Adoption Therapists in East York, ON
Wiseman Counseling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, BEd, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East York, ON M4B
*Currently accepting clients for waitlist* It takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. My focus is to help you, or your child/adolescent, to best understand your issue(s)/fears and to make them more tangible. If you are dealing with a trauma or loss I will help you move forward and see yourself as a survivor and regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you become more self-aware & understand the reasons behind behaviours, emotions and reactions.
*Currently accepting clients for waitlist* It takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. My focus is to help you, or your child/adolescent, to best understand your issue(s)/fears and to make them more tangible. If you are dealing with a trauma or loss I will help you move forward and see yourself as a survivor and regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you become more self-aware & understand the reasons behind behaviours, emotions and reactions.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
Bethany has experience working with individuals who have struggled with unexpected setbacks or challenges associated with relationship changes, family changes, loss and grief. Additionally, she has experience supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental traits/ diagnoses, such as ASD, ADHD, learning exceptionalities Gifted and LD. Bethany has experience supporting people with complex emotional and behavioural difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, histories of developmental trauma, and those with diagnoses of mood and personality disorders, PTSD, and Complex PTSD.
Bethany has experience working with individuals who have struggled with unexpected setbacks or challenges associated with relationship changes, family changes, loss and grief. Additionally, she has experience supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental traits/ diagnoses, such as ASD, ADHD, learning exceptionalities Gifted and LD. Bethany has experience supporting people with complex emotional and behavioural difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, histories of developmental trauma, and those with diagnoses of mood and personality disorders, PTSD, and Complex PTSD.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Uncertainty, unexpected challenges and self-doubt can weigh us down. Carrying such weight can cause us to experience fatigue, worry, sleepless nights, and unwanted behaviours, thoughts and emotions. Imagine what it would be like if some of that weight could be lifted. I offer compassionate care for people with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief and trauma. Based on an integrative mix of both person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, I endeavour to inspire compassionate self-understanding with an aim towards inner healing.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Uncertainty, unexpected challenges and self-doubt can weigh us down. Carrying such weight can cause us to experience fatigue, worry, sleepless nights, and unwanted behaviours, thoughts and emotions. Imagine what it would be like if some of that weight could be lifted. I offer compassionate care for people with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief and trauma. Based on an integrative mix of both person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, I endeavour to inspire compassionate self-understanding with an aim towards inner healing.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Manager of mental health and addiction services, I am passionate about healing individuals, families and children (6+) navigate life's challenges. Utilizing theoretical techniques, expressive and art therapies, i draw on creative, evidence based approaches to support healing and growth. Whether you're experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression or seeking guidance with family dynamics or parenting, I work collaboratively to create a space that honors your unique experiences and strengths.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Manager of mental health and addiction services, I am passionate about healing individuals, families and children (6+) navigate life's challenges. Utilizing theoretical techniques, expressive and art therapies, i draw on creative, evidence based approaches to support healing and growth. Whether you're experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression or seeking guidance with family dynamics or parenting, I work collaboratively to create a space that honors your unique experiences and strengths.
Think about what brought you here. Do you have relationship issues? Do you feel dissatisfied, lonely or lost? Maybe you feel angry or taken advantage of. Do you want someone to listen and understand you? Perhaps I can be that person for you.
Think about what brought you here. Do you have relationship issues? Do you feel dissatisfied, lonely or lost? Maybe you feel angry or taken advantage of. Do you want someone to listen and understand you? Perhaps I can be that person for you.
Welcome to Therapedia Centre, where you can be matched with a psychotherapist who would best fit your therapeutic goals and needs. We are a team of psychotherapists from different cultural backgrounds, who welcome individuals from all lines of life, with all sorts of experiences, and choices of lifestyle. Whether you are struggling in your personal or romantic relationships or face conflicts in your professional fields or experience new challenges in your new roles (as a parent, partner, etc), our psychotherapists can provide new perspectives to help you manage your situation better. If you have been feeling stuck, we may help.
Welcome to Therapedia Centre, where you can be matched with a psychotherapist who would best fit your therapeutic goals and needs. We are a team of psychotherapists from different cultural backgrounds, who welcome individuals from all lines of life, with all sorts of experiences, and choices of lifestyle. Whether you are struggling in your personal or romantic relationships or face conflicts in your professional fields or experience new challenges in your new roles (as a parent, partner, etc), our psychotherapists can provide new perspectives to help you manage your situation better. If you have been feeling stuck, we may help.
Playful Hearts Therapy (Play/ EMDR Therapy)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for Victim Services, the Internet Child Exploitation - Counselling Program, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations.
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for Victim Services, the Internet Child Exploitation - Counselling Program, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Unhappy or traumatic childhoods, adoption, work stress (including Paramedic, firefighters, police, EMT, military) and attention difficulties can interrupt one's ability to regulate.
Body based therapy, mind fulness, art making and Neurofeedback (brain training) are all tools that help to quiet the limbic, reactive part of the brain. They allow us to sort out how your present life is related to what has happened in your life. It quiets the reactivity, shame and fear.
Unhappy or traumatic childhoods, adoption, work stress (including Paramedic, firefighters, police, EMT, military) and attention difficulties can interrupt one's ability to regulate.
Body based therapy, mind fulness, art making and Neurofeedback (brain training) are all tools that help to quiet the limbic, reactive part of the brain. They allow us to sort out how your present life is related to what has happened in your life. It quiets the reactivity, shame and fear.
In addition, I work with parents who are in the process of adoption or who have adopted a child, as well as individuals who themselves are adopted.
I use a trauma-informed approach to help clients feel more present, connected to themselves and others, and supported. I balance tending to my clients' immediate coping needs with doing the deeper psychological work, which together contributes to improved well-being long-term.
In addition, I work with parents who are in the process of adoption or who have adopted a child, as well as individuals who themselves are adopted.
I use a trauma-informed approach to help clients feel more present, connected to themselves and others, and supported. I balance tending to my clients' immediate coping needs with doing the deeper psychological work, which together contributes to improved well-being long-term.
I bring knowledge from multiple settings in the field with significant experience from children and families who have experienced child abuse or navigated through the Child and Family Services system, adoption and post adoption supports.
My areas of specialization include anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, fertility complications, child abuse, attachment and adoption to name a few. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strengths Based, EMDR, Narrative Therapy and Play Therapy and groups.
I bring knowledge from multiple settings in the field with significant experience from children and families who have experienced child abuse or navigated through the Child and Family Services system, adoption and post adoption supports.
My areas of specialization include anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, fertility complications, child abuse, attachment and adoption to name a few. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strengths Based, EMDR, Narrative Therapy and Play Therapy and groups.
You may have experienced childhood trauma, deal with self-harm, struggle to keep your emotions in check, have experienced adoption/foster care, spiritual abuse, or just feel unmotivated.
My approach is client-led, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual. I often use emotionally-focused individual therapy which is a more experiential approach to talk therapy. I also love other modalities like dialectical behaviour, cognitive behavioural, narrative, and solution-focused therapy depending on the client's needs.
You may have experienced childhood trauma, deal with self-harm, struggle to keep your emotions in check, have experienced adoption/foster care, spiritual abuse, or just feel unmotivated.
My approach is client-led, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual. I often use emotionally-focused individual therapy which is a more experiential approach to talk therapy. I also love other modalities like dialectical behaviour, cognitive behavioural, narrative, and solution-focused therapy depending on the client's needs.
I am also an Adoption Competent Therapist and work to normalize experiences, rather than pathologize them.
Are you living your best life? Feeling out of balance or isolated? Unresolved grief? Are usual patterns or coping mechanisms not as reliable? Now might be the time to get support, clarity or make changes in your life. Whether personal, family or work related, I provide an empathic and non-judgmental perspective to assist you in working through the issues at hand. Parenting a child with a history of trauma, loss or special need? Then you may experience some extra challenges. I can provide support and some useful insights and strategies. A trauma informed lens and validation of experience are important aspects of our work together.
I am also an Adoption Competent Therapist and work to normalize experiences, rather than pathologize them.
Are you living your best life? Feeling out of balance or isolated? Unresolved grief? Are usual patterns or coping mechanisms not as reliable? Now might be the time to get support, clarity or make changes in your life. Whether personal, family or work related, I provide an empathic and non-judgmental perspective to assist you in working through the issues at hand. Parenting a child with a history of trauma, loss or special need? Then you may experience some extra challenges. I can provide support and some useful insights and strategies. A trauma informed lens and validation of experience are important aspects of our work together.
I also specialize in the issues of adoption, attachment and trauma.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of California. My therapy is founded on Client Centered therapy which holds the belief that people are fundamentally good and have a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best people they can be. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focus therapy, and other approaches in my therapy. I provide individual, adolescent, couple, family, and group therapy in English and Japanese. I obtained my M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon in 1999, was licensed in California in 2006 and am practicing Psychotherapy in Toronto.
I also specialize in the issues of adoption, attachment and trauma.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of California. My therapy is founded on Client Centered therapy which holds the belief that people are fundamentally good and have a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best people they can be. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focus therapy, and other approaches in my therapy. I provide individual, adolescent, couple, family, and group therapy in English and Japanese. I obtained my M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon in 1999, was licensed in California in 2006 and am practicing Psychotherapy in Toronto.
My 13 years' experience using inner child work, researching, and supporting fellow adopted persons and mothers of adoption loss has given me a unique insight into the struggles of adoption, the Primal Wound, reunion, reunion preparation, and the impact of early childhood traumas.
With a foundation rooted in Relational Gestalt psychotherapy, my role as an enlightened witness supports you as you feel your feelings, strive to make sense of how you approach the world around you, and proceed on your healing journey. I work from an embodied approach to support you as you explore your difficulties, past and/or present, that you may struggle to verbalize. My compassionate side, with a little humour thrown in for good measure, makes difficult feelings a little easier to navigate. We can use conversation, movement, art, music, or role play during our sessions—whatever interests you.
My 13 years' experience using inner child work, researching, and supporting fellow adopted persons and mothers of adoption loss has given me a unique insight into the struggles of adoption, the Primal Wound, reunion, reunion preparation, and the impact of early childhood traumas.
With a foundation rooted in Relational Gestalt psychotherapy, my role as an enlightened witness supports you as you feel your feelings, strive to make sense of how you approach the world around you, and proceed on your healing journey. I work from an embodied approach to support you as you explore your difficulties, past and/or present, that you may struggle to verbalize. My compassionate side, with a little humour thrown in for good measure, makes difficult feelings a little easier to navigate. We can use conversation, movement, art, music, or role play during our sessions—whatever interests you.
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post- adoption integration.
I have been working from a solution focused model for the past 20 years and as such believe in the power of PSYCHODRAMA, PARENT POWER,
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post- adoption integration.
I have been working from a solution focused model for the past 20 years and as such believe in the power of PSYCHODRAMA, PARENT POWER,
I also provide post- adoption support to family members at any life stage.
Are you struggling with big emotions that are becoming increasingly more difficult to identify and manage? Getting stuck in behaviours and patterns that are no longer serving you? Is it starting to impact your health, relationships, parenting, work, etc.? I understand that trauma (big "T" and small "T" trauma) can have a lasting impact on our bodies and minds. Perhaps it's time to unpack and de-shame these experiences so that you're living your life in the healthiest and happiest mindset possible.
I also provide post- adoption support to family members at any life stage.
Are you struggling with big emotions that are becoming increasingly more difficult to identify and manage? Getting stuck in behaviours and patterns that are no longer serving you? Is it starting to impact your health, relationships, parenting, work, etc.? I understand that trauma (big "T" and small "T" trauma) can have a lasting impact on our bodies and minds. Perhaps it's time to unpack and de-shame these experiences so that you're living your life in the healthiest and happiest mindset possible.
Families created through adoption, fostering and donor-assisted reproduction and blended families have unique histories and experiences which differ from families created through birth alone.
No matter the issue you are struggling with, if you have a history of significant loss it plays a part. Together we will work to integrate and heal the impacts of the past to achieve holistic, balanced and fulfilling change - allowing you to move forward with strength and confidence and to build nurturing relationships to carry you forwards.
Families created through adoption, fostering and donor-assisted reproduction and blended families have unique histories and experiences which differ from families created through birth alone.
No matter the issue you are struggling with, if you have a history of significant loss it plays a part. Together we will work to integrate and heal the impacts of the past to achieve holistic, balanced and fulfilling change - allowing you to move forward with strength and confidence and to build nurturing relationships to carry you forwards.
I have supported clients navigating ADHD, adoption, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and much more.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, tailoring to the unique needs of each client and drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, narrative therapy and attachment-focused therapy.
I have supported clients navigating ADHD, adoption, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and much more.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, tailoring to the unique needs of each client and drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, narrative therapy and attachment-focused therapy.
Nearby Adoption Counsellors Searches for East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- North York
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Toronto
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
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.