Adoption Counselling in Alderley Edge

Photo of Stephanie Newton - Diamond Wellbeing, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Diamond Wellbeing
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Sometimes life can throw up challenges, which can be overwhelming or provoke anxiety. You may feel like you aren't good enough or you are experiencing low self esteem. You may want to stop binge drinking, or reduce your alcohol intake, stop smoking, get ride of anxiety, stress or a bad habit, overcome a phobia or lose weight. Perhaps you are going through a divorce? Struggling to sleep? Overcoming abuse? Or maybe you are coping with grief? It could be that work is stressful? I can help you overcome a range of challenging emotions, so that you can reconnect to your inner peace and start to feel positive and confident.
Sometimes life can throw up challenges, which can be overwhelming or provoke anxiety. You may feel like you aren't good enough or you are experiencing low self esteem. You may want to stop binge drinking, or reduce your alcohol intake, stop smoking, get ride of anxiety, stress or a bad habit, overcome a phobia or lose weight. Perhaps you are going through a divorce? Struggling to sleep? Overcoming abuse? Or maybe you are coping with grief? It could be that work is stressful? I can help you overcome a range of challenging emotions, so that you can reconnect to your inner peace and start to feel positive and confident.
0161 524 9869 View 0161 524 9869
Photo of Elaine Wearing, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Elaine Wearing
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
I’m a mature and experienced therapist and qualified counselling supervisor. I have knowledge and experience of various types of therapy and work in an integrative way, which means I can tailor your therapy to suit you. At the heart of all my work is a person-centred ethos and my priority is to build a trusting, open and honest relationship which will enable you to feel truly heard and understood. This in itself can bring enormous comfort and relief and help you develop a better understanding of yourself; find choices; build belief in yourself and ultimately to enrich your relationships and enhance your life.
I’m a mature and experienced therapist and qualified counselling supervisor. I have knowledge and experience of various types of therapy and work in an integrative way, which means I can tailor your therapy to suit you. At the heart of all my work is a person-centred ethos and my priority is to build a trusting, open and honest relationship which will enable you to feel truly heard and understood. This in itself can bring enormous comfort and relief and help you develop a better understanding of yourself; find choices; build belief in yourself and ultimately to enrich your relationships and enhance your life.
07427 597084 View 07427 597084
Photo of Donna Morgan, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Donna Morgan
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Welcome to my profile. I am delighted that you have taken the time to visit. I offer counselling services both online and face-to-face to address a range of issues such as stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety. Anxiety is a common reason why people seek therapeutic support. If you are struggling with anxiety, I can help you manage your symptoms and transform your relationship with anxiety. Together, we will identify the most effective evidence-based interventions, such as CBT, EMDR, NLP and TFT.
Welcome to my profile. I am delighted that you have taken the time to visit. I offer counselling services both online and face-to-face to address a range of issues such as stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety. Anxiety is a common reason why people seek therapeutic support. If you are struggling with anxiety, I can help you manage your symptoms and transform your relationship with anxiety. Together, we will identify the most effective evidence-based interventions, such as CBT, EMDR, NLP and TFT.
07401 310736 View 07401 310736
Photo of Kay Glover - Kay Glover Counselling and Supervision, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Kay Glover Counselling and Supervision
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
With over 20 years' experience as a counsellor, I can offer a calm, safe space for you to explore your feelings and begin to make changes toward the life you would like. If you feel anxious, depressed, are suffering from PTSD or feel suicidal, have general low mood or feel that the time is right to seek support please contact me for an initial chat. I work with a person-centred approach, integrating other ways of working to suit your needs. I offer a free consultation so that you can find out if you would like to begin your journey with me. Free parking and disabled access. Face to face, telephone or online appointments.
With over 20 years' experience as a counsellor, I can offer a calm, safe space for you to explore your feelings and begin to make changes toward the life you would like. If you feel anxious, depressed, are suffering from PTSD or feel suicidal, have general low mood or feel that the time is right to seek support please contact me for an initial chat. I work with a person-centred approach, integrating other ways of working to suit your needs. I offer a free consultation so that you can find out if you would like to begin your journey with me. Free parking and disabled access. Face to face, telephone or online appointments.
01782 493932 View 01782 493932
Photo of Dr Helen Hart, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Dr Helen Hart
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Serves Area
Have you ever felt stuck with your family or work roles? Do the people who are meant to love you unconditionally, frequently hold you back? Do you find yourself constantly feeling the need to apologise for things, then wondering what you have done wrong? Maybe you have felt blamed for things in life and want to explore things further. Or you may feel held back by guilt and regret. I can work with you to explore this through a safe and steady process which looks at patterns across your life and within relationships. This will help you to break free from the restraints of negative approval you may have felt for many years.
Have you ever felt stuck with your family or work roles? Do the people who are meant to love you unconditionally, frequently hold you back? Do you find yourself constantly feeling the need to apologise for things, then wondering what you have done wrong? Maybe you have felt blamed for things in life and want to explore things further. Or you may feel held back by guilt and regret. I can work with you to explore this through a safe and steady process which looks at patterns across your life and within relationships. This will help you to break free from the restraints of negative approval you may have felt for many years.
0161 524 3206 View 0161 524 3206
Photo of Dr Denise Honeyborne - Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychology Ltd, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychology Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
01625 380996 View 01625 380996

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Zoë Stephens, Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Zoë Stephens
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Bolton BL1
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, you’re not alone. Past experiences—especially those tied to attachment—can shape how we feel, think, and connect with others. You may be searching for ways to heal from trauma, manage symptoms of complex PTSD, or navigate the difficulties of personality or eating disorders. More than anything, you want to feel safe, understood, and empowered to build a more fulfilling life.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, you’re not alone. Past experiences—especially those tied to attachment—can shape how we feel, think, and connect with others. You may be searching for ways to heal from trauma, manage symptoms of complex PTSD, or navigate the difficulties of personality or eating disorders. More than anything, you want to feel safe, understood, and empowered to build a more fulfilling life.
01453 707137 View 01453 707137
Photo of Carwyn Langdown - Carwyn Langdown Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Carwyn Langdown Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
I work with a wide range of people but have a particular interest in identity, adoption (being an adoptive parent myself), relationships and the ways we learn to adapt to the systems and families we grow up in.
Hi, I’m Carwyn and I offer face-to-face and online psychotherapy and counselling services in Chorlton, South Manchester. People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to help with depression or anxiety, a sense of feeling lost, identity exploration, relationships or just seeking to change something about themselves. Psychotherapy offers a confidential, steady space to slow down, listen closely to yourself, and make sense of what has shaped you — so that new ways of living and relating can become possible. I offer a warm, safe and non-judgemental space to support you with these matters.
I work with a wide range of people but have a particular interest in identity, adoption (being an adoptive parent myself), relationships and the ways we learn to adapt to the systems and families we grow up in.
Hi, I’m Carwyn and I offer face-to-face and online psychotherapy and counselling services in Chorlton, South Manchester. People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to help with depression or anxiety, a sense of feeling lost, identity exploration, relationships or just seeking to change something about themselves. Psychotherapy offers a confidential, steady space to slow down, listen closely to yourself, and make sense of what has shaped you — so that new ways of living and relating can become possible. I offer a warm, safe and non-judgemental space to support you with these matters.
0161 524 7906 View 0161 524 7906
Photo of Cheryl Morrissey, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Cheryl Morrissey
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Life can be tough at times, can make us feel undervalued, overwhelmed and maybe quite a lonely place to be. Therapy can help us understand ourselves a little better, value our uniqueness that makes us who we are. I strive to support that self awakening, to focus on rediscovery rather than changing who you are. I am passionate about ensuring neuro-divergent people can access therapy and adapt my ways of working to meet their needs. I ensure I complete regular CPD and training in Trauma focused CBT, Theraplay Level 1, DDP Level 1&2, therapeutic parenting and training via PODS specializing in DID. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Life can be tough at times, can make us feel undervalued, overwhelmed and maybe quite a lonely place to be. Therapy can help us understand ourselves a little better, value our uniqueness that makes us who we are. I strive to support that self awakening, to focus on rediscovery rather than changing who you are. I am passionate about ensuring neuro-divergent people can access therapy and adapt my ways of working to meet their needs. I ensure I complete regular CPD and training in Trauma focused CBT, Theraplay Level 1, DDP Level 1&2, therapeutic parenting and training via PODS specializing in DID. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
0115 647 1880 View 0115 647 1880
Photo of Sarah Cassidy, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Sarah Cassidy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
I have many years of experience working with adoption and looked after children, supporting both children and their families.
Building a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship is at the core of our work together. My commitment is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I approach our sessions with empathy, respect, and understanding of your unique journey. I am an experienced trauma and attachment psychotherapist with many years experience working with adults, children, young people and families who have had attachment difficulties and disruptions. I am also trained in DDP and Theraplay.
I have many years of experience working with adoption and looked after children, supporting both children and their families.
Building a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship is at the core of our work together. My commitment is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I approach our sessions with empathy, respect, and understanding of your unique journey. I am an experienced trauma and attachment psychotherapist with many years experience working with adults, children, young people and families who have had attachment difficulties and disruptions. I am also trained in DDP and Theraplay.
0114 697 2849 View 0114 697 2849
Photo of Miriam Sakwa, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Miriam Sakwa
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Art Psychotherapist with thirteen years’ experience of working with Children, Young People and Adults. I have a strong belief in the transformative role of creativity in healing our most difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As a client, you are able to direct the sessions and gain agency in your healing process through creative expression. Art therapy can be helpful for a wide range of difficulties, and you do not need any prior experience of making art.
Art Psychotherapist with thirteen years’ experience of working with Children, Young People and Adults. I have a strong belief in the transformative role of creativity in healing our most difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As a client, you are able to direct the sessions and gain agency in your healing process through creative expression. Art therapy can be helpful for a wide range of difficulties, and you do not need any prior experience of making art.
01923 961745 View 01923 961745
Photo of Sherin Begum, Counsellor, MBACP
Sherin Begum
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I have helped clients with mild mental health issues such as general stress to higher needs such as schizophrenia and personality disorders. I would say my expertise lies mostly with anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. I work with the clients goals in mind, at their own pace and ability. No two clients are the same and adjust my skills accordingly. Whether you’re looking for small changes in perspective, understanding or attitude, or you want a deeper more meaningful change in thinking, behaviour and habits I am willing to walk that journey with you.
I have helped clients with mild mental health issues such as general stress to higher needs such as schizophrenia and personality disorders. I would say my expertise lies mostly with anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. I work with the clients goals in mind, at their own pace and ability. No two clients are the same and adjust my skills accordingly. Whether you’re looking for small changes in perspective, understanding or attitude, or you want a deeper more meaningful change in thinking, behaviour and habits I am willing to walk that journey with you.
01446 509155 View 01446 509155
Photo of Kate Nicholson, Counsellor, MBACP
Kate Nicholson
Counsellor, MBACP
Sale M33
Perhaps you've been holding everything together for so long that you've forgotten what it feels like not to. Maybe a diagnosis, a loss, caring responsibilities, the fog of menopause or reaching burnout has finally made that impossible. I'm Kate - a counsellor who understands these experiences both professionally and personally. You don't have to keep going the way you have been. This could be the moment you finally put yourself first, and I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.
Perhaps you've been holding everything together for so long that you've forgotten what it feels like not to. Maybe a diagnosis, a loss, caring responsibilities, the fog of menopause or reaching burnout has finally made that impossible. I'm Kate - a counsellor who understands these experiences both professionally and personally. You don't have to keep going the way you have been. This could be the moment you finally put yourself first, and I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.
0161 570 0693 View 0161 570 0693
Photo of Michael Drabble, Counsellor, MBACP
Michael Drabble
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Are you struggling with a pattern of behaviour or a relationship that you know is harmful, but you can’t seem to move on, or change things for the better? Through working with you in a safe, accepting way I can help you understand how your past experiences have been negatively affecting you in the present, so you gain a fresh perspective on your problems. As an integrative therapist, I select from a number of approaches, including Transactional Analysis, to construct a bespoke toolkit of models and techniques; using this, we can work together to positively change your behaviour, your state of mind and your relationships.
Are you struggling with a pattern of behaviour or a relationship that you know is harmful, but you can’t seem to move on, or change things for the better? Through working with you in a safe, accepting way I can help you understand how your past experiences have been negatively affecting you in the present, so you gain a fresh perspective on your problems. As an integrative therapist, I select from a number of approaches, including Transactional Analysis, to construct a bespoke toolkit of models and techniques; using this, we can work together to positively change your behaviour, your state of mind and your relationships.
0114 553 9196 View 0114 553 9196
Photo of Clare Louise Cooney, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Clare Louise Cooney
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
You might be feeling stuck in overwhelming grief, weighed down by anxiety, or exhausted from constant self-doubt. Maybe you're struggling to maintain relationships, losing sleep to ruminating thoughts, or battling guilt over emotions that don't seem to be in your control. You just want relief. Counselling can support this.
You might be feeling stuck in overwhelming grief, weighed down by anxiety, or exhausted from constant self-doubt. Maybe you're struggling to maintain relationships, losing sleep to ruminating thoughts, or battling guilt over emotions that don't seem to be in your control. You just want relief. Counselling can support this.
01637 808420 View 01637 808420
Photo of Leah Marie Booker - Leah Booker - Free to Be You, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Leah Booker - Free to Be You
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
At Free to Be You, we empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive as their authentic selves. Founded by Leah Booker, a neurodivergent leader with lived experience of dyslexia and auditory processing disorder. We offer person-centred support tailored to your needs. We understand the emotional toll of navigating a neurotypical world, from seeking a diagnosis to coping with exclusion and overwhelm. Whether you're an individual or an organisation, we’re here to walk alongside you, with insight and empathy.
At Free to Be You, we empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive as their authentic selves. Founded by Leah Booker, a neurodivergent leader with lived experience of dyslexia and auditory processing disorder. We offer person-centred support tailored to your needs. We understand the emotional toll of navigating a neurotypical world, from seeking a diagnosis to coping with exclusion and overwhelm. Whether you're an individual or an organisation, we’re here to walk alongside you, with insight and empathy.
0114 697 4246 View 0114 697 4246
Photo of Tom Meaney, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Tom Meaney
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Online Only
My clients come to me from a range of backgrounds, and experiencing a variety of challenges. Some of them know very clearly what they want to achieve from therapy, whereas others do not - only that they feel the need to be heard. In all cases, I provide a counselling approach that is tailored to the personality, wants and needs of each and every unique person I have the privilege to work with. Over many years of practice, my clients consistently tell me that it is my ability to create a safe, respectful and caring environment that means the most to them.
My clients come to me from a range of backgrounds, and experiencing a variety of challenges. Some of them know very clearly what they want to achieve from therapy, whereas others do not - only that they feel the need to be heard. In all cases, I provide a counselling approach that is tailored to the personality, wants and needs of each and every unique person I have the privilege to work with. Over many years of practice, my clients consistently tell me that it is my ability to create a safe, respectful and caring environment that means the most to them.
015242 35829 View 015242 35829
Photo of Ann Todd, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Ann Todd
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Often our anxieties and difficulties can weigh us down and we are unable to find a way forward. Perhaps we experience intrusive anxious thoughts or our inner critic is just too loud and holds us back. Maybe we keep repeating the same unhelpful behaviour again and again. Or perhaps past trauma feels too present and we are still experiencing its physical and emotional impact and the way it makes us behave. Our thoughts and feelings can be confusing and talking to friends and relatives may be too difficult. I provide a safe, respectful space in which you can explore your difficulties, gain insight and discover a way forward.
Often our anxieties and difficulties can weigh us down and we are unable to find a way forward. Perhaps we experience intrusive anxious thoughts or our inner critic is just too loud and holds us back. Maybe we keep repeating the same unhelpful behaviour again and again. Or perhaps past trauma feels too present and we are still experiencing its physical and emotional impact and the way it makes us behave. Our thoughts and feelings can be confusing and talking to friends and relatives may be too difficult. I provide a safe, respectful space in which you can explore your difficulties, gain insight and discover a way forward.
01937 227412 View 01937 227412
Photo of Andrea Taylor, Counsellor, MBACP
Andrea Taylor
Counsellor, MBACP
Rochdale OL16
Do you feel overwhelmed? Don't know where to start? The hardest step is reaching out for help. If you are reading this then you're half way there. I understand how hard it is to take that leap. I aim to be sensitive to your needs and strive to understand how things are from your perspective. I am a great believer that sharing your problems can help you heal. I can offer you a confidential space to help you navigate and explore what you want to talk about. I will offer sensitive, thoughtful responses to help you explore and resolve your issues, so you are able to move forward.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Don't know where to start? The hardest step is reaching out for help. If you are reading this then you're half way there. I understand how hard it is to take that leap. I aim to be sensitive to your needs and strive to understand how things are from your perspective. I am a great believer that sharing your problems can help you heal. I can offer you a confidential space to help you navigate and explore what you want to talk about. I will offer sensitive, thoughtful responses to help you explore and resolve your issues, so you are able to move forward.
01706 586630 View 01706 586630
Photo of Laura Hall, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Laura Hall
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
07479 065444 View 07479 065444
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.