Adoption Counselling in 6172

Photo of Andrea Groom - Connections WA Andrea Groom, ACA-L4, Counsellor
Connections WA Andrea Groom
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Port Kennedy, WA 6172
Andrea is an experienced Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor. Andrea is grounded in Rogerian psychotherapy, which lays out a strong foundation for creating a safe and supportive environment. Andrea is a seasoned child, adolescent and family therapist. Andrea also offers professional supervision to other mental health professionals. Andrea has an interest in Autism, ADHD and trauma She is also an EMDR practioner. Working in the frameworks of interpersonal neurobiology, somatic therapy, ACT, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness practices. Andrea is able to offer a supportive space for you.
Andrea is an experienced Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor. Andrea is grounded in Rogerian psychotherapy, which lays out a strong foundation for creating a safe and supportive environment. Andrea is a seasoned child, adolescent and family therapist. Andrea also offers professional supervision to other mental health professionals. Andrea has an interest in Autism, ADHD and trauma She is also an EMDR practioner. Working in the frameworks of interpersonal neurobiology, somatic therapy, ACT, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness practices. Andrea is able to offer a supportive space for you.
(08) 9551 7764 View (08) 9551 7764
Photo of Jo Morrison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jo Morrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Port Kennedy, WA 6172
A Social Worker with 23+ years experience. I provide services online and mobile outreach (in community). My counselling style is person centred, trauma informed and flexible, meaning I'll use my skills, knowledge and experience to deliver counselling suited to your individual needs.
A Social Worker with 23+ years experience. I provide services online and mobile outreach (in community). My counselling style is person centred, trauma informed and flexible, meaning I'll use my skills, knowledge and experience to deliver counselling suited to your individual needs.
(08) 6493 7946 View (08) 6493 7946

See more therapy options for 6172

Adoption Counsellors

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can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss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, behavioural, 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.