Adoption Therapists in Lebanon, TN

Photo of Emily Guest, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Emily Guest
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lebanon, TN 37087
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a middle Tennessee native, passionate about helping others. My specialty is with teen girls dealing with anxiety, grief, and OCD, I have experience with children (male and female) ages 5-12, teen girls, adult women ages 18-75, and premarital couples. I have worked with anxiety, depression, grief, adoption, divorce, self-harm, eating disorders, addiction and behavioral issues. I am certified in the Prepare Enrich couples therapy model.
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a middle Tennessee native, passionate about helping others. My specialty is with teen girls dealing with anxiety, grief, and OCD, I have experience with children (male and female) ages 5-12, teen girls, adult women ages 18-75, and premarital couples. I have worked with anxiety, depression, grief, adoption, divorce, self-harm, eating disorders, addiction and behavioral issues. I am certified in the Prepare Enrich couples therapy model.
(615) 558-5262 View (615) 558-5262
Photo of Ralph Cook - Lantern Lane Farm, MEd, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, CBIS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lantern Lane Farm
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, CBIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lebanon, TN 37087
Offering In-Person and Virtual Sessions for individuals, families, couples, children, adults, and teens...our specialists are here for you! With our sliding fee scale, we can affordably match you with a qualified therapist. Whether you are focusing on getting through today...or looking for an ally to help you achieve your long term goals. Lantern Lane Farm is here for you. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, counseling center --Where Healing Happens.
Offering In-Person and Virtual Sessions for individuals, families, couples, children, adults, and teens...our specialists are here for you! With our sliding fee scale, we can affordably match you with a qualified therapist. Whether you are focusing on getting through today...or looking for an ally to help you achieve your long term goals. Lantern Lane Farm is here for you. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, counseling center --Where Healing Happens.
(615) 956-2111 View (615) 956-2111
Photo of Stephanie Resch, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Stephanie Resch
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Lebanon, TN 37087
You feel off track of where you want to be in this phase of life, navigating difficult transitions. You are mentally, emotionally, physically overwhelmed by the adjustments being made at rapid pace. Maybe you're a young adult just venturing out on your own or navigating new relationships and figuring out who you really are. Maybe you're a senior citizen, dealing with health issues, caring for a spouse at the end of their days or maybe you've just said your final goodbyes. Or perhaps you are right in the middle of life (like me), trying to navigate kids, aging parents, career transitions, home-life balance and midlife marriages.
You feel off track of where you want to be in this phase of life, navigating difficult transitions. You are mentally, emotionally, physically overwhelmed by the adjustments being made at rapid pace. Maybe you're a young adult just venturing out on your own or navigating new relationships and figuring out who you really are. Maybe you're a senior citizen, dealing with health issues, caring for a spouse at the end of their days or maybe you've just said your final goodbyes. Or perhaps you are right in the middle of life (like me), trying to navigate kids, aging parents, career transitions, home-life balance and midlife marriages.
(629) 265-8670 View (629) 265-8670
Photo of Elizabeth Nguyen, MMFT
Elizabeth Nguyen
MMFT
Verified Verified
Lebanon, TN 37087
Not accepting new clients
Although I am open and able to seeing all ages, my specialty includes work primarily with children and adolescents who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and transitional periods of life. In working with children and teens, I also include work with parents, guardians, and others in the family system, as needed. My goal as a therapist is to help all clients process and heal from those difficult and challenging parts of life and help you to reframe parts of your story through a new lens.
Although I am open and able to seeing all ages, my specialty includes work primarily with children and adolescents who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and transitional periods of life. In working with children and teens, I also include work with parents, guardians, and others in the family system, as needed. My goal as a therapist is to help all clients process and heal from those difficult and challenging parts of life and help you to reframe parts of your story through a new lens.
(615) 909-2736 View (615) 909-2736

Online Therapists

Photo of Jaclyn Beckler, LCSW, CCTP, C-DBT, TF-CBT, PCIT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaclyn Beckler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, C-DBT, TF-CBT, PCIT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I enjoy helping clients build resilience and feel a sense of safety both within themselves and with the outside world. Professional experience includes serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in the settings of community outreach, outpatient services, foster care, adoption, and mental health/addiction treatment centers. I am passionate about promoting personal growth, empowerment, advocacy, and self-efficacy. I strive to connect with clients in a safe therapeutic alliance to help increase tolerance thresholds through psycho-education, therapeutic interventions, skills practice, mind-body connection, and self-awareness.
I enjoy helping clients build resilience and feel a sense of safety both within themselves and with the outside world. Professional experience includes serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in the settings of community outreach, outpatient services, foster care, adoption, and mental health/addiction treatment centers. I am passionate about promoting personal growth, empowerment, advocacy, and self-efficacy. I strive to connect with clients in a safe therapeutic alliance to help increase tolerance thresholds through psycho-education, therapeutic interventions, skills practice, mind-body connection, and self-awareness.
(423) 456-9271 View (423) 456-9271
Photo of Lucy Sweeney, PsyD, Psychologist
Lucy Sweeney
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Gallatin, TN 37066
Waitlist for new clients
Depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, divorce, trauma, parenting, and adoption are some areas of my experience.
You are taking a positive step by researching therapists to find one who will be a good match. Therapy is a collaborative process, so it's important to find a qualified therapist who will also be compatible. If you contact me, we would first talk on the phone, and if that seems promising, meet for an initial consultation. We would discuss more in depth your concerns, your goals, and then develop a therapy plan together, suited to your situation. I will select the interventions that will be most helpful, give you feedback, and try to facilitate open communication.
Depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, divorce, trauma, parenting, and adoption are some areas of my experience.
You are taking a positive step by researching therapists to find one who will be a good match. Therapy is a collaborative process, so it's important to find a qualified therapist who will also be compatible. If you contact me, we would first talk on the phone, and if that seems promising, meet for an initial consultation. We would discuss more in depth your concerns, your goals, and then develop a therapy plan together, suited to your situation. I will select the interventions that will be most helpful, give you feedback, and try to facilitate open communication.
(615) 538-0046 View (615) 538-0046
Photo of Amanda Marshall, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
I specialize in trauma, attachment losses such as foster care and adoption, and working with children and preteens. I enjoy working with people of all ages to address anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, self-image, caregiver stress, and family changes.
I specialize in trauma, attachment losses such as foster care and adoption, and working with children and preteens. I enjoy working with people of all ages to address anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, self-image, caregiver stress, and family changes.
(629) 276-6100 View (629) 276-6100
Photo of Allyson Doering, MMFT, LMFT-A, Pre-Licensed Professional
Allyson Doering
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Brentwood, TN 37027
Hi, my name is Allyson Doering, but you can call me Ally. I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist welcome to my page! I am able to see clients in-office in Brentwood, TN and virtually in the state of Washington through Mindful Therapy Group. I work with families (who want to learn how to reconnect as a whole family unit), adoption trauma, sexual abuse, daily life stressors, LGBTQ+ population, generalized anxiety, grief/loss and navigating narcissistic abuse.
Hi, my name is Allyson Doering, but you can call me Ally. I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist welcome to my page! I am able to see clients in-office in Brentwood, TN and virtually in the state of Washington through Mindful Therapy Group. I work with families (who want to learn how to reconnect as a whole family unit), adoption trauma, sexual abuse, daily life stressors, LGBTQ+ population, generalized anxiety, grief/loss and navigating narcissistic abuse.
(629) 356-5738 View (629) 356-5738
Photo of Corrie Larson, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Corrie Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Clarksville, TN 37043
My practice interests/specialties include: Anxiety, grief, depression, infertility, adoption, women's issues, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, stress management, & coping.
Hi! I'm Corrie and I'm so glad you are here! 'Bloom' (noun) - meaning... a beautiful process of becoming was the inspiration behind founding my practice Bloom Counseling & Consultation. It is a reflection of both my desire for women to see their full potential while also recognizing that growth IS possible regardless of what you may be facing! Although I have supported hundreds of clients in a variety of treatment settings over the last 15 yrs, I found my calling in working primarily with women/women’s issues after experiencing my own personal journey with infertility, motherhood, and grief/loss.
My practice interests/specialties include: Anxiety, grief, depression, infertility, adoption, women's issues, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, stress management, & coping.
Hi! I'm Corrie and I'm so glad you are here! 'Bloom' (noun) - meaning... a beautiful process of becoming was the inspiration behind founding my practice Bloom Counseling & Consultation. It is a reflection of both my desire for women to see their full potential while also recognizing that growth IS possible regardless of what you may be facing! Although I have supported hundreds of clients in a variety of treatment settings over the last 15 yrs, I found my calling in working primarily with women/women’s issues after experiencing my own personal journey with infertility, motherhood, and grief/loss.
(253) 201-6471 View (253) 201-6471
Photo of Courtney Eichelberger, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Eichelberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wartrace, TN 37183
We all struggle at times for many different reasons. I believe having the tools to help ourselves navigate these times can be invaluable and I am committed to helping my clients discover their tools. I am a LCSW with many years of experience in various settings including hospital systems, adoption and foster care, justice system, and private practice. I have provided direct client care, managed teams, trained clinicians in emergency room settings, utilized telehealth, and provided supervision/training to other professionals in my field. All of these opportunities have taught me that Everyone can flourish and pursue their best self.
We all struggle at times for many different reasons. I believe having the tools to help ourselves navigate these times can be invaluable and I am committed to helping my clients discover their tools. I am a LCSW with many years of experience in various settings including hospital systems, adoption and foster care, justice system, and private practice. I have provided direct client care, managed teams, trained clinicians in emergency room settings, utilized telehealth, and provided supervision/training to other professionals in my field. All of these opportunities have taught me that Everyone can flourish and pursue their best self.
(931) 345-3325 View (931) 345-3325
Photo of Maddie Sisavath, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maddie Sisavath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
In my personal and professional life I have developed a deep passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I utilize various forms of therapy to help clients learn to better cope with mental, emotional, social, and/or behavioral struggles, and guide them towards health. I aim to help clients become emotionally resilient to the ongoing challenges that life continues to present! I empower clients to use their voice, challenge negative core beliefs, and celebrate their gifts and talents. Common areas of practice for me are adoption, divorce care, ADHD, emotional regulation, self esteem struggles, anxiety, and more.
In my personal and professional life I have developed a deep passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I utilize various forms of therapy to help clients learn to better cope with mental, emotional, social, and/or behavioral struggles, and guide them towards health. I aim to help clients become emotionally resilient to the ongoing challenges that life continues to present! I empower clients to use their voice, challenge negative core beliefs, and celebrate their gifts and talents. Common areas of practice for me are adoption, divorce care, ADHD, emotional regulation, self esteem struggles, anxiety, and more.
(615) 334-0323 View (615) 334-0323
Photo of Linda Buck - Christian Journey Counseling, LMFT
Christian Journey Counseling
LMFT
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37067
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Prepare/Enrich for Premarital couples counseling; experienced in loss/grief of a child, fostercare, adoption & past RN healthcare provider; I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space for honesty, insight and discovery of dysfunctional patterns.
Shame, anger, loneliness, grief are painful emotions. Maybe your close relationships are not as healthy as you would like, feeling unseen, misunderstood and maybe resentful. People-pleasing, a lack of boundaries, leave us feeling disconnected in a relationship fearing rejection yet longing for a healthy, intimate relationship . Change starts with talking about your concerns and being validated in our experiences while identifying challenges that have you feeling stuck. Let's talk about those problematic issues or emotional wounds together to journey through to a healthier place of confident in communication, values, and boundaries.
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Prepare/Enrich for Premarital couples counseling; experienced in loss/grief of a child, fostercare, adoption & past RN healthcare provider; I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space for honesty, insight and discovery of dysfunctional patterns.
Shame, anger, loneliness, grief are painful emotions. Maybe your close relationships are not as healthy as you would like, feeling unseen, misunderstood and maybe resentful. People-pleasing, a lack of boundaries, leave us feeling disconnected in a relationship fearing rejection yet longing for a healthy, intimate relationship . Change starts with talking about your concerns and being validated in our experiences while identifying challenges that have you feeling stuck. Let's talk about those problematic issues or emotional wounds together to journey through to a healthier place of confident in communication, values, and boundaries.
(615) 560-7294 View (615) 560-7294
Photo of Mallory Morris, LMSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mallory Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Change can be scary. Seeking help and support can be a big step. I will walk beside you through the journey from hard things to a life of hope and healing. There’s nothing more powerful than together. Hope and healing is possible. I am passionate about building trust and working with clients to set achievable goals to work towards together. I help children, adolescents, or adults, through learning regulation and coping skills using art, play, or other experiential means. If you are managing stress, anxiety, depression, need trauma processing, or need attachment work and support through adoption, please inquire.
Change can be scary. Seeking help and support can be a big step. I will walk beside you through the journey from hard things to a life of hope and healing. There’s nothing more powerful than together. Hope and healing is possible. I am passionate about building trust and working with clients to set achievable goals to work towards together. I help children, adolescents, or adults, through learning regulation and coping skills using art, play, or other experiential means. If you are managing stress, anxiety, depression, need trauma processing, or need attachment work and support through adoption, please inquire.
(615) 590-3160 View (615) 590-3160
Photo of Jessica Davidson, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Davidson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37221
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
(615) 434-4227 View (615) 434-4227
Photo of Jan Clifton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jan Clifton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
I work with every member of the adoption triad including search and reunion issues.
You have managed or contained life's challenges until it doesn't work anymore. The experiences of the past do not have to interfere with your joy in the present or future. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore, learn, and create a new way of being in relationships and the world. I specialize in working with individuals and families that have been impacted by traumatic experiences, complex grief, attachment and relationship ruptures. Loss often involves trauma and trauma always involves grief. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
I work with every member of the adoption triad including search and reunion issues.
You have managed or contained life's challenges until it doesn't work anymore. The experiences of the past do not have to interfere with your joy in the present or future. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore, learn, and create a new way of being in relationships and the world. I specialize in working with individuals and families that have been impacted by traumatic experiences, complex grief, attachment and relationship ruptures. Loss often involves trauma and trauma always involves grief. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
(615) 490-0420 View (615) 490-0420
Photo of Client Support - HopeNation
HopeNation
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37211  (Online Only)
HopeNation offers assistance with: anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic difficulties, trauma, bipolar disorders, behavioral issues related to acting out & dysregulation, ADHD, grief & loss, social difficulties, impact of divorce, & adoption/foster care.
Does your child, teen or young adult (up to age 26) struggle to experience the best that life has to offer? As a parent do you have challenges that create overwhelm and distance between you and your child? As a young adult, are you at a loss for how to handle what life throws your way? HopeNation therapists offer hope and healing to children, teens, young adults and their families by empowering our clients to take charge of their lives. Proven interventions are used within a supportive and non-judgmental space that allows growth and transformation to take hold and flourish. You are not alone, reach out and connect today...
HopeNation offers assistance with: anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic difficulties, trauma, bipolar disorders, behavioral issues related to acting out & dysregulation, ADHD, grief & loss, social difficulties, impact of divorce, & adoption/foster care.
Does your child, teen or young adult (up to age 26) struggle to experience the best that life has to offer? As a parent do you have challenges that create overwhelm and distance between you and your child? As a young adult, are you at a loss for how to handle what life throws your way? HopeNation therapists offer hope and healing to children, teens, young adults and their families by empowering our clients to take charge of their lives. Proven interventions are used within a supportive and non-judgmental space that allows growth and transformation to take hold and flourish. You are not alone, reach out and connect today...
(629) 209-1769 View (629) 209-1769
Photo of Brooke Douglas, MFT-I, Pre-Licensed Professional
Brooke Douglas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT-I
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Whether you feel stuck or just need support in learning to communicate with one another, I am here for you. My goal is to offer a safe comforting space free of the fear of judgement for you or your family to explore what healing looks like for you. My passion is walking along side teens ages 12-19, their families, and pre-marital couples. I offer help with those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, grief, adoption, and more. As a therapist I have experience working with adolescents boys in residential treatment, their families, and separately have worked with premarital couples counseling!
Whether you feel stuck or just need support in learning to communicate with one another, I am here for you. My goal is to offer a safe comforting space free of the fear of judgement for you or your family to explore what healing looks like for you. My passion is walking along side teens ages 12-19, their families, and pre-marital couples. I offer help with those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, grief, adoption, and more. As a therapist I have experience working with adolescents boys in residential treatment, their families, and separately have worked with premarital couples counseling!
(423) 528-9902 View (423) 528-9902
Photo of Helen Tarleton, MS, Ed, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Helen Tarleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, Ed, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
I help my clients with issues such as life transitions; anxiety; depression; grief; trauma; phobias; chronic illness; sexual assault and adoption.
I have 30+ years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and couples overcome challenges, heal from painful experiences, repair relationships, and ultimately thrive. I bring thoughtfulness, curiosity, and respect to each interaction with my clients, as I deeply understand the importance of a compassionate therapeutic relationship for successful outcomes in therapy.
I help my clients with issues such as life transitions; anxiety; depression; grief; trauma; phobias; chronic illness; sexual assault and adoption.
I have 30+ years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and couples overcome challenges, heal from painful experiences, repair relationships, and ultimately thrive. I bring thoughtfulness, curiosity, and respect to each interaction with my clients, as I deeply understand the importance of a compassionate therapeutic relationship for successful outcomes in therapy.
(615) 784-5788 View (615) 784-5788
Photo of Elizabeth Parker, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
Elizabeth is skilled in therapeutic interventions with children, adolescents, and individuals experiencing various mental health needs including anxiety, depression, trauma history, grief and loss, foster care and adoption journeys, and life transitions.
Life is hard. Maybe you're in a difficult season right now or maybe it feels more like it's been a difficult few years. Maybe you're carrying pain from an abusive childhood, traumatic experience, or gut-wrenching loss. Maybe your relationship status changed. Maybe life doesn't look like what you thought it would by now. Maybe you're not even sure what exactly you're hoping to find, but you don't think life is supposed to feel this way. For whatever reason you find yourself on my page today, it would be an honor to listen and hold a safe space for your hard things. Life will be hard, but seasons change. Hope and healing is possible.
Elizabeth is skilled in therapeutic interventions with children, adolescents, and individuals experiencing various mental health needs including anxiety, depression, trauma history, grief and loss, foster care and adoption journeys, and life transitions.
Life is hard. Maybe you're in a difficult season right now or maybe it feels more like it's been a difficult few years. Maybe you're carrying pain from an abusive childhood, traumatic experience, or gut-wrenching loss. Maybe your relationship status changed. Maybe life doesn't look like what you thought it would by now. Maybe you're not even sure what exactly you're hoping to find, but you don't think life is supposed to feel this way. For whatever reason you find yourself on my page today, it would be an honor to listen and hold a safe space for your hard things. Life will be hard, but seasons change. Hope and healing is possible.
(423) 376-9658 View (423) 376-9658
Photo of Ondria R Spivey, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ondria R Spivey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
I have been licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) for 24 years. Having served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment center and an outpatient counseling center, and operating in private practice, I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, parenting, infertility, relationship issues, abuse, trauma, adoption, grief and loss, professional/ministry burn-out, spiritual abuse, and faith related concerns.
I have been licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) for 24 years. Having served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment center and an outpatient counseling center, and operating in private practice, I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, parenting, infertility, relationship issues, abuse, trauma, adoption, grief and loss, professional/ministry burn-out, spiritual abuse, and faith related concerns.
(423) 451-8577 View (423) 451-8577
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.