Adoption Counselling in Gravesend

Photo of Selina Clarke - The Glow Up Project CIC, Psychotherapist, MBACP
The Glow Up Project CIC
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Gravesend DA11
The Glow Up Project is a therapy-based CIC supporting children (4–18) and families through 1:1 therapy, family work, student counsellor placements, and our mobile Therapy Bus. We work with schools, local authorities and agencies to deliver trauma-informed, creative support for issues like attachment, trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, identity and family breakdown. As a CIC, we reinvest into communities to improve access, outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
The Glow Up Project is a therapy-based CIC supporting children (4–18) and families through 1:1 therapy, family work, student counsellor placements, and our mobile Therapy Bus. We work with schools, local authorities and agencies to deliver trauma-informed, creative support for issues like attachment, trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, identity and family breakdown. As a CIC, we reinvest into communities to improve access, outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
020 4538 6940 View 020 4538 6940
Photo of Emma Farrell, Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Emma Farrell
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Gravesend DA12
Sometimes we can all feel stuck and not know which way to turn. Life can feel overwhelming or out of control. It can feel like it's not heading in the direction that we want. We can get stuck in cycles, repeating the same behaviours, knowingly or unknowingly. You're in the right place, counselling can help! Counselling focuses on your future and moving past any blocks preventing you from living the life you wish. Together we will explore your present difficulties, as well as past experiences that have led to your current situation.
Sometimes we can all feel stuck and not know which way to turn. Life can feel overwhelming or out of control. It can feel like it's not heading in the direction that we want. We can get stuck in cycles, repeating the same behaviours, knowingly or unknowingly. You're in the right place, counselling can help! Counselling focuses on your future and moving past any blocks preventing you from living the life you wish. Together we will explore your present difficulties, as well as past experiences that have led to your current situation.
01474 559491 View 01474 559491
Photo of Farzana Ahmed, Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Farzana Ahmed
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I offer a Counselling service to individuals, young people and families who may be facing personal difficulties and challenges. We all experience painful events and losses at various times in our lives and Counselling creates a safe containing space for clients to explore and process their emotions on a range if issues that may be impacting on them negatively. This can help clients to identify their triggers which may be responsible for creating the emotional and or physical distress. It also helps develop some strategies for clients to have at their disposal to manage better the impacts of the distress being experienced.
I offer a Counselling service to individuals, young people and families who may be facing personal difficulties and challenges. We all experience painful events and losses at various times in our lives and Counselling creates a safe containing space for clients to explore and process their emotions on a range if issues that may be impacting on them negatively. This can help clients to identify their triggers which may be responsible for creating the emotional and or physical distress. It also helps develop some strategies for clients to have at their disposal to manage better the impacts of the distress being experienced.
01622 584270 View 01622 584270

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Vanja Rossberg, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Dr Vanja Rossberg
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
London SE1
I am a Psychotherapist with more than 15 years experience of working with individuals, couples and families who have seen their emotional stability and relationships being impacted by life experiences, like physical or mental health struggles, trauma, loss, challenging transitions between life cycle stages, separation, relationship conflict or adverse childhood experiences. I facilitate work that gives the opportunity to develop a better understanding of what is going on for you, a clearer idea of how you would like things to be, exploring and experimenting with ways to achieve this.
I am a Psychotherapist with more than 15 years experience of working with individuals, couples and families who have seen their emotional stability and relationships being impacted by life experiences, like physical or mental health struggles, trauma, loss, challenging transitions between life cycle stages, separation, relationship conflict or adverse childhood experiences. I facilitate work that gives the opportunity to develop a better understanding of what is going on for you, a clearer idea of how you would like things to be, exploring and experimenting with ways to achieve this.
020 3835 6242 View 020 3835 6242
Photo of Nadja Julia Rolli, Psychotherapist, MA
Nadja Julia Rolli
Psychotherapist, MA
London W14
I am a qualified and experienced Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. Previous to the MA in Child Psychotherapy, I have been trained in Switzerland as Psychomotor Therapist, with a focus on Play Therapy and Body Work for Children and young adults. I have many years of experience working with my clients through play therapy and talking therapy but integrate EMDR, body awareness and symbolism, art materials, clay and sand into my work to facilitate unconscious emotional processes.
I am a qualified and experienced Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. Previous to the MA in Child Psychotherapy, I have been trained in Switzerland as Psychomotor Therapist, with a focus on Play Therapy and Body Work for Children and young adults. I have many years of experience working with my clients through play therapy and talking therapy but integrate EMDR, body awareness and symbolism, art materials, clay and sand into my work to facilitate unconscious emotional processes.
020 8103 6087 View 020 8103 6087
Photo of Dr Lesley Aitcheson, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Dr Lesley Aitcheson
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
London W1K
I work with an emphasis on creating a safe and confidential environment to encourage emotional growth and to allow you to resolve problems and make changes in order to lead a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you to understand and resolve your difficulties by providing the time and space to reflect and to consider how the events of the past have contributed to your current situation. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the idea that our unconscious fears, desires and needs impact on our conscious life. I will work with you to allow feelings which are hidden, for whatever reason, to come to the fore and be understood.
I work with an emphasis on creating a safe and confidential environment to encourage emotional growth and to allow you to resolve problems and make changes in order to lead a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you to understand and resolve your difficulties by providing the time and space to reflect and to consider how the events of the past have contributed to your current situation. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the idea that our unconscious fears, desires and needs impact on our conscious life. I will work with you to allow feelings which are hidden, for whatever reason, to come to the fore and be understood.
020 3910 8219 View 020 3910 8219
Photo of Celia Stewart, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Celia Stewart
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Adoption and working with adoptees and birth mothers is another area close to my heart — above all, I offer a safe, warm, and compassionate space where you can be completely yourself.
I’m a qualified counsellor, group therapy facilitator and complementary health practitioner, with over 30 years of experience supporting people through life’s ups and downs. I trained in Counselling and Addiction at the University of Bath, and I bring not only my professional knowledge but also a wealth of real-life experience to my sessions. Sometimes life just feels too heavy. We can find ourselves worrying, feeling stuck, or battling with fears we don’t quite understand. In those moments, talking to someone outside of our usual circle can be a real gift—someone who will truly listen without judgement. That’s where I can help.
Adoption and working with adoptees and birth mothers is another area close to my heart — above all, I offer a safe, warm, and compassionate space where you can be completely yourself.
I’m a qualified counsellor, group therapy facilitator and complementary health practitioner, with over 30 years of experience supporting people through life’s ups and downs. I trained in Counselling and Addiction at the University of Bath, and I bring not only my professional knowledge but also a wealth of real-life experience to my sessions. Sometimes life just feels too heavy. We can find ourselves worrying, feeling stuck, or battling with fears we don’t quite understand. In those moments, talking to someone outside of our usual circle can be a real gift—someone who will truly listen without judgement. That’s where I can help.
01373 489237 View 01373 489237
Photo of Denise Quadrucci, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Denise Quadrucci
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Online Only
I have worked within fostering and adoption, Couple and family Counselling, Bereavement and Youth Counselling.
Some of the problems I work with are around grief/loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, betrayal, family and relationship issues, identity, stress, secondary trauma, loneliness, psychosomatic related illnesses, racial issues, addiction, women’s issues, childhood issues, coping skills, life transitions and many more.
I have worked within fostering and adoption, Couple and family Counselling, Bereavement and Youth Counselling.
Some of the problems I work with are around grief/loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, betrayal, family and relationship issues, identity, stress, secondary trauma, loneliness, psychosomatic related illnesses, racial issues, addiction, women’s issues, childhood issues, coping skills, life transitions and many more.
07446 289260 View 07446 289260
Photo of Crystal Luk-Worrall, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
Crystal Luk-Worrall
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
London SW19
I specialise in working with families in the adoption/ special guardianship community, as well as those in the child bereavement community.
Did you know 1 out 5 children in the UK experiences mental health challenges that affects their ways of relating with loved ones at some point during their childhood? Getting appropriate support at an early stage is important for children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. Children struggling with their emotions often act out or become withdrawn. These responses are put down as behaviour issues while in fact they are children's way of communicating to adults that they need support. Music Therapy is the perfect tool for children who are not ready to 'talk it through' to express themselves in ways that motivates them.
I specialise in working with families in the adoption/ special guardianship community, as well as those in the child bereavement community.
Did you know 1 out 5 children in the UK experiences mental health challenges that affects their ways of relating with loved ones at some point during their childhood? Getting appropriate support at an early stage is important for children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. Children struggling with their emotions often act out or become withdrawn. These responses are put down as behaviour issues while in fact they are children's way of communicating to adults that they need support. Music Therapy is the perfect tool for children who are not ready to 'talk it through' to express themselves in ways that motivates them.
020 3856 3684 View 020 3856 3684
Photo of Sarah Napier, Counsellor
Sarah Napier
Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I help individuals overcome adoption, trauma, and rejection issues, by offering a safe, empathetic space to heal, grow, and find hope.
Do you ever feel that you are not good enough? Do you often question why you are even here? Do you struggle with self-esteem and self-worth? I help clients who have been adopted and struggle with feelings of rejection and abandonment, often without understanding why they have all these negative emotions.
I help individuals overcome adoption, trauma, and rejection issues, by offering a safe, empathetic space to heal, grow, and find hope.
Do you ever feel that you are not good enough? Do you often question why you are even here? Do you struggle with self-esteem and self-worth? I help clients who have been adopted and struggle with feelings of rejection and abandonment, often without understanding why they have all these negative emotions.
020 4538 1980 View 020 4538 1980
Photo of Hester Alison Ford Moy, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Hester Alison Ford Moy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
London NW6
I will accept individually commissioned ASF ( Adoption Support Funding ) child therapy contracts with Local Authorities where suitable.
Art Psychotherapy is a readily accessible and effective form of therapy. It is suitable for individuals of any age who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and wellbeing challenges. You may be struggling with personal or family relationships, work related stress, mental health, past childhood trauma, loss, bereavement, identity, addiction issues; or be a very concerned parent reaching out for help for your child or teen who's additional SEN's, mental health, behaviour, school/ social difficulties, adverse childhood experiences are requiring a sensitive, creative and nuanced approach to their support and treatment.
I will accept individually commissioned ASF ( Adoption Support Funding ) child therapy contracts with Local Authorities where suitable.
Art Psychotherapy is a readily accessible and effective form of therapy. It is suitable for individuals of any age who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and wellbeing challenges. You may be struggling with personal or family relationships, work related stress, mental health, past childhood trauma, loss, bereavement, identity, addiction issues; or be a very concerned parent reaching out for help for your child or teen who's additional SEN's, mental health, behaviour, school/ social difficulties, adverse childhood experiences are requiring a sensitive, creative and nuanced approach to their support and treatment.
020 4524 3170 View 020 4524 3170
Photo of Amy Catherine Walshe, Counsellor, BACP
Amy Catherine Walshe
Counsellor, BACP
London N4
Hi, I'm Amy. Coming to counselling and opening up to a complete stranger about things you may have never discussed before can be hugely daunting! I aim to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible while getting you to where you want to be. I work with people with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, self harm, early life trauma, sexual trauma and for some a wish to talk about a feeling but without necessarily knowing what it is but something simply doesn't quite feel right. The idea of opening up to a complete stranger about things you may have kept inside
Hi, I'm Amy. Coming to counselling and opening up to a complete stranger about things you may have never discussed before can be hugely daunting! I aim to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible while getting you to where you want to be. I work with people with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, self harm, early life trauma, sexual trauma and for some a wish to talk about a feeling but without necessarily knowing what it is but something simply doesn't quite feel right. The idea of opening up to a complete stranger about things you may have kept inside
020 3871 7988 View 020 3871 7988
Photo of Dr Rachel van Schaick, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Rachel van Schaick
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am specialist in supporting children, adolescents, parents and families. I also work relationally with individual adults. I offer a range of psychological services, including child assessments, child treatment, help for parents and individual therapy. Whatever the need may be, I can help to make sense of current challenges, dilemmas and strengths. I will utilise evidence-based approaches to tailor a bespoke package of intervention. I have over 18 years experience of working in mental-health services in the NHS, local authority, third sector and independent settings. I am the founder of Raising Minds Child and Family Psychology.
I am specialist in supporting children, adolescents, parents and families. I also work relationally with individual adults. I offer a range of psychological services, including child assessments, child treatment, help for parents and individual therapy. Whatever the need may be, I can help to make sense of current challenges, dilemmas and strengths. I will utilise evidence-based approaches to tailor a bespoke package of intervention. I have over 18 years experience of working in mental-health services in the NHS, local authority, third sector and independent settings. I am the founder of Raising Minds Child and Family Psychology.
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Photo of Garry Michael Brennan, Counsellor, MBACP
Garry Michael Brennan
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
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
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
07723 562533 View 07723 562533
Photo of Kaya Thompson, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Kaya Thompson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Online Only
Coming to therapy, whether for the first time or returning again, is a courageous step. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I offer a respectful and collaborative space where experiences can be explored with care, curiosity, and openness, making difficult conversations feel possible. Working systemically means I explore how relationships, family experiences, communication, identity, and wider life contexts shape how we understand ourselves and others.
Coming to therapy, whether for the first time or returning again, is a courageous step. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I offer a respectful and collaborative space where experiences can be explored with care, curiosity, and openness, making difficult conversations feel possible. Working systemically means I explore how relationships, family experiences, communication, identity, and wider life contexts shape how we understand ourselves and others.
020 4634 7288 View 020 4634 7288
Photo of Louisa Tait, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Louisa Tait
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
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 Tracy Harvey, Counsellor, MBACP
Tracy Harvey
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am registered with the Buckinghamshire Adoption Services for individuals who have been adopted or parents who have adopted, that wish to claim for therapy via the Adoption Services.
As a therapist, I work with clients to help them deal with issues such as depression, anxiety and invasive thoughts. I believe that society is quick to label people and say “whats wrong with you?” whereas, I believe we should be asking “What happened to you?” My clients have included survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, sexual assault and those recovering from traumatic-based experiences that have affected their current quality of life. I offer bereavement counselling to help people navigate their pain and find their own way to make sense of their loss. I recognise that, as each person is unique, so is their grieving process.
I am registered with the Buckinghamshire Adoption Services for individuals who have been adopted or parents who have adopted, that wish to claim for therapy via the Adoption Services.
As a therapist, I work with clients to help them deal with issues such as depression, anxiety and invasive thoughts. I believe that society is quick to label people and say “whats wrong with you?” whereas, I believe we should be asking “What happened to you?” My clients have included survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, sexual assault and those recovering from traumatic-based experiences that have affected their current quality of life. I offer bereavement counselling to help people navigate their pain and find their own way to make sense of their loss. I recognise that, as each person is unique, so is their grieving process.
01296 929266 View 01296 929266
Photo of Dr Natalia Fagbemi, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Natalia Fagbemi
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Bromley BR1
I am committed to supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties, and have experience working with a diverse range of clients including children, adults and older adults. I am passionate about creating a safe and non-judgemental space to help my clients to understand their difficulties and how they can make changes to improve their mental health and wellbeing. As a HCPC registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I have worked across various settings including community, inpatient and specialist services in the NHS.
I am committed to supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties, and have experience working with a diverse range of clients including children, adults and older adults. I am passionate about creating a safe and non-judgemental space to help my clients to understand their difficulties and how they can make changes to improve their mental health and wellbeing. As a HCPC registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I have worked across various settings including community, inpatient and specialist services in the NHS.
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Photo of Alix Hearn, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Alix Hearn
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
London N3
I have worked in schools, residential children's homes, specialist trauma and adoption teams, CAMHS and private practice
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work. I work relationally, with respect and compassion. I believe in the power of psychotherapy to address underlying issues and symptoms. This work requires time, patience and deep empathy. I also specialise in Ecopsychotherapy - this involves walk and talk therapy outdoors.
I have worked in schools, residential children's homes, specialist trauma and adoption teams, CAMHS and private practice
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work. I work relationally, with respect and compassion. I believe in the power of psychotherapy to address underlying issues and symptoms. This work requires time, patience and deep empathy. I also specialise in Ecopsychotherapy - this involves walk and talk therapy outdoors.
01276 539040 View 01276 539040
Photo of Paul Gomes, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Paul Gomes
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
2 Endorsed
London SE1
You may be feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected — unsure of what’s next but aware something needs to change. I offer a calm, collaborative space to explore what’s happening for you, at a pace that feels right. Together we can make sense of patterns, rebuild trust in yourself, and find new ways of relating to life. My work integrates behavioural, somatic and relational approaches, alongside EMDR and experiential therapy, to support healing, self-understanding and lasting change.
You may be feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected — unsure of what’s next but aware something needs to change. I offer a calm, collaborative space to explore what’s happening for you, at a pace that feels right. Together we can make sense of patterns, rebuild trust in yourself, and find new ways of relating to life. My work integrates behavioural, somatic and relational approaches, alongside EMDR and experiential therapy, to support healing, self-understanding and lasting change.
020 3667 9998 View 020 3667 9998
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.