Adoption Psychologists and Therapists in Petersham, NSW
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
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.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
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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.
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.
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.
If you’ve been touched by adoption or foster care, you might carry questions about identity, belonging, or how your past continues to shape your present.
I bring both personal insight and professional training to my counselling work. My focus is on helping you make sense of your story, develop tools for navigating relationships and emotions, and build the confidence to live more authentically. No pressure, no judgment just real connection and support.
If you’ve been touched by adoption or foster care, you might carry questions about identity, belonging, or how your past continues to shape your present.
I bring both personal insight and professional training to my counselling work. My focus is on helping you make sense of your story, develop tools for navigating relationships and emotions, and build the confidence to live more authentically. No pressure, no judgment just real connection and support.
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.
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.
My name is Bridie Mills (he/him), I'm a counsellor and psychotherapist living and working in Naarm (Melbourne). I deeply value my position as a collaborator with and witness to those I work with and foster my own genuine presence and curiousity throughout my work, and find that from this stance, I am able to offer specific responses to what each person uniquely brings to therapy. In this process I draw upon a number of therapeutic approaches, including Focusing-Oriented Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Existential Therapy.
My name is Bridie Mills (he/him), I'm a counsellor and psychotherapist living and working in Naarm (Melbourne). I deeply value my position as a collaborator with and witness to those I work with and foster my own genuine presence and curiousity throughout my work, and find that from this stance, I am able to offer specific responses to what each person uniquely brings to therapy. In this process I draw upon a number of therapeutic approaches, including Focusing-Oriented Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Existential Therapy.
Hello! I am Jordi, the director of Jigsaw Psychology & Assessment. I would describe myself as highly empathetic, easy to talk to, but as someone who can also be direct when needed. I have a keen interest in helping people understand and work through the true causes of anxiety; understanding and processing trauma; and also working with neurodivergent people. While I am well trained in CBT, and frequently utilise it, I am also interested in what is underlying presenting concerns, and how to best tackle them. This can look different depending on the client, but it is always something I am keen to explore.
Hello! I am Jordi, the director of Jigsaw Psychology & Assessment. I would describe myself as highly empathetic, easy to talk to, but as someone who can also be direct when needed. I have a keen interest in helping people understand and work through the true causes of anxiety; understanding and processing trauma; and also working with neurodivergent people. While I am well trained in CBT, and frequently utilise it, I am also interested in what is underlying presenting concerns, and how to best tackle them. This can look different depending on the client, but it is always something I am keen to explore.
We all face challenges in life. Whether it be feeling emotionally down, or anxious, or within our close personal relationships or our career. I believe that most people in these situations have a sense that something isn't right for them, but feel stuck on what to do about it. "I'm not totally happy in my relationship, but I love this person and want to make it work", "I'm unhappy at work, but I don't know what steps I can take to change things". People want clarity, my job is to work with them to find it.
We all face challenges in life. Whether it be feeling emotionally down, or anxious, or within our close personal relationships or our career. I believe that most people in these situations have a sense that something isn't right for them, but feel stuck on what to do about it. "I'm not totally happy in my relationship, but I love this person and want to make it work", "I'm unhappy at work, but I don't know what steps I can take to change things". People want clarity, my job is to work with them to find it.
Are you feeling stuck, like something important is missing from your life, but you can't quite put your finger on it? Do you find it challenging to have your emotional needs met in relationships? Are you trapped in repetitive patterns, struggling to define healthy boundaries? There is a reason behind these struggles, and together, we will uncover what is holding you back, providing you with the clarity and confidence needed to turn things around. I specialize in somatic therapy, an approach that dives deep into the core of unresolved trauma within the body, facilitating rapid healing.
Are you feeling stuck, like something important is missing from your life, but you can't quite put your finger on it? Do you find it challenging to have your emotional needs met in relationships? Are you trapped in repetitive patterns, struggling to define healthy boundaries? There is a reason behind these struggles, and together, we will uncover what is holding you back, providing you with the clarity and confidence needed to turn things around. I specialize in somatic therapy, an approach that dives deep into the core of unresolved trauma within the body, facilitating rapid healing.
My role is to listen, to understand and to identify what it is that you seek help with. Our work will be about building an understanding of what is going on internally and externally for you, in particular, the things about yourself that you may not be aware of. As we gain this understanding of you, it becomes easier for you and I to make sense of what is happening within you, why you act and feel a particular way in certain situations and relationships. By understanding and acting on these things, you will be able to bring about change in your life.
My role is to listen, to understand and to identify what it is that you seek help with. Our work will be about building an understanding of what is going on internally and externally for you, in particular, the things about yourself that you may not be aware of. As we gain this understanding of you, it becomes easier for you and I to make sense of what is happening within you, why you act and feel a particular way in certain situations and relationships. By understanding and acting on these things, you will be able to bring about change in your life.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with a strong focus on stress, anxiety, and nervous system regulation. I offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a gentle, evidence-based intervention that uses specially filtered music to support calming of the nervous system and improved emotional regulation. SSP can help reduce anxiety, overwhelm, and reactivity. I deliver SSP in a trauma-informed, carefully paced way, with ongoing support to ensure the process feels safe, contained, and tailored to your needs.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with a strong focus on stress, anxiety, and nervous system regulation. I offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a gentle, evidence-based intervention that uses specially filtered music to support calming of the nervous system and improved emotional regulation. SSP can help reduce anxiety, overwhelm, and reactivity. I deliver SSP in a trauma-informed, carefully paced way, with ongoing support to ensure the process feels safe, contained, and tailored to your needs.
Hi, I am a registered clinical Psychotherapist and social scientist. I help a broad range of people and challenges that range from childhood events and trauma to relationship challenges both in families, partnerships, and professional relationships. I help people overcome self-defeating actions and survive in ways that support healthy functioning and enjoyment of life. These can relate to stress, anxiety, life changes or environment, relationship breakdowns and death of treasured others. I provide a free consultation and currently work online only.
Hi, I am a registered clinical Psychotherapist and social scientist. I help a broad range of people and challenges that range from childhood events and trauma to relationship challenges both in families, partnerships, and professional relationships. I help people overcome self-defeating actions and survive in ways that support healthy functioning and enjoyment of life. These can relate to stress, anxiety, life changes or environment, relationship breakdowns and death of treasured others. I provide a free consultation and currently work online only.
Life can be both exciting and challenging. One of the greatest challenges is learning to be open and recognising that we often repeat the same mistakes, asking ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?”
We develop patterns of behaviour that we unconsciously repeat, almost as if we are blindfolded. If you recognise that these patterns are affecting your life and the lives of those you love, I’m here to support you.
If you are a man and see that your anger is impacting your family life and want to work through it, feel free to reach out.
Life can be both exciting and challenging. One of the greatest challenges is learning to be open and recognising that we often repeat the same mistakes, asking ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?”
We develop patterns of behaviour that we unconsciously repeat, almost as if we are blindfolded. If you recognise that these patterns are affecting your life and the lives of those you love, I’m here to support you.
If you are a man and see that your anger is impacting your family life and want to work through it, feel free to reach out.
As a dedicated and compassionate counselor, Trix is committed to providing exceptional care to clients seeking support and guidance. With a background in working with refugee trauma and 10 years of experience, She offers a wealth of expertise in trauma counseling, e.g. anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship issues, etc. She believes in a holistic approach to counseling and neuro plasticity, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and working with a bio-psycho-social model of treatment. Through evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans, she strive to empower individuals to overcome challenges.
As a dedicated and compassionate counselor, Trix is committed to providing exceptional care to clients seeking support and guidance. With a background in working with refugee trauma and 10 years of experience, She offers a wealth of expertise in trauma counseling, e.g. anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship issues, etc. She believes in a holistic approach to counseling and neuro plasticity, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and working with a bio-psycho-social model of treatment. Through evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans, she strive to empower individuals to overcome challenges.
Michelle’s professional skills and life experience allows her to be approachable, knowledgeable and understanding with her clients. With extensive experience across a broad range of concerns and diverse backgrounds, Michelle provides her clients a safe open space to explore challenges, supporting clients to investigate possible areas where understanding and adjustment can bring about positive growth and greater wellbeing. Taking NDIS clients (unregistered provider)
Michelle’s professional skills and life experience allows her to be approachable, knowledgeable and understanding with her clients. With extensive experience across a broad range of concerns and diverse backgrounds, Michelle provides her clients a safe open space to explore challenges, supporting clients to investigate possible areas where understanding and adjustment can bring about positive growth and greater wellbeing. Taking NDIS clients (unregistered provider)
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Petersham
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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 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.