Adoption Psychologists and Therapists in Balgowlah, NSW

Photo of Jodie Gale, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Jodie Gale
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
(02) 8294 7627 View (02) 8294 7627
Photo of Dr Gill SH Walker, Psychologist, MAPS
Dr Gill SH Walker
Psychologist, MAPS
Serves Area
I cultivate change when invited to examine your mounting challenges, & accompany you along your journey, as required. I tend to your needs & resources as you transition, while we face issues together, & grow your capacity to journey beyond me. This may involve an exploration of the past, or practical focus on here & now strategies & approaches, which influence the map of your life journey you are carving. You guide me with expertise of your needs, wants & experiences, to plan a route forward, drawing on a variety of evidence-based methods I offer.
I cultivate change when invited to examine your mounting challenges, & accompany you along your journey, as required. I tend to your needs & resources as you transition, while we face issues together, & grow your capacity to journey beyond me. This may involve an exploration of the past, or practical focus on here & now strategies & approaches, which influence the map of your life journey you are carving. You guide me with expertise of your needs, wants & experiences, to plan a route forward, drawing on a variety of evidence-based methods I offer.
(02) 9158 6583 View (02) 9158 6583
Photo of Dony Chambers - Helm Psychology and Relationship Counselling , Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Helm Psychology and Relationship Counselling
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a registered psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I provide counselling and psychological therapy to individuals, couples and families. I have experience in Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, PTSD, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, Anger Management, Relationship Counselling, and Stress Management.
I am a registered psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I provide counselling and psychological therapy to individuals, couples and families. I have experience in Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, PTSD, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, Anger Management, Relationship Counselling, and Stress Management.
(02) 9100 0940 View (02) 9100 0940
Amber Melanie Mordaunt
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Balgowlah, NSW 2093
(02) 8355 9780 View (02) 8355 9780

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kimberley Lee, Counsellor, PACFA
Kimberley Lee
Counsellor, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Potts Point, NSW 2011
I have lived experience with adoption and an interest in working with adopted people and their families.
I work with adoptees, people who are single on purpose, dating and new relationships, depression, anxiety, career and workplace challenges, major life changes and choices, and people who work in the sex industry. I believe everyone can make change with support and care through the process. I continue to develop my practice with ongoing training in somatic psychotherapy (2021-ongoing), am a certified trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher, and a communications specialist. I also offer integrative lymphatic drainage massage.
I have lived experience with adoption and an interest in working with adopted people and their families.
I work with adoptees, people who are single on purpose, dating and new relationships, depression, anxiety, career and workplace challenges, major life changes and choices, and people who work in the sex industry. I believe everyone can make change with support and care through the process. I continue to develop my practice with ongoing training in somatic psychotherapy (2021-ongoing), am a certified trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher, and a communications specialist. I also offer integrative lymphatic drainage massage.
(02) 8806 0548 View (02) 8806 0548
Photo of Renee Claire Voice, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Renee Claire Voice
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Newport, NSW 2106
Many people today feel isolated and alone in their relationships as a result of the current difficult times of the pandemic. A basic human need is to connect and the breakdown of relationships can be extremely painful. My aim is to help you grow in your relationship - to move from a state of conflict, loneliness, unhappiness to healing and connection with your partner.
Many people today feel isolated and alone in their relationships as a result of the current difficult times of the pandemic. A basic human need is to connect and the breakdown of relationships can be extremely painful. My aim is to help you grow in your relationship - to move from a state of conflict, loneliness, unhappiness to healing and connection with your partner.
(02) 4313 1538 View (02) 4313 1538
Photo of Ché Stevenson, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Ché Stevenson
Psychotherapist, PACFA
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
One of the barriers to self-care is allowing yourself to go into the depths of your experiences. Often, we are challenged to explore and understand this profound chasm, to touch what is held there, to hear its messages, and to connect with compassion to the raw emotions that have been lying dormant for years or just surfaced. By peering into the abyss, we can gain deeper understanding of ourselves and insight into the meaning of our lives; transforming and opening up possibilities the future could hold for us.
One of the barriers to self-care is allowing yourself to go into the depths of your experiences. Often, we are challenged to explore and understand this profound chasm, to touch what is held there, to hear its messages, and to connect with compassion to the raw emotions that have been lying dormant for years or just surfaced. By peering into the abyss, we can gain deeper understanding of ourselves and insight into the meaning of our lives; transforming and opening up possibilities the future could hold for us.
(03) 9118 9050 View (03) 9118 9050
Photo of Caroline Spiers, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Caroline Spiers
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
Specialism in working with adoptees/people affected by adoption, donor conception, LGBTQIA/poly community, ASD, ADHD, complex traumas.
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? Effective therapy will allow you space to talk and be heard and validated, guide you at your own pace on your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
Specialism in working with adoptees/people affected by adoption, donor conception, LGBTQIA/poly community, ASD, ADHD, complex traumas.
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? Effective therapy will allow you space to talk and be heard and validated, guide you at your own pace on your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
(03) 7003 2855 View (03) 7003 2855
Photo of Rachel Agnew - Rachel Agnew - New Beginnings Psychotherapy, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Rachel Agnew - New Beginnings Psychotherapy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Online Only
Hi, I’m Rachel. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like something just isn’t quite right, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’m a warm, down-to-earth therapist who offers a safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through at your pace. I work in a person-centred, trauma-informed way, which means I listen deeply, value your uniqueness, and support you to understand yourself more fully, not just at a cognitive level, but emotionally and relationally too. Together, we’ll explore whatever you're carrying and move towards healing and clarity.
Hi, I’m Rachel. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like something just isn’t quite right, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’m a warm, down-to-earth therapist who offers a safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through at your pace. I work in a person-centred, trauma-informed way, which means I listen deeply, value your uniqueness, and support you to understand yourself more fully, not just at a cognitive level, but emotionally and relationally too. Together, we’ll explore whatever you're carrying and move towards healing and clarity.
(07) 3477 9543 View (07) 3477 9543
Photo of Georgia Ashworth, Psychologist
Georgia Ashworth
Psychologist
1 Endorsed
Kogarah, NSW 2217
Georgia is a psychologist at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. She has a genuine and empathetic therapeutic style, committed to providing a non-judgemental space to achieve therapeutic goals through evidence-based psychological therapy. Georgia is a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar who completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), as well as previous studies in psychology at Macquarie University (MQ) and the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP). She has an interest in public health, having completed research on gambling and drug addictions.
Georgia is a psychologist at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. She has a genuine and empathetic therapeutic style, committed to providing a non-judgemental space to achieve therapeutic goals through evidence-based psychological therapy. Georgia is a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar who completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), as well as previous studies in psychology at Macquarie University (MQ) and the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP). She has an interest in public health, having completed research on gambling and drug addictions.
(02) 8105 5765 View (02) 8105 5765
Photo of Sandra Dallimore, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Sandra Dallimore
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Hi - I'm Sandra :) I'm a warm, open, compassionate and caring woman who in the role of counsellor, is here to support clients with their goals for therapy, and in their lives. It may be dealing with a relationship issue or breakup, or dealing with grief at the loss of someone or something, or experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or being diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition. These are just some of the things I work with clients on. I also work with children, to build them up from the inside so they feel confident dealing with life challenges, and with teenagers.
Hi - I'm Sandra :) I'm a warm, open, compassionate and caring woman who in the role of counsellor, is here to support clients with their goals for therapy, and in their lives. It may be dealing with a relationship issue or breakup, or dealing with grief at the loss of someone or something, or experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or being diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition. These are just some of the things I work with clients on. I also work with children, to build them up from the inside so they feel confident dealing with life challenges, and with teenagers.
(08) 6010 4664 View (08) 6010 4664
Photo of Jane Rabie, Social Worker, AASW
Jane Rabie
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
(02) 9100 0607 View (02) 9100 0607
Photo of Leisa Pritchard - The Heart & Mind Collective, Psychologist, PsyBA General
The Heart & Mind Collective
Psychologist, PsyBA General
North Gosford, NSW 2250
Ready to nurture your emotional and mental health? The Heart & Mind Collective has a range of therapeutic supports available to assist you at any stage of your journey. Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
Ready to nurture your emotional and mental health? The Heart & Mind Collective has a range of therapeutic supports available to assist you at any stage of your journey. Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
(02) 4326 0725 View (02) 4326 0725
Photo of Mona Ardeleanu - Mona Ardeleanu Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Mona Ardeleanu Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
I work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of themselves - often during life transitions, periods of stress, times of decision, or after difficult emotional experiences. You might be facing anxiety, overthinking, loss, burnout, or a quiet sense of being behind in life. I also work with all types of relationships - romantic, family, friendships, and work dynamics. Some people come with something specific, others with a feeling they can’t quite name. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, make sense of things, and gently find your way back to yourself.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of themselves - often during life transitions, periods of stress, times of decision, or after difficult emotional experiences. You might be facing anxiety, overthinking, loss, burnout, or a quiet sense of being behind in life. I also work with all types of relationships - romantic, family, friendships, and work dynamics. Some people come with something specific, others with a feeling they can’t quite name. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, make sense of things, and gently find your way back to yourself.
0457 396 132 View 0457 396 132
Photo of Christopher Edward Beards, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Christopher Edward Beards
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
I work with adults and adolescents navigating complex presentations; like eating disorders, trauma, personality difficulties, men's mental health, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I also see NDIS participants and Defence personnel through the ADF. Many clients have tried general support and found it hasn't touched what they're actually dealing with; others can't access quality care where they live. Telehealth bridges that gap across regional and remote Australia. My sessions are collaborative, goal-focused, and evidence-based with an aim to build your capacity to manage your own wellbeing, in a space that is genuinely non-judgemental.
I work with adults and adolescents navigating complex presentations; like eating disorders, trauma, personality difficulties, men's mental health, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I also see NDIS participants and Defence personnel through the ADF. Many clients have tried general support and found it hasn't touched what they're actually dealing with; others can't access quality care where they live. Telehealth bridges that gap across regional and remote Australia. My sessions are collaborative, goal-focused, and evidence-based with an aim to build your capacity to manage your own wellbeing, in a space that is genuinely non-judgemental.
(02) 7501 1359 View (02) 7501 1359
Photo of Rajesh Prasad - Clear Choice Clinic Therapy/Coun/Psychological/ASD, Counsellor, MSc
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Highlight your experience as an NDIS-registered provider catering to clients from diverse nationalities. Educational Background: Master's degree. Specialisation in ASD; Experience in Special Education: I have a deep understanding of the challenges to support them effectively.Psychological Assessment Expertise: Marriage and Relationships:Legal Requirements and Report Writing: writing reports to meet legal requirements:Psychological Support: assist clients with a range of issues, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs), anger management, domestic issues, and disabilities. Helping clients with needs.
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Highlight your experience as an NDIS-registered provider catering to clients from diverse nationalities. Educational Background: Master's degree. Specialisation in ASD; Experience in Special Education: I have a deep understanding of the challenges to support them effectively.Psychological Assessment Expertise: Marriage and Relationships:Legal Requirements and Report Writing: writing reports to meet legal requirements:Psychological Support: assist clients with a range of issues, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs), anger management, domestic issues, and disabilities. Helping clients with needs.
(02) 6189 2732 View (02) 6189 2732
Photo of Mauro Vieira, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mauro Vieira
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Bar Point, NSW 2083
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
(02) 9158 6184 View (02) 9158 6184
Photo of Liza Chervonsky - Inlight Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Inlight Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Immediate availability. We see adults, adolescents, children, couples, and parents. We can assist with a number of issues including anxiety and mood disorders, anger management, social and relationship difficulties, work and academic problems, procrastination and time management, perfectionism, emotion regulation difficulties and personality disorders.
Immediate availability. We see adults, adolescents, children, couples, and parents. We can assist with a number of issues including anxiety and mood disorders, anger management, social and relationship difficulties, work and academic problems, procrastination and time management, perfectionism, emotion regulation difficulties and personality disorders.
(02) 8074 5391 View (02) 8074 5391
Photo of Kerryann Henry - KerryAnn Henry -Individual & Couples Therapy, Social Worker, AASW
KerryAnn Henry -Individual & Couples Therapy
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
Trauma is healed using safe somatic trauma therapies. Never too late to recover. Highly skilled effective trauma therapy is essential. You'll feel safe & valued finding no blaming or shaming. Your issues & relationship problems are normal impacts of trauma & solvable. I work with all issues such as childhood trauma, PTSD, DV/FV, anger, anxiety, sexual assault, communication, trust, shame, sexual issues, infidelity, addictions, parenting, ASD, MI & grief. Positive change occurs from the first session. There is nothing wrong with you -you just have trauma impacts- not your fault & fixable. You'll find me compassionate, curious & calm.
Trauma is healed using safe somatic trauma therapies. Never too late to recover. Highly skilled effective trauma therapy is essential. You'll feel safe & valued finding no blaming or shaming. Your issues & relationship problems are normal impacts of trauma & solvable. I work with all issues such as childhood trauma, PTSD, DV/FV, anger, anxiety, sexual assault, communication, trust, shame, sexual issues, infidelity, addictions, parenting, ASD, MI & grief. Positive change occurs from the first session. There is nothing wrong with you -you just have trauma impacts- not your fault & fixable. You'll find me compassionate, curious & calm.
(02) 5503 9341 View (02) 5503 9341
Photo of Sascha Norman, Counsellor
Sascha Norman
Counsellor
3 Endorsed
North Narrabeen, NSW 2101
If life feels overwhelming, full of stress, anxiety, trauma or uncertainty I want you to know that healing is possible with the right support. I’m Sascha, and I help adults and teens work through life's challenges with compassion and practical tools. It’s work I truly love. I help my clients feel clearer, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward. I use a holistic approach, combining talk therapy with optional kinesiology to help fast-track healing and release the tension you’ve been holding. Together, we can build greater confidence and resilience. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If life feels overwhelming, full of stress, anxiety, trauma or uncertainty I want you to know that healing is possible with the right support. I’m Sascha, and I help adults and teens work through life's challenges with compassion and practical tools. It’s work I truly love. I help my clients feel clearer, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward. I use a holistic approach, combining talk therapy with optional kinesiology to help fast-track healing and release the tension you’ve been holding. Together, we can build greater confidence and resilience. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
(02) 8403 1163 View (02) 8403 1163
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 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.