Adoption Counselling in Portsmouth

Photo of Jeni Gill, Psychotherapist in Portsmouth, England
Jeni Gill
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
Hello I’m Jeni. As an experienced Dramatherapist I have found that when things are too hard to talk about initially, creativity can help us to express and process and then release what no longer serves us. My private practice allows me to work online with adults, and young people, and in a Primary school with a specialist speech and language unit. I have also worked in numerous Secondary schools. I have experience in working with anxiety, low self esteem, pre and post bereavement, fostering and adoption (life story work) neurodiversity and survivors of sexual assault
Hello I’m Jeni. As an experienced Dramatherapist I have found that when things are too hard to talk about initially, creativity can help us to express and process and then release what no longer serves us. My private practice allows me to work online with adults, and young people, and in a Primary school with a specialist speech and language unit. I have also worked in numerous Secondary schools. I have experience in working with anxiety, low self esteem, pre and post bereavement, fostering and adoption (life story work) neurodiversity and survivors of sexual assault
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Photo of Louisa Tait, Psychotherapist in Portsmouth, England
Louisa Tait
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in working with those who have experienced trauma as children, adolescents, and adults and subsequent PTSD and Complex PTSD if present. I can provide a safe space in which thoughts and feelings can be explored confidentially and without judgement. Through talking and creative exercises, difficult feelings can be acknowledged, understood, healing can start, and changes occur. I am a PhD student researching the connection between mind and body, I employ elements of this in my approach. This can help restore your confidence, connection with self, resilience, allow you to develop inner ease, and re-establish relationships.
I specialise in working with those who have experienced trauma as children, adolescents, and adults and subsequent PTSD and Complex PTSD if present. I can provide a safe space in which thoughts and feelings can be explored confidentially and without judgement. Through talking and creative exercises, difficult feelings can be acknowledged, understood, healing can start, and changes occur. I am a PhD student researching the connection between mind and body, I employ elements of this in my approach. This can help restore your confidence, connection with self, resilience, allow you to develop inner ease, and re-establish relationships.
01260 541232 View 01260 541232
Photo of The Haven Child Psychology Practice, Psychologist in Portsmouth, England
The Haven Child Psychology Practice
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO4
I am a highly experienced chartered Clinical Psychologist, specialising in children and adolescent mental health and family/systemic intervention. I have worked across the NHS and independent sector for over 15 years and use evidence-based practice across the lifespan of treatment, supporting clients whose experiences reflect the full range of severity and complexity of mental health.
I am a highly experienced chartered Clinical Psychologist, specialising in children and adolescent mental health and family/systemic intervention. I have worked across the NHS and independent sector for over 15 years and use evidence-based practice across the lifespan of treatment, supporting clients whose experiences reflect the full range of severity and complexity of mental health.
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Photo of Del Atkins, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Del Atkins
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO6
Waitlist for new clients
Hi my name is Del Atkins and I'm a counsellor, offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) and supervision, I offer face to face counselling and supervision to young people 16+ and adults in Fareham, Portsmouth and the surrounding area from rooms in Fareham. I have completed over 5300+ hours with clients since completing a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Person Centered Counselling in 2009. I have worked with clients on their journeys who are experiencing bereavement, depression, eating disorders, self confidence worries, sexuality, self image issues, trauma, rape & sexual assault etc....
Hi my name is Del Atkins and I'm a counsellor, offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) and supervision, I offer face to face counselling and supervision to young people 16+ and adults in Fareham, Portsmouth and the surrounding area from rooms in Fareham. I have completed over 5300+ hours with clients since completing a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Person Centered Counselling in 2009. I have worked with clients on their journeys who are experiencing bereavement, depression, eating disorders, self confidence worries, sexuality, self image issues, trauma, rape & sexual assault etc....
01329 557308 View 01329 557308
Photo of Gaynor Williams, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Gaynor Williams
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
I am a highly experienced counsellor and my aim is to create a positive, trusting environment in which I help you to help yourself. I provide a safe and caring professional counselling and psychotherapy service. I am an empathic and approachable person working in a non-judgemental and confidential way. By exploring your past, the causes of present day problems are often revealed. We can't change the past, but we can gain understanding allowing you to relate differently to yourself, others and problems in order to choose to make changes or find acceptance.
I am a highly experienced counsellor and my aim is to create a positive, trusting environment in which I help you to help yourself. I provide a safe and caring professional counselling and psychotherapy service. I am an empathic and approachable person working in a non-judgemental and confidential way. By exploring your past, the causes of present day problems are often revealed. We can't change the past, but we can gain understanding allowing you to relate differently to yourself, others and problems in order to choose to make changes or find acceptance.
023 8235 6102 View 023 8235 6102
Photo of Catherine Jones, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Catherine Jones
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
I believe I know what matters in building a safe and trusting environment to enable personal change and growth. I have chosen to base my counselling ethos on a Humanistic modality which includes the belief each of us has the ability, drive and autonomy within ourselves to resolve emotional issues, conflicts and life changing events. I also recognise we all need a bit of help and support in times of distress.
I believe I know what matters in building a safe and trusting environment to enable personal change and growth. I have chosen to base my counselling ethos on a Humanistic modality which includes the belief each of us has the ability, drive and autonomy within ourselves to resolve emotional issues, conflicts and life changing events. I also recognise we all need a bit of help and support in times of distress.
01489 665864 View 01489 665864
Photo of Dr Eliza K Margrove, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Dr Eliza K Margrove
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
Feeling low, exhausted or overwhelmed? Do you feel unaccepted, alone or judged? Do you want help moving forward? Do you want to be guided by an anxiety specialist?
Feeling low, exhausted or overwhelmed? Do you feel unaccepted, alone or judged? Do you want help moving forward? Do you want to be guided by an anxiety specialist?
01795 500718 View 01795 500718

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Becker Cox, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Becker Cox
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hayling Island PO11
I've been where you are now, looking for a therapist and not sure who to choose! Deciding to have therapy and choosing who to embark on the journey with can be a daunting prospect. But, you’ve taking the first step to sharing your difficulties and that’s a great start. Having had my own therapy I know how important it is to find the right therapist. I offer a safe, welcoming space for you to share what is happening for you. I won’t judge or tell you to do things. I will support you with the choices you make. I offer appointments from 8am to 8pm and may be available at short notice.
I've been where you are now, looking for a therapist and not sure who to choose! Deciding to have therapy and choosing who to embark on the journey with can be a daunting prospect. But, you’ve taking the first step to sharing your difficulties and that’s a great start. Having had my own therapy I know how important it is to find the right therapist. I offer a safe, welcoming space for you to share what is happening for you. I won’t judge or tell you to do things. I will support you with the choices you make. I offer appointments from 8am to 8pm and may be available at short notice.
07480 487766 View 07480 487766
Photo of Pamela Sanderson, Psychotherapist in Portsmouth, England
Pamela Sanderson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Fareham PO14
I am a fully qualified person centred therapist with over 15 years experience. I specialise in working with clients suffering from anxiety, depression and stress and take great pleasure in seeing clients make progress. In each session, I apply the core conditions of the person centred approach; empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. Sessions with me are non-directive and non-judgmental, helping to create a supportive environment where you can share your journey freely. Together, we will work through the challenges you're facing and work towards a place where you can feel at ease with yourself.
I am a fully qualified person centred therapist with over 15 years experience. I specialise in working with clients suffering from anxiety, depression and stress and take great pleasure in seeing clients make progress. In each session, I apply the core conditions of the person centred approach; empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. Sessions with me are non-directive and non-judgmental, helping to create a supportive environment where you can share your journey freely. Together, we will work through the challenges you're facing and work towards a place where you can feel at ease with yourself.
01962 587307 View 01962 587307
Photo of Megan Baker-Stevens, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Megan Baker-Stevens
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southampton SO31
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel stuck, sad, or anxious? Are you an adult struggling with life right now? Or a parent concerned for your child or teen? Life can throw up difficulties at any time, a difficult childhood, trauma, or a relationship breakdown. You or your child may have experienced bullying, difficulties fitting in or managing social and cultural expectations. These experiences can lead to the development of anxiety and low mood, self esteem issues, and other mental health difficulties. Therapy can help you to understand yourself, and the impact of your thoughts and behaviours more deeply.
Do you feel stuck, sad, or anxious? Are you an adult struggling with life right now? Or a parent concerned for your child or teen? Life can throw up difficulties at any time, a difficult childhood, trauma, or a relationship breakdown. You or your child may have experienced bullying, difficulties fitting in or managing social and cultural expectations. These experiences can lead to the development of anxiety and low mood, self esteem issues, and other mental health difficulties. Therapy can help you to understand yourself, and the impact of your thoughts and behaviours more deeply.
01202 037516 View 01202 037516
Photo of Caz Anderson, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Caz Anderson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Havant PO9
It's Time For You! Are you always there for everyone else, and now need someone to be there for you? Then you have come to the right place! We all need help sometimes, and taking the first step of asking for help is often the hardest. I know, because I’ve been there too. You need time for yourself. How can you be there for others if you are feeling burnt-out? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement? Are you feeling low and anxious? Whatever difficulties you are facing, my job is not to diagnose you, give you advice, or tell you how to fix things. My job is to be by your side as we explore ways to help you find your own answers.
It's Time For You! Are you always there for everyone else, and now need someone to be there for you? Then you have come to the right place! We all need help sometimes, and taking the first step of asking for help is often the hardest. I know, because I’ve been there too. You need time for yourself. How can you be there for others if you are feeling burnt-out? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement? Are you feeling low and anxious? Whatever difficulties you are facing, my job is not to diagnose you, give you advice, or tell you how to fix things. My job is to be by your side as we explore ways to help you find your own answers.
01243 974676 View 01243 974676
Photo of Mark Bourne, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Mark Bourne
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Fareham PO15
I can help with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, managing anger and relationships. I provide a warm, safe and supportive environment which helps you to find the answers you are looking for. I listen to what you say to find out how things are from your perspective. I will always be confidential, respectful and work in your best interests. I counsel face to face, online and by telephone, to fit in with your lifestyle.
I can help with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, managing anger and relationships. I provide a warm, safe and supportive environment which helps you to find the answers you are looking for. I listen to what you say to find out how things are from your perspective. I will always be confidential, respectful and work in your best interests. I counsel face to face, online and by telephone, to fit in with your lifestyle.
01489 357132 View 01489 357132
Photo of Dr Hannah Graydon, Psychologist in Portsmouth, England
Dr Hannah Graydon
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Emsworth PO10
Registered counselling psychologist with over 10 years experience of working with people with a range of difficulties from mild to severe and enduring. As a counselling psychologist I draw upon a variety of evidence based models in order to support you in the most effective way. Trained in humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT , mindfulness and EMDR. This means I can deliver treatment that is specifically designed for your needs. Experienced across a variety of settings (young people’s services, charities such as Mind, NHS), I currently work in the NHS and run a private practice for adults and young people.
Registered counselling psychologist with over 10 years experience of working with people with a range of difficulties from mild to severe and enduring. As a counselling psychologist I draw upon a variety of evidence based models in order to support you in the most effective way. Trained in humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT , mindfulness and EMDR. This means I can deliver treatment that is specifically designed for your needs. Experienced across a variety of settings (young people’s services, charities such as Mind, NHS), I currently work in the NHS and run a private practice for adults and young people.
01243 974684 View 01243 974684
Photo of Katy Jones, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Katy Jones
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southampton SO31
Waitlist for new clients
Modern life seems to offer more and more challenges, and more and more people are looking for support in facing them. As a counsellor, my role is to provide space and guidance to help you negotiate the current situation you are in, find some understanding, relieve emotional and psychological pain and stress, and return some balance to your life to help you face the demands of the modern world. Exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with someone from outside your day-to-day life often leads to a fresh perspective, and perhaps a renewed vision for the future. Not only for you, but for the important people in your life too.
Modern life seems to offer more and more challenges, and more and more people are looking for support in facing them. As a counsellor, my role is to provide space and guidance to help you negotiate the current situation you are in, find some understanding, relieve emotional and psychological pain and stress, and return some balance to your life to help you face the demands of the modern world. Exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with someone from outside your day-to-day life often leads to a fresh perspective, and perhaps a renewed vision for the future. Not only for you, but for the important people in your life too.
01329 556994 View 01329 556994
Photo of Carron Cosbert, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Carron Cosbert
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bosham PO18  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Carron, a BACP registered therapist specialising in issues with teenagers and young adults. I have five years experience working with client issues such as school refusal, neurodivergency, bullying, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity issues.
Hello, I'm Carron, a BACP registered therapist specialising in issues with teenagers and young adults. I have five years experience working with client issues such as school refusal, neurodivergency, bullying, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity issues.
01243 974659 View 01243 974659

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Tanya McDonnaugh, Psychologist in Portsmouth, England
Dr Tanya McDonnaugh
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W4
I provide services to adults, children and young people, families, and those looking for adoption support.
My name is Dr Tanya McDonnaugh and I am a chartered Clinical Psychologist (CPsychol), registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I am experienced at assessing, formulating and treating a variety of psychological, emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties, big and small. You might be struggling with a specific problem like anxiety or low mood, or maybe you have the sense that you are just not functioning at your best. Perhaps you have noticed difficulties in relationships, with your self-esteem, or in your ability to engage with daily tasks.
I provide services to adults, children and young people, families, and those looking for adoption support.
My name is Dr Tanya McDonnaugh and I am a chartered Clinical Psychologist (CPsychol), registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I am experienced at assessing, formulating and treating a variety of psychological, emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties, big and small. You might be struggling with a specific problem like anxiety or low mood, or maybe you have the sense that you are just not functioning at your best. Perhaps you have noticed difficulties in relationships, with your self-esteem, or in your ability to engage with daily tasks.
07498 205173 View 07498 205173
Photo of Maria Marchant, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Maria Marchant
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chislehurst BR7
I have experience of working with clients on issues such as depression and low mood, anxiety, loss and bereavement, low self-esteem, anger management, abuse, relationships difficulties, work related issues, addiction, exam stress, child and adolescent issues, adoption and fostering, health issues, personal development and general counselling.
I am a qualified BACP Therapist and Supervisor. If you are considering how therapy can support you through challenging life events, I can support you by offering a safe & confidential space in which you can begin to examine what may feel impossible right now to resolve by yourself; without fear of being judged and experience, perhaps for the first time, a real feeling of being heard. I work by helping you to explore your thoughts, emotions and life story so far, with the aim of both of us understanding & together making sense of the difficulties you are experiencing. Together, we will then seek a way of moving forward positively.
I have experience of working with clients on issues such as depression and low mood, anxiety, loss and bereavement, low self-esteem, anger management, abuse, relationships difficulties, work related issues, addiction, exam stress, child and adolescent issues, adoption and fostering, health issues, personal development and general counselling.
I am a qualified BACP Therapist and Supervisor. If you are considering how therapy can support you through challenging life events, I can support you by offering a safe & confidential space in which you can begin to examine what may feel impossible right now to resolve by yourself; without fear of being judged and experience, perhaps for the first time, a real feeling of being heard. I work by helping you to explore your thoughts, emotions and life story so far, with the aim of both of us understanding & together making sense of the difficulties you are experiencing. Together, we will then seek a way of moving forward positively.
07476 551643 View 07476 551643
Photo of Uniquely Designed Counselling, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Uniquely Designed Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N9
I hold the CPCAB Dip in Therapeutic Counselling. I am an integrative therapist & my specialism is in adoption support for adults who have experienced the care system on any level. This can be from being an adoptee, birth/forever parent, birth child with adopted/fostered sibiling or grandparents etc. I am registered with Barnardo’s. I provide a safe, non-judgmental & confidential space for all struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, adoptiin, family & life problems issues to start cultivating tools that will equip them to deal with life’s problems, build stronger resilience and feel healthier mentally.
I hold the CPCAB Dip in Therapeutic Counselling. I am an integrative therapist & my specialism is in adoption support for adults who have experienced the care system on any level. This can be from being an adoptee, birth/forever parent, birth child with adopted/fostered sibiling or grandparents etc. I am registered with Barnardo’s. I provide a safe, non-judgmental & confidential space for all struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, adoptiin, family & life problems issues to start cultivating tools that will equip them to deal with life’s problems, build stronger resilience and feel healthier mentally.
07445 851146 View 07445 851146
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wells BA5
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Garry Michael Brennan, Counsellor in Portsmouth, England
Garry Michael Brennan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bromley BR1  (Online Only)
I specialise in the area of adoption but I cover a range of issues such as loss, bereavement, relationship problems, anxiety, stress, depression, domestic violence, sexuality and identity issues and sexual abuse.
Starting therapy can be a daunting experience and so my aim is to help you feel at ease by working in a straightforward, empathic and down to earth way in order to help you overcome the obstacles that are stopping you from leading a meaningful and authentic life. I am an active person-centred counsellor who will work hard alongside you in order to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. I am an experienced counsellor who has particular experience around trauma and attachment issues due to my long experience in working in the world of adoption as both a social worker and therapist
I specialise in the area of adoption but I cover a range of issues such as loss, bereavement, relationship problems, anxiety, stress, depression, domestic violence, sexuality and identity issues and sexual abuse.
Starting therapy can be a daunting experience and so my aim is to help you feel at ease by working in a straightforward, empathic and down to earth way in order to help you overcome the obstacles that are stopping you from leading a meaningful and authentic life. I am an active person-centred counsellor who will work hard alongside you in order to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. I am an experienced counsellor who has particular experience around trauma and attachment issues due to my long experience in working in the world of adoption as both a social worker and therapist
07723 562533 View 07723 562533

See more therapy options for Portsmouth


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.