Adoption Therapists in Cobourg, ON

Photo of Lisa Bradburn, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Cobourg, ON
Lisa Bradburn
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, RPQ
Verified Verified
Cobourg, ON K9A
Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure who to talk to. If you're curious to uncover motivations behind behaviors and bring awareness to how past life experience informs who you are today, we can explore more together in a judgment-free, non-hierarchical, and empathetic environment.
Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure who to talk to. If you're curious to uncover motivations behind behaviors and bring awareness to how past life experience informs who you are today, we can explore more together in a judgment-free, non-hierarchical, and empathetic environment.
(437) 291-8670 View (437) 291-8670
Photo of Jennifer McArdle-Toll, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Jennifer McArdle-Toll
Registered Psychotherapist, MPsy, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A
I offer a casual, inclusive space for teens and adults who are finding it difficult to navigate through the challenges of life. In a safe and judgement-free environment, we can work together to identify obstacles that are preventing you from moving forward. We can uncover the patterns that fuel your unwanted behaviour, and begin to build a foundation for resilience and growth. As a psychotherapist, it is my role to empower my clients to see their potential for growth and to construct a reasonable and attainable path through working together to set goals.
I offer a casual, inclusive space for teens and adults who are finding it difficult to navigate through the challenges of life. In a safe and judgement-free environment, we can work together to identify obstacles that are preventing you from moving forward. We can uncover the patterns that fuel your unwanted behaviour, and begin to build a foundation for resilience and growth. As a psychotherapist, it is my role to empower my clients to see their potential for growth and to construct a reasonable and attainable path through working together to set goals.
(289) 272-8117 View (289) 272-8117
Photo of Cobourg Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Cobourg Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CCC, MEd, CRPO
Verified Verified
Cobourg, ON K9A
We are here to provide you with a warm and safe environment where you and your loved ones can be heard. Together, we can tackle a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), disordered eating disorders, addiction, and relationship problems, among others.
We are here to provide you with a warm and safe environment where you and your loved ones can be heard. Together, we can tackle a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), disordered eating disorders, addiction, and relationship problems, among others.
(855) 979-7199 View (855) 979-7199
Photo of The Dot Canada, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, RSW, CCPA
Verified Verified
Cobourg, ON K9A  (Online Only)
It's not just you, life HAS gotten harder in the last few years. If you've been powering through, staying strong and carrying on, but now you're barely getting by and you're tired of feeling like you're not really living your life, it might be time for outside support. The benefit of therapy is that it's a time where you get to focus on yourself, to look at your life, and to get an outside perspective on how it could be different. You don't have to just endure, with the right support, you can heal from the past, and move forward towards a better future.
It's not just you, life HAS gotten harder in the last few years. If you've been powering through, staying strong and carrying on, but now you're barely getting by and you're tired of feeling like you're not really living your life, it might be time for outside support. The benefit of therapy is that it's a time where you get to focus on yourself, to look at your life, and to get an outside perspective on how it could be different. You don't have to just endure, with the right support, you can heal from the past, and move forward towards a better future.
(289) 272-7337 View (289) 272-7337
Photo of Krista Gatti @ Psychotherapy for You, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Krista Gatti @ Psychotherapy for You
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A  (Online Only)
I am a registered social Worker and Psychotherapist in Ontario. I am also a member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I obtained my bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor. I have a certificate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I also have a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy and Brian Spotting. I started my career by providing support to individuals who were struggling with life challenges. I have experience working with a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, separation, and sel
I am a registered social Worker and Psychotherapist in Ontario. I am also a member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I obtained my bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor. I have a certificate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I also have a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy and Brian Spotting. I started my career by providing support to individuals who were struggling with life challenges. I have experience working with a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, separation, and sel
(343) 307-4960 View (343) 307-4960
Photo of Sara Coyle, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Sara Coyle
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP, DDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A
I support youth and adults with processing and healing from trauma, stressors, and challenging life experiences. These stressors show up in our bodies in several ways which may include anxiety, chronic pain, health difficulties, sleep disturbance, etc. or just not feeling yourself. The folks I support may have experienced childhood trauma or attachment difficulties, or they may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress due to work, relationships, school or more recent challenging life experiences. I strongly believe in the youth’s caregiver(s) involvement in therapy process to better support their youth outside therapy sessions.
I support youth and adults with processing and healing from trauma, stressors, and challenging life experiences. These stressors show up in our bodies in several ways which may include anxiety, chronic pain, health difficulties, sleep disturbance, etc. or just not feeling yourself. The folks I support may have experienced childhood trauma or attachment difficulties, or they may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress due to work, relationships, school or more recent challenging life experiences. I strongly believe in the youth’s caregiver(s) involvement in therapy process to better support their youth outside therapy sessions.
(289) 212-6294 View (289) 212-6294
Photo of Ruwa Sabbagh, Psychologist in Cobourg, ON
Ruwa Sabbagh
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A
I provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults for a wide range of concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Loss and Grief, and Trauma. I also provide parent counselling and parent-child therapy to enhance the attachment relationship between parents and children of all ages, including infants and toddlers. I also work with parents who are expecting a baby and have concerns about becoming a parent. I have a special interest in working with adopted children and their parents. I welcome your call to discuss your situation to see if I can help.
I provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults for a wide range of concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Loss and Grief, and Trauma. I also provide parent counselling and parent-child therapy to enhance the attachment relationship between parents and children of all ages, including infants and toddlers. I also work with parents who are expecting a baby and have concerns about becoming a parent. I have a special interest in working with adopted children and their parents. I welcome your call to discuss your situation to see if I can help.
(855) 971-2469 View (855) 971-2469
Photo of Evan Coghlan, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Evan Coghlan
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A
It's heartbreaking to watch your child or teen struggle. As a parent or guardian, you know your child best, and can clearly see when they are hurting. Luckily, they have shared a little about their experience, but you still feel uncertain about their needs- powerless to do anything about their problems. It feels like things will never change. They have so much potential, and you would hate to see them miss it.
It's heartbreaking to watch your child or teen struggle. As a parent or guardian, you know your child best, and can clearly see when they are hurting. Luckily, they have shared a little about their experience, but you still feel uncertain about their needs- powerless to do anything about their problems. It feels like things will never change. They have so much potential, and you would hate to see them miss it.
(343) 304-6308 View (343) 304-6308
Photo of Jennifer Maddan Counselling Services , Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Jennifer Maddan Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Hons
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cobourg, ON K9A
The beliefs we hold about ourselves and those around us can make life and relationships challenging. They become the lens through which we see everything & everyone, creating unrealistic expectations that leave us feeling sad, disappointed, & unworthy. Using evidence-based practices, therapy challenges those unhelpful thoughts and deep-rooted beliefs, creating space for acceptance and self-compassion. If you are challenged by anxious and depressive thoughts, a negative self-image or even grief, take a step towards therapy and invest in your mental wellness. Currently accepting Clients with daytime availability only. Thank you
The beliefs we hold about ourselves and those around us can make life and relationships challenging. They become the lens through which we see everything & everyone, creating unrealistic expectations that leave us feeling sad, disappointed, & unworthy. Using evidence-based practices, therapy challenges those unhelpful thoughts and deep-rooted beliefs, creating space for acceptance and self-compassion. If you are challenged by anxious and depressive thoughts, a negative self-image or even grief, take a step towards therapy and invest in your mental wellness. Currently accepting Clients with daytime availability only. Thank you
(249) 502-5851 View (249) 502-5851

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Leslie Mountjoy, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Leslie Mountjoy
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, BRE, SSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Port Hope, ON L1A
Hey there - As a therapy survivor myself, I know that it is often hard to reach out. I want to encourage you that I can relate, and also know that the first step to change comes with taking a courageous leap to work on your own goals! I am incredibly passionate about my role as a Registered Psychotherapist (with the CRPO). Life has had its share of ups and downs for me, which I believe have helped me understand my clients in a deeper level. I find a lot of joy out of those 'ah-ha' moments, when a client breaks free from what is holding them back, or finds healing on their journey. It's truly an honour to walk with every client!
Hey there - As a therapy survivor myself, I know that it is often hard to reach out. I want to encourage you that I can relate, and also know that the first step to change comes with taking a courageous leap to work on your own goals! I am incredibly passionate about my role as a Registered Psychotherapist (with the CRPO). Life has had its share of ups and downs for me, which I believe have helped me understand my clients in a deeper level. I find a lot of joy out of those 'ah-ha' moments, when a client breaks free from what is holding them back, or finds healing on their journey. It's truly an honour to walk with every client!
(289) 272-8514 View (289) 272-8514

Online Therapists

Photo of Kimberley D Miller, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Kimberley D Miller
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5L  (Online Only)
I am an Adoption Competent Therapist as well as Trainer of Parents, Professionals and Educators.
Stressed? Worried? Overwhelmed? This might be the push needed to get support or clarity in your life. Whether personal, family or work related, I provide a welcomed perspective and non-judgmental attitude that could assist you in working through the muck and clutter of life. Parenting a child or youth with a history of trauma or loss? Then you may experience some extra challenges. I can shed some light on what is happening while giving you useful tools and strategies. Those with child welfare, adoption or kinship family histories have unique experiences that need to be honoured and understood at important points in life.
I am an Adoption Competent Therapist as well as Trainer of Parents, Professionals and Educators.
Stressed? Worried? Overwhelmed? This might be the push needed to get support or clarity in your life. Whether personal, family or work related, I provide a welcomed perspective and non-judgmental attitude that could assist you in working through the muck and clutter of life. Parenting a child or youth with a history of trauma or loss? Then you may experience some extra challenges. I can shed some light on what is happening while giving you useful tools and strategies. Those with child welfare, adoption or kinship family histories have unique experiences that need to be honoured and understood at important points in life.
(647) 694-4953 View (647) 694-4953
Photo of Heather Morton, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Heather Morton
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, HBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8V
An adoptee, I understand and work with adoptees, first & adoptive families to navigate the effects of adoption-related experiences.
Need someone who "gets you" to talk with or listen as you go through a difficult time or life transition? I'm empathetic and pragmatic, focused on you and your needs. Together, we'll develop strategies that help navigate obstacles interfering with you enjoying the life you envision. We'll follow an holistic approach to draw on self knowledge to find answers that reside within you, honing your abilities to work through life's challenges. I'm a Registered Social Worker, (RSW) with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) specializing in Mental Health, and hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) in English Literature & Aboriginal Studies.
An adoptee, I understand and work with adoptees, first & adoptive families to navigate the effects of adoption-related experiences.
Need someone who "gets you" to talk with or listen as you go through a difficult time or life transition? I'm empathetic and pragmatic, focused on you and your needs. Together, we'll develop strategies that help navigate obstacles interfering with you enjoying the life you envision. We'll follow an holistic approach to draw on self knowledge to find answers that reside within you, honing your abilities to work through life's challenges. I'm a Registered Social Worker, (RSW) with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) specializing in Mental Health, and hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) in English Literature & Aboriginal Studies.
(289) 272-7194 View (289) 272-7194
Photo of Maliha Ibrahim, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Maliha Ibrahim
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R
Are you or a loved one struggling with depression, suicidality, an eating disorder, substance use, trauma/PTSD, or grief? Perhaps you’re seeking to improve your boundaries, communication skills, or self-development. Are relationship challenges – communication issues, infidelity, emotional/sexual intimacy, and preferences (LGBTQIA+ identities, consensual nonmonogamy, asexuality, etc.) or life transitions such as family planning, infertility, adoption, parenting, or divorce – weighing heavily on your mind? In these challenging situations, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to turn.
Are you or a loved one struggling with depression, suicidality, an eating disorder, substance use, trauma/PTSD, or grief? Perhaps you’re seeking to improve your boundaries, communication skills, or self-development. Are relationship challenges – communication issues, infidelity, emotional/sexual intimacy, and preferences (LGBTQIA+ identities, consensual nonmonogamy, asexuality, etc.) or life transitions such as family planning, infertility, adoption, parenting, or divorce – weighing heavily on your mind? In these challenging situations, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to turn.
(647) 492-2951 View (647) 492-2951
Photo of Judith Alexis Craig, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Judith Alexis Craig
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
As an adoption and permanency expert, she works with individuals and families to address the core issues of adoption, bringing a unique perspective as a transracial adoptee and parent to biological and adopted children.
Judith Alexis Craig is a registered social worker, therapist, facilitator, and consultant specializing in trauma-informed, healing-centred care. She supports children, young people, and families of all genders and sexual orientations, using an intersectional and anti-racist approach. Judith collaborates with clients to develop tailored strategies and tools to help them navigate complex social and emotional challenges.
As an adoption and permanency expert, she works with individuals and families to address the core issues of adoption, bringing a unique perspective as a transracial adoptee and parent to biological and adopted children.
Judith Alexis Craig is a registered social worker, therapist, facilitator, and consultant specializing in trauma-informed, healing-centred care. She supports children, young people, and families of all genders and sexual orientations, using an intersectional and anti-racist approach. Judith collaborates with clients to develop tailored strategies and tools to help them navigate complex social and emotional challenges.
(226) 458-8206 View (226) 458-8206
Photo of Michaele-Sue Goldblatt, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Michaele-Sue Goldblatt
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4V
Families formed by Adoption or Blended Families need support and insight as they, too, need to recognize loss as they move forward.
Are you struggling with Loss? Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth, Neonatal death? Are you pregnant after loss? Loss of a loved one. Anxiety combined with Grief? Helping you cope with illness, I offer a compassionate, sensitive space for you to express your sadness, despair & rage at the unfairness of it all & will provide you with support & insight as you try to rebuild your life. Are you adopted & considering Reunion? Are you in a Blended Family needing support? I am available ONLINE by Zoom in Ontario. Early morning, evening & weekend appointments available. See website for more information. Sliding scale re fees.
Families formed by Adoption or Blended Families need support and insight as they, too, need to recognize loss as they move forward.
Are you struggling with Loss? Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth, Neonatal death? Are you pregnant after loss? Loss of a loved one. Anxiety combined with Grief? Helping you cope with illness, I offer a compassionate, sensitive space for you to express your sadness, despair & rage at the unfairness of it all & will provide you with support & insight as you try to rebuild your life. Are you adopted & considering Reunion? Are you in a Blended Family needing support? I am available ONLINE by Zoom in Ontario. Early morning, evening & weekend appointments available. See website for more information. Sliding scale re fees.
(647) 370-4012 View (647) 370-4012
Photo of Sara Farag, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Sara Farag
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5M  (Online Only)
I have additional training in adoption competency and pre-marital work.
I am a Psychotherapist trained in Marriage and Family Therapy who is very passionate about helping couples and families reach their goals. I have worked with many different clients for the past 5 years. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, my hope is to help you strengthen relationships, make meaningful connections, feel better about navigating difficult situations, and help you make important decisions. My areas of focus are pre-marital work, relationship conflict, family conflict, and parenting.
I have additional training in adoption competency and pre-marital work.
I am a Psychotherapist trained in Marriage and Family Therapy who is very passionate about helping couples and families reach their goals. I have worked with many different clients for the past 5 years. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, my hope is to help you strengthen relationships, make meaningful connections, feel better about navigating difficult situations, and help you make important decisions. My areas of focus are pre-marital work, relationship conflict, family conflict, and parenting.
(825) 254-5804 View (825) 254-5804
Photo of Reta Majid - True Balance Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Cobourg, ON
Reta Majid - True Balance Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5H
Trained in adoption & post adoption support as well as support to clients with lived foster care experiences.
At True Balance Psychotherapy, we are committed to delivering client-centered support that gradually empowers individuals, and enables them to make informed decisions. Our therapists have over 10 years of experience providing counselling, assessment, crisis intervention, behavior management & clinical case management. Our services are suitable for individuals, couples and families struggling with a wide range of mental health challenges and are feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences while supporting them in their healing journey.
Trained in adoption & post adoption support as well as support to clients with lived foster care experiences.
At True Balance Psychotherapy, we are committed to delivering client-centered support that gradually empowers individuals, and enables them to make informed decisions. Our therapists have over 10 years of experience providing counselling, assessment, crisis intervention, behavior management & clinical case management. Our services are suitable for individuals, couples and families struggling with a wide range of mental health challenges and are feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences while supporting them in their healing journey.
(365) 536-1457 View (365) 536-1457
Photo of Elizabeth Brownlie, Registered Psychotherapist in Cobourg, ON
Elizabeth Brownlie
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K
I support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed or isolated; grief, loss, guilt, shame, anger and resentment; impacts of trauma; sense of self (identity, self esteem, belonging, confidence); relationship issues; family separation (adoption, foster care, loss); caregiving (illness, burnout, therapy for therapists) and other issues.
I offer relational psychotherapy, a gentle, client-centred approach that provides space to explore issues creating difficulties for you, work to understand their roots, and support you in making the changes you wish to make. Whether you're struggling with difficult feelings or relationships, a crisis in your life, ongoing stress, or issues from the past, this is a space where you can sift through your feelings and thoughts with connection and support. My style as a therapist is warm, open and accepting. I practice within a trauma-sensitive, anti-oppression, LGBTQ*-affirming framework.
I support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed or isolated; grief, loss, guilt, shame, anger and resentment; impacts of trauma; sense of self (identity, self esteem, belonging, confidence); relationship issues; family separation (adoption, foster care, loss); caregiving (illness, burnout, therapy for therapists) and other issues.
I offer relational psychotherapy, a gentle, client-centred approach that provides space to explore issues creating difficulties for you, work to understand their roots, and support you in making the changes you wish to make. Whether you're struggling with difficult feelings or relationships, a crisis in your life, ongoing stress, or issues from the past, this is a space where you can sift through your feelings and thoughts with connection and support. My style as a therapist is warm, open and accepting. I practice within a trauma-sensitive, anti-oppression, LGBTQ*-affirming framework.
(647) 776-1595 View (647) 776-1595
Photo of Elaine T Ash, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Elaine T Ash
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5M
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post-adoption integration. Working from a trauma-informed and attachment bases I help families formed by adoption find success in meeting the needs of their adopted child(ren). I have specialized training in Watch, Wait and Wonder (an infant/toddler attachment tool), in addition to working with children and teens in the areas of anxiety, depression and self-harm. I work with couples to assist them in addressing the issues that are getting in the way of gaining fulfillment in their relationships and getting on the same page with respect to their parenting goals.
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post-adoption integration. Working from a trauma-informed and attachment bases I help families formed by adoption find success in meeting the needs of their adopted child(ren). I have specialized training in Watch, Wait and Wonder (an infant/toddler attachment tool), in addition to working with children and teens in the areas of anxiety, depression and self-harm. I work with couples to assist them in addressing the issues that are getting in the way of gaining fulfillment in their relationships and getting on the same page with respect to their parenting goals.
(416) 451-9937 View (416) 451-9937
Photo of Blair Wexler-Singer, Registered Social Worker in Cobourg, ON
Blair Wexler-Singer
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5P
Blair compassionately provides ongoing support to those coping with infertility, miscarriage, and bereavement, respectfully conducts the required counselling and assessments in advance of Egg Freezing and IVF cycles, as well as Donor and Surrogate arrangements, and provides exploratory information about fostering and adoption.
Blair is a full-time family building practitioner at Informed Fertility, a counselling practice specifically designed to support individuals, couples and groups at various stages of their fertility journey. Blair is committed to supporting people experiencing primary or secondary infertility, as well as those seeking assisted fertility options for reasons other than infertility. She also offers counselling to those looking for guidance after completing their family, those moving forward after treatment and without children, and those whose dream it is to help someone else have a baby through donation or surrogacy.
Blair compassionately provides ongoing support to those coping with infertility, miscarriage, and bereavement, respectfully conducts the required counselling and assessments in advance of Egg Freezing and IVF cycles, as well as Donor and Surrogate arrangements, and provides exploratory information about fostering and adoption.
Blair is a full-time family building practitioner at Informed Fertility, a counselling practice specifically designed to support individuals, couples and groups at various stages of their fertility journey. Blair is committed to supporting people experiencing primary or secondary infertility, as well as those seeking assisted fertility options for reasons other than infertility. She also offers counselling to those looking for guidance after completing their family, those moving forward after treatment and without children, and those whose dream it is to help someone else have a baby through donation or surrogacy.
(437) 747-7542 View (437) 747-7542

See more therapy options for Cobourg

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.