Adoption Therapists in Plano, TX
![Photo of Denise Humphrey - Creating Harmony, Inc, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3baacf7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialty areas include ADD/ADHD, abandonment, adoption, body dysmorphic disorder, communication, depression, relationships, family of origin issues, and normal conflict resolutions.
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP SUFFERING? I specialize in couples/marital counseling and will help expedite resolution whether you are married, single, straight, gay, or lesbian. I also befriend people struggling in a mixed-orientation marriage, where one partner is gay and the other is straight. My ongoing mission is to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable and non-threatening, a safe sanctuary for expressing inner feelings and disclosing personal problems for both individuals and couples. I understand that each situation is unique and therefore, treatment is tailored accordingly.
Specialty areas include ADD/ADHD, abandonment, adoption, body dysmorphic disorder, communication, depression, relationships, family of origin issues, and normal conflict resolutions.
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP SUFFERING? I specialize in couples/marital counseling and will help expedite resolution whether you are married, single, straight, gay, or lesbian. I also befriend people struggling in a mixed-orientation marriage, where one partner is gay and the other is straight. My ongoing mission is to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable and non-threatening, a safe sanctuary for expressing inner feelings and disclosing personal problems for both individuals and couples. I understand that each situation is unique and therefore, treatment is tailored accordingly.
![Photo of Liz Bandy, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f613d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goals are to support clients in the challenges that they face and help them set attainable goals. I have worked in the mental health field for 12 years in a different number of roles. My specialty is working with individuals with dual-diagnosis, traumatic experience, and adoption. I have experience working with diverse populations from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs systems.
My goals are to support clients in the challenges that they face and help them set attainable goals. I have worked in the mental health field for 12 years in a different number of roles. My specialty is working with individuals with dual-diagnosis, traumatic experience, and adoption. I have experience working with diverse populations from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs systems.
![Photo of Bob Bahlmann, MABS, MACMHC, NBCC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5158fbe1-1788-4a90-990e-8c609a35c958/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bob Bahlmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MABS, MACMHC, NBCC, 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.
![Photo of Christine Dinh, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0390523c-8a85-4401-a664-b2c541a3ae65/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Dinh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75023
Waitlist for new clients
In addition, I specialize in working with children and adults who have experienced loss, been touched by foster care and adoption, and neurocognitive differences.
My therapeutic process centers around the client and their individual needs. I have an integrative approach and have a very down-to-earth, compassionate style. Therapy modalities I incorporate include play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Trust Based Relational Interventions.
In addition, I specialize in working with children and adults who have experienced loss, been touched by foster care and adoption, and neurocognitive differences.
My therapeutic process centers around the client and their individual needs. I have an integrative approach and have a very down-to-earth, compassionate style. Therapy modalities I incorporate include play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Trust Based Relational Interventions.
![Photo of Heather Harvey, PhD, MA, MS, LPC, CAMS-I, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb869640-57ab-450f-a044-567ab0e7c354/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Makayla Kunz, MA, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3625e5ab-ef48-46d1-9afc-edac2d92ad76/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, with degrees from Houston Baptist University and Texas A&M University. I have experience working with clients in both private practice and treatment center settings, specifically to address: addiction (gambling, sex and love, and chemical dependency) ● trauma ● anxiety ● depression ● identity exploration (including LGBTQ+ identity exploration) ● suicidality ● adoption ● parent coaching ● mood disorders ● personality disorders ● somatic experiencing ● life adjustments
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, with degrees from Houston Baptist University and Texas A&M University. I have experience working with clients in both private practice and treatment center settings, specifically to address: addiction (gambling, sex and love, and chemical dependency) ● trauma ● anxiety ● depression ● identity exploration (including LGBTQ+ identity exploration) ● suicidality ● adoption ● parent coaching ● mood disorders ● personality disorders ● somatic experiencing ● life adjustments
![Photo of Denise Thornton, MS, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27c4a957-8586-4935-994f-3f9c010ee64a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Denise has a decade of experience in the mental health industry. She works in the treatment of mood disorders, depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting, marriage, codependency, infertility, and adoption. She also works with clients to help them find motivation; move through life challenges and changes; reestablish their self-esteem and confidence; as well as find resolution with family conflicts. She has experience with the Enneagram, Boundary setting, and Attachment styles to help learn how to navigate relationships. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Denise has a decade of experience in the mental health industry. She works in the treatment of mood disorders, depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting, marriage, codependency, infertility, and adoption. She also works with clients to help them find motivation; move through life challenges and changes; reestablish their self-esteem and confidence; as well as find resolution with family conflicts. She has experience with the Enneagram, Boundary setting, and Attachment styles to help learn how to navigate relationships. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and seniors.
![Photo of Doreen Simonian, MA, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/742bb9d9-b459-4564-adf5-e1c1bed01606/1/320x400.jpeg)
Doreen Simonian
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
My previous work in adoption has also given me insight into struggles that couples face building their families, and the various paths this process can take.
Life can often be hard and unexpected challenges can happen to anyone. I believe that having the support of someone in our corner can help us discover our unique qualities so we can emerge from difficulties stronger than we ever thought possible. I will provide a compassionate and supportive environment while we embark on your journey of growth and healing. Taking this first step is often very difficult and I invite you to contact me and see if counseling is right for you and if I would be a good fit for your needs.
My previous work in adoption has also given me insight into struggles that couples face building their families, and the various paths this process can take.
Life can often be hard and unexpected challenges can happen to anyone. I believe that having the support of someone in our corner can help us discover our unique qualities so we can emerge from difficulties stronger than we ever thought possible. I will provide a compassionate and supportive environment while we embark on your journey of growth and healing. Taking this first step is often very difficult and I invite you to contact me and see if counseling is right for you and if I would be a good fit for your needs.
![Photo of Terri L Gonzales-Ball, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca7ad83-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Terri L Gonzales-Ball
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
During my training in play therapy, I have worked with many children experiencing behavioral problems, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, adoption, relational problems with peers and siblings, academic issues, trauma, developmental delays, aggression, abandonment, and disruptive behavior.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your child or adolescent is experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. You may often feel helpless and isolated. I can help. I have had extensive training in the field of play therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach to working with children struggling with a variety of issues. Throughout this process, your child will experience a warm, safe, and accepting environment where these issues can be worked out. I will also work to help you understand your child more and provide you with ways to feel more empowered.
During my training in play therapy, I have worked with many children experiencing behavioral problems, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, adoption, relational problems with peers and siblings, academic issues, trauma, developmental delays, aggression, abandonment, and disruptive behavior.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your child or adolescent is experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. You may often feel helpless and isolated. I can help. I have had extensive training in the field of play therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach to working with children struggling with a variety of issues. Throughout this process, your child will experience a warm, safe, and accepting environment where these issues can be worked out. I will also work to help you understand your child more and provide you with ways to feel more empowered.
![Photo of Dr. Felicia Lewis, PhD, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a11e99ea-9e4a-4eca-a63e-a20c94ec4f81/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Felicia Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75074
I specialize in working with children-adults dealing with depression, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, transitions, adoption and foster-care.
My goal is to help the hurting and struggling find peace and strength to come out stronger on the other side. Many things come along that can build us up or tear us down. I want to help you grow even through the worst of experiences. I want to join you in your struggles, help you through your pain, and provide support for you to make your way through the difficulties of life, relationships and this world. My greatest joy comes from watching my clients feel free as they become aware and empowered to make positive decisions of self-improvement.
I specialize in working with children-adults dealing with depression, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, transitions, adoption and foster-care.
My goal is to help the hurting and struggling find peace and strength to come out stronger on the other side. Many things come along that can build us up or tear us down. I want to help you grow even through the worst of experiences. I want to join you in your struggles, help you through your pain, and provide support for you to make your way through the difficulties of life, relationships and this world. My greatest joy comes from watching my clients feel free as they become aware and empowered to make positive decisions of self-improvement.
![Photo of Holly Lockett, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48dea2f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Lockett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
My goal is to make your therapeutic experience as fulfilling as possible. I use a solutions focused/cognitive behavioral approach to therapy that helps people reach their goals as efficiently as possible. I work with a large variety of people by providing individual counseling, family counseling and activity therapy, filial therapy, grief resolution, teen counseling, and group therapy.
My goal is to make your therapeutic experience as fulfilling as possible. I use a solutions focused/cognitive behavioral approach to therapy that helps people reach their goals as efficiently as possible. I work with a large variety of people by providing individual counseling, family counseling and activity therapy, filial therapy, grief resolution, teen counseling, and group therapy.
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Tiffany Wilkins
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MC, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75075
Are you tired of feeling like you're struggling to juggle the demands of life and often left feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself battling anxiety, depression or changes in your life? Would you like a safe place to explore your emotions and experiences without judgement, and gain coping strategies that help make life more manageable and connections more meaningful?
Are you tired of feeling like you're struggling to juggle the demands of life and often left feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself battling anxiety, depression or changes in your life? Would you like a safe place to explore your emotions and experiences without judgement, and gain coping strategies that help make life more manageable and connections more meaningful?
![Photo of Cindy McCartney, MEd, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f63b2dcd-f072-451d-b9ac-1a09025b1ae0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Resiliency is the ability to overcome obstacles and find contentment within ourselves. Life can be challenging and its okay to ask for support to help navigate through struggles. I am passionate about helping children, adolescents and adults find their voice and overcome adversity. I believe that the therapeutic process is collaborative in nature as the families role is vital. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have been through trauma, struggle with attachment, anxiety, depression, behavioral and mood disorders.
Resiliency is the ability to overcome obstacles and find contentment within ourselves. Life can be challenging and its okay to ask for support to help navigate through struggles. I am passionate about helping children, adolescents and adults find their voice and overcome adversity. I believe that the therapeutic process is collaborative in nature as the families role is vital. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have been through trauma, struggle with attachment, anxiety, depression, behavioral and mood disorders.
![Photo of Jennifer Jenkins, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c7851c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Jenkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75075
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. I am also a Licensed Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. I earned my Masters of Science degree at the University of North Texas, and received advanced training in Play Therapy, Expressive Arts and Filial Therapy. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children and families. I specialize in working with Preschool age children and their parents to address concerns regarding emotional and social development and behavioral issues while enhancing the parent-child relationship. I am also passionate about working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. Counseling in adolescence is beneficial to facilitate healthy coping skills and self-expression. I also specialize in addressing the psycho-therapeutic needs of individuals with eating disorders, women with postpartum depression, and families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. I am also a Licensed Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. I earned my Masters of Science degree at the University of North Texas, and received advanced training in Play Therapy, Expressive Arts and Filial Therapy. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children and families. I specialize in working with Preschool age children and their parents to address concerns regarding emotional and social development and behavioral issues while enhancing the parent-child relationship. I am also passionate about working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. Counseling in adolescence is beneficial to facilitate healthy coping skills and self-expression. I also specialize in addressing the psycho-therapeutic needs of individuals with eating disorders, women with postpartum depression, and families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
![Photo of Michael J Maxwell, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6017f613-75f1-480a-9c2d-9c48bd82ac7e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michael J Maxwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
I began my professional counseling experience in 1999. I have worked previously as a professional counselor with juvenile incarcerated youth, incarcerated adults, psychiatric patients, as an elementary and secondary school counselor. Prior to my work as a professional counselor, I worked as a special education teacher and coach.
I have experience working with young children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, families, and groups.
I have worked with a diverse clientele on a number of concerns, with specializations in the following areas: anger management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, pre-marital, parenting, divorce, domestic violence, social skills, etc.
I began my professional counseling experience in 1999. I have worked previously as a professional counselor with juvenile incarcerated youth, incarcerated adults, psychiatric patients, as an elementary and secondary school counselor. Prior to my work as a professional counselor, I worked as a special education teacher and coach.
I have experience working with young children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, families, and groups.
I have worked with a diverse clientele on a number of concerns, with specializations in the following areas: anger management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, pre-marital, parenting, divorce, domestic violence, social skills, etc.
![Photo of Stephen Chock, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfe841e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
MY GOAL: to promote mental, physical, & spiritual health for people at each developmental phase of life. Your struggles might include mood disorder or inefficient brain function. My broad-range experience: studied at Ohio State University under top-ranked professors in Counseling Psychology and brain injury. RESIDENCIES: Minneapolis VA hospital; Ohio State's brain injury rehab unit. 17+ years inpatient rehab neuropsychology experience at Baylor Rehab Dallas, Pate Rehab. 1990-95: Christian counseling & neuropsychology at Minirth-Meier Clinic. Adjunct Professor: LPC-level Counseling degree program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
MY GOAL: to promote mental, physical, & spiritual health for people at each developmental phase of life. Your struggles might include mood disorder or inefficient brain function. My broad-range experience: studied at Ohio State University under top-ranked professors in Counseling Psychology and brain injury. RESIDENCIES: Minneapolis VA hospital; Ohio State's brain injury rehab unit. 17+ years inpatient rehab neuropsychology experience at Baylor Rehab Dallas, Pate Rehab. 1990-95: Christian counseling & neuropsychology at Minirth-Meier Clinic. Adjunct Professor: LPC-level Counseling degree program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
![Photo of Andrea Schultz, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5822ed45-92dc-4ad4-ab0b-c66ccda7609c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Schultz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75074
Is your child struggling in school or acting out in anger? Is your teen anxious, depressed or making poor choices? Maybe you're overwhelmed as a parent or need help repairing your own relationships. For more than 25 years I've specialized in counseling services for children, adolescents and families. My approach is both supportive and solution-focused. I provide the encouragement, support and practical feedback individuals and families need to face challenges, resolve problems and achieve their goals. I can help you or your child get back on track to leading a happier, healthier and more productive life.
Is your child struggling in school or acting out in anger? Is your teen anxious, depressed or making poor choices? Maybe you're overwhelmed as a parent or need help repairing your own relationships. For more than 25 years I've specialized in counseling services for children, adolescents and families. My approach is both supportive and solution-focused. I provide the encouragement, support and practical feedback individuals and families need to face challenges, resolve problems and achieve their goals. I can help you or your child get back on track to leading a happier, healthier and more productive life.
![Photo of Zach Walker - Zach Walker - Flow State Therapy PLLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50aa8acc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Zach Walker - Flow State Therapy PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. When you give yourself the gift of therapy, you give yourself the best chance at a fulfilling life. I work with adults of all ages who find themselves struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, relationship conflicts, grief, as well as a plethora of other curve balls life will throw at someone at any given time. I help my clients connect the dots between what they are going through now and how it came to be through psychoanalysis then targeting what actions they need to take in the present moment to empower them with agency to manage their current reality.
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. When you give yourself the gift of therapy, you give yourself the best chance at a fulfilling life. I work with adults of all ages who find themselves struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, relationship conflicts, grief, as well as a plethora of other curve balls life will throw at someone at any given time. I help my clients connect the dots between what they are going through now and how it came to be through psychoanalysis then targeting what actions they need to take in the present moment to empower them with agency to manage their current reality.
![Photo of Kasey Key, MS , LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5eef2f38-81a0-417d-ad54-2c9b6b0c0bc8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kasey Key
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS , LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75023
Have you ever experienced a situation where everything seems okay, then, a switch flips and you're left wondering how things went from calm to chaos so quickly? You may feel lost, asking yourself, "Why does this keep happening?" You are not alone. I offer specialized experience working with children, parents, families, and individuals to help improve their functioning by enhancing emotional vocabulary, recognizing and expressing emotions appropriately, and building a foundation of respect. Clients are offered empathetic support, free of judgment or blame, to explore and organize their experiences and gain awareness and insight.
Have you ever experienced a situation where everything seems okay, then, a switch flips and you're left wondering how things went from calm to chaos so quickly? You may feel lost, asking yourself, "Why does this keep happening?" You are not alone. I offer specialized experience working with children, parents, families, and individuals to help improve their functioning by enhancing emotional vocabulary, recognizing and expressing emotions appropriately, and building a foundation of respect. Clients are offered empathetic support, free of judgment or blame, to explore and organize their experiences and gain awareness and insight.
![Photo of Bond Buchanan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1c4313-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Whether you are struggling with a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. It is my experience that, as human beings, we all face life challenges, be they relational, personal, emotional, or physical, and our mental health affects how we respond to those challenges. I offer counseling to all ages (children, teens, adults) and provide services to individuals, couples, and families. Therapy can be short-term/ solution-focused, or longer- term, depending on your needs and desires.
Welcome! Whether you are struggling with a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. It is my experience that, as human beings, we all face life challenges, be they relational, personal, emotional, or physical, and our mental health affects how we respond to those challenges. I offer counseling to all ages (children, teens, adults) and provide services to individuals, couples, and families. Therapy can be short-term/ solution-focused, or longer- term, depending on your needs and desires.
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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.