Photo of Faysha Smith-Hammock, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Faysha Smith-Hammock
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midlothian, TX 76065
Click on my website to schedule an appointment! Faysha Smith-Hammock is a licensed professional counselor committed to treating teens, adults, and families. Her specialties include stress management, treating those with trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional or behavioral issues, as well as issues between couples.
Click on my website to schedule an appointment! Faysha Smith-Hammock is a licensed professional counselor committed to treating teens, adults, and families. Her specialties include stress management, treating those with trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional or behavioral issues, as well as issues between couples.
(682) 424-6593 View (682) 424-6593

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tiffanie Hampton, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffanie Hampton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Hello! My name is Tiffanie Hampton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas with 15 years of experience. I have worked with a broad spectrum of people, including military veterans, LGBTQIA+, marriage, divorce, and everything from fertility issues to end-of-life issues, including grief. I enjoy helping couples find spontaneity in their relationships again, supporting folks who want to manage anxiety before it has a chance to take over and assisting families who may be coping with major life changes. I have a straightforward approach and use humor to make people feel comfortable and human in the space.
Hello! My name is Tiffanie Hampton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas with 15 years of experience. I have worked with a broad spectrum of people, including military veterans, LGBTQIA+, marriage, divorce, and everything from fertility issues to end-of-life issues, including grief. I enjoy helping couples find spontaneity in their relationships again, supporting folks who want to manage anxiety before it has a chance to take over and assisting families who may be coping with major life changes. I have a straightforward approach and use humor to make people feel comfortable and human in the space.
(346) 559-1444 View (346) 559-1444

Online Therapists

Photo of Brandy Smith - Rockwall Heath Counseling , LMSW, LPC, BCBC, MA, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rockwall Heath Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMSW, LPC, BCBC, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
Rockwall, TX 75032
Our focus areas: Narcissism & abuse, play facilitated therapy, infertility, child & teen behavior & self-control issues, grief & loss, adult & teen ADD/ADHD, trauma, teen issues, blended families/divorce & post-divorce care, family reunification, couples counseling: in crisis, pre-marital, communication & infidelity, & adoption.
At Rockwall Heath Counseling, our Dallas area clients know we provide a superior level of care & therapeutic excellence in areas that promote healing, growth & confidence in your counseling process. Our team treats grief & loss, neurodivergence/ADHD, marriage counseling, infidelity, infertility, narcissistic & abusive relationships, play therapy, blended & divorced families, family reunification, with over 35+ specialties & certifications and a 60+ combined years of counseling experience. Counseling ages 6 through adult, we are committed to your growth, change & healing. Change is hard but change is what we do.
Our focus areas: Narcissism & abuse, play facilitated therapy, infertility, child & teen behavior & self-control issues, grief & loss, adult & teen ADD/ADHD, trauma, teen issues, blended families/divorce & post-divorce care, family reunification, couples counseling: in crisis, pre-marital, communication & infidelity, & adoption.
At Rockwall Heath Counseling, our Dallas area clients know we provide a superior level of care & therapeutic excellence in areas that promote healing, growth & confidence in your counseling process. Our team treats grief & loss, neurodivergence/ADHD, marriage counseling, infidelity, infertility, narcissistic & abusive relationships, play therapy, blended & divorced families, family reunification, with over 35+ specialties & certifications and a 60+ combined years of counseling experience. Counseling ages 6 through adult, we are committed to your growth, change & healing. Change is hard but change is what we do.
(214) 833-9209 View (214) 833-9209
Photo of Aurora J Romans, FT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aurora J Romans
Marriage & Family Therapist, FT-S
Verified Verified
Tyler, TX 75701
I have over a decade of exprience treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse/co-occurring disorders, Trauma/CPTSD, foster care/ adoption, relational and family issues including high conflict divorce, coparenting and custody.
Life can be hectic and stressful- relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety can make things seem unbearable at times. I believe we all have the capacity to heal ourselves with the right guidance and support. Being a therapist is a calling and a gift- it is my purpose to help those around me find their inner strength and take the steps to live their absolute best life! Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is of utmost importance to me- I want to ensure that all of my clients feel that they belong and are seen, heard and valued for exactly who they are.
I have over a decade of exprience treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse/co-occurring disorders, Trauma/CPTSD, foster care/ adoption, relational and family issues including high conflict divorce, coparenting and custody.
Life can be hectic and stressful- relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety can make things seem unbearable at times. I believe we all have the capacity to heal ourselves with the right guidance and support. Being a therapist is a calling and a gift- it is my purpose to help those around me find their inner strength and take the steps to live their absolute best life! Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is of utmost importance to me- I want to ensure that all of my clients feel that they belong and are seen, heard and valued for exactly who they are.
(760) 239-5187 View (760) 239-5187
Photo of Compassion Counseling, LPC-S, LPC, LPC-A, Licensed Professional Counselor
Compassion Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LPC, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76013
Our counseling experience includes, but is not limited to the following: abuse, ADHD, adoption, anger, anxiety, blended family, conflict resolution, depression, divorce, faith crisis, grief, parenting, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress management, suicidal ideation, trauma, and sex therapy.
Please see our website for counselor photos/ bios. Our mission is to help anyone struggling with emotional distress. We work with children, adolescents, families, individuals, and couples. We offer a FREE 15-minute phone consult to anyone who is new to the counseling process. This is a no pressure call. We will assess your current needs and concerns and decide if we can work together to address them. Our counselors believe in the counseling process and want you to have the best counseling experience possible. We offer emergency sessions, intensive counseling, assessments, play therapy, pre-marital/couples, and bilingual counseling.
Our counseling experience includes, but is not limited to the following: abuse, ADHD, adoption, anger, anxiety, blended family, conflict resolution, depression, divorce, faith crisis, grief, parenting, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress management, suicidal ideation, trauma, and sex therapy.
Please see our website for counselor photos/ bios. Our mission is to help anyone struggling with emotional distress. We work with children, adolescents, families, individuals, and couples. We offer a FREE 15-minute phone consult to anyone who is new to the counseling process. This is a no pressure call. We will assess your current needs and concerns and decide if we can work together to address them. Our counselors believe in the counseling process and want you to have the best counseling experience possible. We offer emergency sessions, intensive counseling, assessments, play therapy, pre-marital/couples, and bilingual counseling.
(817) 330-8534 View (817) 330-8534
Photo of Heather Harvey, PhD, MA, MS, LPC, CAMS-I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Harvey
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, MS, LPC, CAMS-I
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As a mental health professional, I approach counseling in a way in which the client feels they are being listened to and validated, and I enjoy working with individuals and families. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twelve years of experience. I have counseled families in areas including foster care and adoption, medical hospitals, inner-city communities, private school, and psychiatric facilities. I presently work at a private practice in Plano and specialize in anxiety, anger, depression, and struggles with mood, also providing pre-marital and marital counseling as well.
As a mental health professional, I approach counseling in a way in which the client feels they are being listened to and validated, and I enjoy working with individuals and families. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twelve years of experience. I have counseled families in areas including foster care and adoption, medical hospitals, inner-city communities, private school, and psychiatric facilities. I presently work at a private practice in Plano and specialize in anxiety, anger, depression, and struggles with mood, also providing pre-marital and marital counseling as well.
(972) 885-3565 View (972) 885-3565
Photo of Bob Bahlmann, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bob Bahlmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I believe counseling is a way for everyone to process the events that have happened or are happening in their lives, and work alongside them to develop positive coping skills. Clients can expect for me to meet them where they are in life and approach our counseling relationship with empathy, interest, and intuition. I enjoy working with individuals from adolescents to adults and providing couples' counseling, including pre-marital, marriage counseling, infertility, and adoption. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, men's issues, and sex addiction.
I believe counseling is a way for everyone to process the events that have happened or are happening in their lives, and work alongside them to develop positive coping skills. Clients can expect for me to meet them where they are in life and approach our counseling relationship with empathy, interest, and intuition. I enjoy working with individuals from adolescents to adults and providing couples' counseling, including pre-marital, marriage counseling, infertility, and adoption. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, men's issues, and sex addiction.
(312) 566-8633 View (312) 566-8633
Photo of Kristina M. Stephens, MA, LPC, RPT, Counselor
Kristina M. Stephens
Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Richardson, TX 75080
PLAY THERAPY (age 2 & up!), FAMILIES, COUPLES (marital, pre marital, other) or INDIVIDUALS! I have worked with children and families for 13+ years. I taught in the public schools for 6 years before leaving the classroom to work with children and families in a more intimate, counseling setting. As a registered play therapist, I work with young clients who are having issues in school as well as home. I have training on attachment and bonding issues and frequently work with adoption triad cases (birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees). My clients range in age 2-adulthood!
PLAY THERAPY (age 2 & up!), FAMILIES, COUPLES (marital, pre marital, other) or INDIVIDUALS! I have worked with children and families for 13+ years. I taught in the public schools for 6 years before leaving the classroom to work with children and families in a more intimate, counseling setting. As a registered play therapist, I work with young clients who are having issues in school as well as home. I have training on attachment and bonding issues and frequently work with adoption triad cases (birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees). My clients range in age 2-adulthood!
(469) 908-3440 View (469) 908-3440
Photo of Larry D Watson - Dr. Larry Watson, LCSW, PhD, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Larry Watson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76012
I work with adults on relationship and marital issues, issues related to adoption, depression and anxiety disorders.
My name is Dr. Larry Watson and I am licensed by the State of Texas to provide mental health services. My clinical degree is the Masters of Science in Social Work. I also hold a PhD degree in public administration. I have practiced social work for over 25 years, working in nonprofit agencies, Universities and private practice.
I work with adults on relationship and marital issues, issues related to adoption, depression and anxiety disorders.
My name is Dr. Larry Watson and I am licensed by the State of Texas to provide mental health services. My clinical degree is the Masters of Science in Social Work. I also hold a PhD degree in public administration. I have practiced social work for over 25 years, working in nonprofit agencies, Universities and private practice.
(972) 696-7074 View (972) 696-7074
Photo of Debra Ellis - Debra Ellis - Ellis Counseling Agency, LPC-S, LBSW, ACBSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
Debra Ellis - Ellis Counseling Agency
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LBSW, ACBSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, TX 76012  (Online Only)
Welcome to Ellis Counseling Agency! As an experienced behavioral specialist, I am committed to offering extensive support for a variety of challenges that you or your family may be facing. My specialty is nurturing personal well-being, catering to both individuals and families. With the goal of steering you towards realizing your full potential, I am honored to possess dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Social Worker. Over my expansive career spanning more than 25 years in behavioral health, substance abuse, case management, and medical social work, I have gained priceless experience.
Welcome to Ellis Counseling Agency! As an experienced behavioral specialist, I am committed to offering extensive support for a variety of challenges that you or your family may be facing. My specialty is nurturing personal well-being, catering to both individuals and families. With the goal of steering you towards realizing your full potential, I am honored to possess dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Social Worker. Over my expansive career spanning more than 25 years in behavioral health, substance abuse, case management, and medical social work, I have gained priceless experience.
(214) 241-4093 View (214) 241-4093
Photo of Lindsay Garrett, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsay Garrett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Hurst, TX 76053
As a parent of a kid with trauma, you are fed up with using "traditional" parenting techniques that never seem to work. You feel like you have no idea what you are doing or like a complete failure as a parent. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you need a break. You’re ready to use parenting strategies that get you compliance without screaming . You’re ready to connect to your child and yourself in a new way. Most of all, you’re ready for your relationship with your child to grow, deepen, and flourish.
As a parent of a kid with trauma, you are fed up with using "traditional" parenting techniques that never seem to work. You feel like you have no idea what you are doing or like a complete failure as a parent. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you need a break. You’re ready to use parenting strategies that get you compliance without screaming . You’re ready to connect to your child and yourself in a new way. Most of all, you’re ready for your relationship with your child to grow, deepen, and flourish.
(936) 587-7516 View (936) 587-7516
Photo of Charity Hagains, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Charity Hagains
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Most of my clients are successful individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, often feeling overwhelmed by parenting challenges or self-image issues. They seek therapy for relief and deeper self-understanding in a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts without judgment. Valuing collaboration, they hope to gain guidance that empowers them on their journey toward resilience and personal growth, equipping them with the skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity.
Most of my clients are successful individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, often feeling overwhelmed by parenting challenges or self-image issues. They seek therapy for relief and deeper self-understanding in a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts without judgment. Valuing collaboration, they hope to gain guidance that empowers them on their journey toward resilience and personal growth, equipping them with the skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity.
(214) 499-9513 View (214) 499-9513
Photo of Michelle Yoo, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Michelle Yoo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
In the complex journey of life, facing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship struggles can often feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to find ourselves lost in a whirlpool of sadness, confusion, and adversity. “Transforming Scars into Stars”—This philosophy captures the essence of my personal and professional life. I firmly believe that we can shine most brilliantly in our moments of brokenness, like a radiant mosaic.
In the complex journey of life, facing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship struggles can often feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to find ourselves lost in a whirlpool of sadness, confusion, and adversity. “Transforming Scars into Stars”—This philosophy captures the essence of my personal and professional life. I firmly believe that we can shine most brilliantly in our moments of brokenness, like a radiant mosaic.
(469) 414-9477 View (469) 414-9477
Photo of Yas Farrokh, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yas Farrokh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Carrollton, TX 75010
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and counselor supervisor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, children, couples and families, using a variety of therapeutic techniques. I have vast experience working with issues related to trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety, employment and work place problems, and grief.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and counselor supervisor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, children, couples and families, using a variety of therapeutic techniques. I have vast experience working with issues related to trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety, employment and work place problems, and grief.
(469) 294-8291 View (469) 294-8291
Photo of Romilyn Kiriaki, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Romilyn Kiriaki
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75287
I actively work with children, adolescents and emerging adults. In sessions, I draw from a variety of techniques with a patient-centered approach, including: cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy. My passion for helping people find their true potential is fueled in my sessions. Uniquely, I am able to achieve this with my clients by taking a holistic approach through mindfulness and self-compassion with each patient.
I actively work with children, adolescents and emerging adults. In sessions, I draw from a variety of techniques with a patient-centered approach, including: cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy. My passion for helping people find their true potential is fueled in my sessions. Uniquely, I am able to achieve this with my clients by taking a holistic approach through mindfulness and self-compassion with each patient.
(469) 415-9744 View (469) 415-9744
Photo of Nicole Black - Phoenix Arise, Licensed Professional Counselor
Phoenix Arise
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Current daytime and evening availability! Phoenix Arise is a group counseling office owned by Dr. Nicole Black, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, RPT in Lubbock, TX. When creating Phoenix Arise, she envisioned a counseling office that would be focused on treating clients through a trauma informed lens. Phoenix Arise has 13 therapists who offer counseling to a wide range of populations with various modalities such as EMDR, DBT, solution focused therapy, talk therapy, and more. What makes our counselors unique is the underlying focus and emphasis on trauma recovery.
Current daytime and evening availability! Phoenix Arise is a group counseling office owned by Dr. Nicole Black, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, RPT in Lubbock, TX. When creating Phoenix Arise, she envisioned a counseling office that would be focused on treating clients through a trauma informed lens. Phoenix Arise has 13 therapists who offer counseling to a wide range of populations with various modalities such as EMDR, DBT, solution focused therapy, talk therapy, and more. What makes our counselors unique is the underlying focus and emphasis on trauma recovery.
(806) 712-5225 View (806) 712-5225
Photo of Meghan Skelton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meghan Skelton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Waitlist for new clients
My clients often come to me with life transition issues (teens, parenting challenges, relationship issues, major life events, trauma) and are experiencing a loss of identity, lack of direction and symptoms of pervasive anxiety . Together we explore with compassion for the journey to this point, identifying the life worth living and develop a cohesive treatment plan to meet those goals. Through peeling back layers of an onion, we tackle areas of trauma, hurt, shame as we grow empathy for self and tools to start actively changing the cycle of pain. My proudest moment is when a client is able to step down in treatment as goals are met.
My clients often come to me with life transition issues (teens, parenting challenges, relationship issues, major life events, trauma) and are experiencing a loss of identity, lack of direction and symptoms of pervasive anxiety . Together we explore with compassion for the journey to this point, identifying the life worth living and develop a cohesive treatment plan to meet those goals. Through peeling back layers of an onion, we tackle areas of trauma, hurt, shame as we grow empathy for self and tools to start actively changing the cycle of pain. My proudest moment is when a client is able to step down in treatment as goals are met.
(972) 440-1229 View (972) 440-1229
Photo of Jessica Schneider-Watson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Schneider-Watson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Weatherford, TX 76087
Jessica Schneider-Watson is a Counselor in Parker County, Texas offering Psychotherapy and Christian Counseling services to all ages. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology & Counseling and Theology from BH Carroll Theological Seminary. She is licensed in Texas as a LPC and enjoys working with individuals, marriages, teens and children. She is highly trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, marital or relational conflict, high stress, co-parenting, teens and abusive relationships. While using an integrated theory approach, each client is treated based on their specific needs.
Jessica Schneider-Watson is a Counselor in Parker County, Texas offering Psychotherapy and Christian Counseling services to all ages. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology & Counseling and Theology from BH Carroll Theological Seminary. She is licensed in Texas as a LPC and enjoys working with individuals, marriages, teens and children. She is highly trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, marital or relational conflict, high stress, co-parenting, teens and abusive relationships. While using an integrated theory approach, each client is treated based on their specific needs.
(817) 760-2749 View (817) 760-2749
Photo of Allison Cornell - Firefly Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Firefly Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Flower Mound, TX 75028
Hello! My name is Allison, LPC-S. I am the owner of Firefly and a licensed professional counselor Supervisor in Texas with experience in various settings working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, trauma, and abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), family conflicts, self-harm, PTSD, career challenges, and personality awareness. We have multiple LPC associates with amazing credentials who love working with all ages and couples and are all trained in EMDR. Click on our website at www.fireflycandc.com to learn about the other clinicians at Firefly Counseling.
Hello! My name is Allison, LPC-S. I am the owner of Firefly and a licensed professional counselor Supervisor in Texas with experience in various settings working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, trauma, and abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), family conflicts, self-harm, PTSD, career challenges, and personality awareness. We have multiple LPC associates with amazing credentials who love working with all ages and couples and are all trained in EMDR. Click on our website at www.fireflycandc.com to learn about the other clinicians at Firefly Counseling.
(254) 457-4086 View (254) 457-4086
Photo of Thomas Khang Dong, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Thomas Khang Dong
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about supporting and empowering others in their process toward improved wellness. I'm so glad you're here. Taking the step to seek therapy is a courageous and empowering decision, and I'm honored to be part of your journey. In our work together, my goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can be your true self. Whether you're navigating the challenged of ADHD, grappling with the complexities of bicultural identity, or seeking support in your relationships, I'm here to help. I believe in meeting you where you are, with compassion and understanding.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about supporting and empowering others in their process toward improved wellness. I'm so glad you're here. Taking the step to seek therapy is a courageous and empowering decision, and I'm honored to be part of your journey. In our work together, my goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can be your true self. Whether you're navigating the challenged of ADHD, grappling with the complexities of bicultural identity, or seeking support in your relationships, I'm here to help. I believe in meeting you where you are, with compassion and understanding.
(737) 307-1493 View (737) 307-1493

See more therapy options for Midlothian

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.