. Seeking therapy can be the most challenging yet rewarding step towards healing. As a licensed professional counselor, I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment to help you work through any challenges you may be experiencing and establish and achieve the goals you have for your life. My approach is client-centered in nature, focusing on providing compassion, understanding, and support; while helping you work through any current or past challenges you may have. I've worked in residential, in-home and outpatient settings, utilizing a variety of research based techniques.
A healthy mind leads to a happier life. Seeking therapy can be the most challenging yet rewarding step towards healing. As a licensed professional counselor, I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment to help you work through any challenges you may be experiencing and establish and achieve the goals you have for your life. My approach is client-centered in nature, focusing on providing compassion, understanding, and support; while helping you work through any current or past challenges you may have. I've worked in residential, in-home and outpatient settings, utilizing a variety of research based techniques.
![Photo of Troy Schiedenhelm, EdD, LPC/S, LCMHCS, CCMC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cda0355-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Troy Schiedenhelm
Counselor, EdD, LPC/S, LCMHCS, CCMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Evening Appointments Only - I enjoy working with individual over 18 years of age who want and are motivated to be more than they are right now and are curious in discovering who they may be in their future. After the first 3 in-person counseling sessions (post-assessment), depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, we can discuss a possible transition to an online/video counseling format.
Evening Appointments Only - I enjoy working with individual over 18 years of age who want and are motivated to be more than they are right now and are curious in discovering who they may be in their future. After the first 3 in-person counseling sessions (post-assessment), depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, we can discuss a possible transition to an online/video counseling format.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Lindsey Kovalik Bianchini, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1620860f-433a-4196-bfa0-dd8cedd4429c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Kovalik Bianchini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
North Charleston, SC 29406 (Online Only)
I frequently work with young adults and teenagers, anxiety, depression, trauma related disorders, school stress, foster care, adoption, cancer/oncology, and self harm behaviors.
I am licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina - which means if you are inside those states - we can work together! Are you looking for someone to listen to what you're feeling without judgement? Do you or you child feel constantly worried or afraid? Do you or you child feel hopeless, helpless, or feel unlovable? I will provide you with a safe place, a listening ear, and an open mind. I will work to meet you/your child where you/they are at in your/their mental health journey.
I frequently work with young adults and teenagers, anxiety, depression, trauma related disorders, school stress, foster care, adoption, cancer/oncology, and self harm behaviors.
I am licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina - which means if you are inside those states - we can work together! Are you looking for someone to listen to what you're feeling without judgement? Do you or you child feel constantly worried or afraid? Do you or you child feel hopeless, helpless, or feel unlovable? I will provide you with a safe place, a listening ear, and an open mind. I will work to meet you/your child where you/they are at in your/their mental health journey.
![Photo of Crystal C. McCall, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a739dc73-4bf7-41b3-aea3-69e85a988d95/2/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal C. McCall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Summerville, SC 29483
She is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Adoption Competency, and has experience using the Gottman Method for couples, as well as beining a Prepare/Enrich and Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work facilitator.
Welcoming new clients! Crystal provides a safe and comfortable space for couples and individuals experiencing difficulties of life. Crystal has experience working with couples in all stages of their relationship, including hardships such as trauma and infidelity. Crystal also enjoys working with young adults exploring areas such as career, identity, relationships, and more. Let's work together to make meaning of your current season and move forward in anchored hope.
She is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Adoption Competency, and has experience using the Gottman Method for couples, as well as beining a Prepare/Enrich and Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work facilitator.
Welcoming new clients! Crystal provides a safe and comfortable space for couples and individuals experiencing difficulties of life. Crystal has experience working with couples in all stages of their relationship, including hardships such as trauma and infidelity. Crystal also enjoys working with young adults exploring areas such as career, identity, relationships, and more. Let's work together to make meaning of your current season and move forward in anchored hope.
![Photo of Cara Mazurek, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebddc63e-8bec-4657-bd6a-3570f3f89209/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cara Mazurek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Daniel Island, SC 29492
Waitlist for new clients
Indecision, constant stress, nagging self doubt, frequent fights with the people closest to you, feeling lost, stuck, or disconnected. Do any of these sound familiar? At Theraworks Psychotherapy, we help you face these oh-so human experiences and emotions, and empower you to move toward a life of greater satisfaction, contentment, resilience, and joy. I’m so glad you found Theraworks, and that you’re exploring ways to support yourself and your mental health. Acknowledging that you could benefit from therapy — and seeking that help — is one of the most pivotal and productive decisions you can make.
Indecision, constant stress, nagging self doubt, frequent fights with the people closest to you, feeling lost, stuck, or disconnected. Do any of these sound familiar? At Theraworks Psychotherapy, we help you face these oh-so human experiences and emotions, and empower you to move toward a life of greater satisfaction, contentment, resilience, and joy. I’m so glad you found Theraworks, and that you’re exploring ways to support yourself and your mental health. Acknowledging that you could benefit from therapy — and seeking that help — is one of the most pivotal and productive decisions you can make.
![Photo of Dinah Heinrich, LISW, CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e02f69ba-233e-455e-bf1b-03995b86bd99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seeking therapy for the first time may feel intimidating for some. My intention is to meet each individual where they are, to ensure a safe, compassionate environment. I believe in working collaboratively with clients in order to identify personal strengths and develop new coping skills, with the ultimate goal of improving your functioning and relationships within your personal, professional and/or academic environments. We will work to explore behaviors, beliefs, and relationship patterns that no longer serve you well and explore your current values systems in order to reach a to sense of fulfillment in your life.
Seeking therapy for the first time may feel intimidating for some. My intention is to meet each individual where they are, to ensure a safe, compassionate environment. I believe in working collaboratively with clients in order to identify personal strengths and develop new coping skills, with the ultimate goal of improving your functioning and relationships within your personal, professional and/or academic environments. We will work to explore behaviors, beliefs, and relationship patterns that no longer serve you well and explore your current values systems in order to reach a to sense of fulfillment in your life.
![Photo of Marshella Gore, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c46f7724-847d-4030-a468-1ca07841b227/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marshella Gore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charleston, SC 29404 (Online Only)
Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized yourself? Are you having some big emotions that you can't seem to control? Have you lost someone special and can't seem to find your smile anymore? If any of these questions resonated with you, then you are in the right space. If you’ve found yourself struggling or questioning who you truly are, what makes you happy, how to find peace, or how to restore your joy, therapy can help. At MYMCC, I journey alongside my clients down a path of self-discovery, healing, and growth helping them to embrace their true authentic selves.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized yourself? Are you having some big emotions that you can't seem to control? Have you lost someone special and can't seem to find your smile anymore? If any of these questions resonated with you, then you are in the right space. If you’ve found yourself struggling or questioning who you truly are, what makes you happy, how to find peace, or how to restore your joy, therapy can help. At MYMCC, I journey alongside my clients down a path of self-discovery, healing, and growth helping them to embrace their true authentic selves.
![Photo of Katie Belt, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2f3cbbb-724f-4925-85e8-9d935afda55c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Belt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerville, SC 29485
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker of Clinical Practice (LISW-CP), I am committed to providing counseling services in a welcoming and comfortable environment for my clients. My approach involves educating clients on clinical techniques that can be applied to their daily lives, while also providing the necessary encouragement and support to help them achieve their goals. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from a fresh perspective and the challenge of negative thoughts and behaviors that may be hindering their progress. It takes courage and strength to seek help, and I am here to provide the necessary support.
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker of Clinical Practice (LISW-CP), I am committed to providing counseling services in a welcoming and comfortable environment for my clients. My approach involves educating clients on clinical techniques that can be applied to their daily lives, while also providing the necessary encouragement and support to help them achieve their goals. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from a fresh perspective and the challenge of negative thoughts and behaviors that may be hindering their progress. It takes courage and strength to seek help, and I am here to provide the necessary support.
![Photo of Nicole Moriarty - Nicole Moriarty: Complete Trauma Resolution, MS, LPC, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d89cec4-6c66-4d24-bdaf-1ed5a0239b6d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Moriarty: Complete Trauma Resolution
Counselor, MS, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Charleston, SC 29492
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any experience or pattern of experiences that overwhelms our resources. If we don't have enough safety, support and understanding to process it, we store it.
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any experience or pattern of experiences that overwhelms our resources. If we don't have enough safety, support and understanding to process it, we store it.
![Photo of Dinoca Ihrig - Positive Impact Counseling, MEd, LPC, NCC, GCDF, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/136bef90-ab3d-4ef3-ad69-21a83bd04d84/3/320x400.jpeg)
Positive Impact Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, GCDF
Verified Verified
Summerville, SC 29485
Child, Adolescent and Adult Counselor with a Christian perspective and a focus on Whole-Hearted Lifestyle. I specialize in anxiety, depression, loss, self harm, gender, and relationship issues. I use proven science-based counseling techniques to bring progress to you as fast as possible. Experience with the gifted/talented child and the unique struggles they face (perfectionism, anxiety), those who have ADD/ADHD and those needing extra help with learning. Blended families, adults dealing with exorbitant stress and couples counseling are areas I love helping people with, as they improve their lives. Please visit my website!
Child, Adolescent and Adult Counselor with a Christian perspective and a focus on Whole-Hearted Lifestyle. I specialize in anxiety, depression, loss, self harm, gender, and relationship issues. I use proven science-based counseling techniques to bring progress to you as fast as possible. Experience with the gifted/talented child and the unique struggles they face (perfectionism, anxiety), those who have ADD/ADHD and those needing extra help with learning. Blended families, adults dealing with exorbitant stress and couples counseling are areas I love helping people with, as they improve their lives. Please visit my website!
![Photo of Hannah Mills, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd2cf645-be77-46ce-b6cb-066b1546a7da/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Mills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Summerville, SC 29485 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone who is ready to make a change in their life, but is struggling to make it happen or doesn’t know what steps to take. I specialize in working with women who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, postpartum depression/anxiety, fertility issues and grief/loss. I value being a support system for women who might not otherwise have support or women who might be supporting everyone but themselves. I have completed training with Postpartum Support International and enjoy working with women at any stage in life or motherhood.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to make a change in their life, but is struggling to make it happen or doesn’t know what steps to take. I specialize in working with women who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, postpartum depression/anxiety, fertility issues and grief/loss. I value being a support system for women who might not otherwise have support or women who might be supporting everyone but themselves. I have completed training with Postpartum Support International and enjoy working with women at any stage in life or motherhood.
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Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Goose Creek
See More Adoption TherapistsAdoption 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.