Adoption Counselling in Kennington, London

Photo of Amy Sheppard in Kennington, London, England
Amy Sheppard
MA
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
Many children have difficulties in their lives such as family break up, challenging behaviour, bullying, life upheaval, loss and bereavement, fostering and adoption.
I am a child-centred play therapist working with children, primarily from 4-12 years of age. I provide a safe, empathetic and accepting space for your child to explore what is troubling them. My approach is play based and primarily non-directive. However, for some children a slightly more directive approach can be helpful. Each child is unique, therefore the sessions will be tailored to your child and meeting their individual needs. A play based approach can be useful for children who may find it difficult to express how they feel into words.
Many children have difficulties in their lives such as family break up, challenging behaviour, bullying, life upheaval, loss and bereavement, fostering and adoption.
I am a child-centred play therapist working with children, primarily from 4-12 years of age. I provide a safe, empathetic and accepting space for your child to explore what is troubling them. My approach is play based and primarily non-directive. However, for some children a slightly more directive approach can be helpful. Each child is unique, therefore the sessions will be tailored to your child and meeting their individual needs. A play based approach can be useful for children who may find it difficult to express how they feel into words.
020 3912 8139 View 020 3912 8139
Photo of Vanja Rossberg, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Vanja Rossberg
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE1
I am a Couple and Family 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 Couple and Family 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 Kirstie Ashdown, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Kirstie Ashdown
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
I am an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor. I offer a confidential and safe space where we can think about what is troubling you in a non-judgemental setting. People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. Life can throw upsetting things at us and sometimes we find ourselves affected by events more than we expect. Psychodynamic therapy provides an opportunity to discover the unconscious processes that drive our responses and behaviours. Once these processes are acknowledged, we have the choice of changing how we react. This can help us to feel better about ourselves and live a more fulfilling life.
I am an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor. I offer a confidential and safe space where we can think about what is troubling you in a non-judgemental setting. People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. Life can throw upsetting things at us and sometimes we find ourselves affected by events more than we expect. Psychodynamic therapy provides an opportunity to discover the unconscious processes that drive our responses and behaviours. Once these processes are acknowledged, we have the choice of changing how we react. This can help us to feel better about ourselves and live a more fulfilling life.
020 3962 0162 View 020 3962 0162
Photo of Ildiko Victoria Szatmari, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Ildiko Victoria Szatmari
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
Welcome to a safe place to talk. There are many reasons why people reach out for help. It may be connected with relationship difficulties, feeling lonely, suffering a bereavement, experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, struggling with depression, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, or work issues. Sometimes there is nothing specific to name. I am a qualified, registered and experienced therapist, holding a degree in psychology and I have been professionally trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I am a member of the professional bodies UKCP and FPC.
Welcome to a safe place to talk. There are many reasons why people reach out for help. It may be connected with relationship difficulties, feeling lonely, suffering a bereavement, experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, struggling with depression, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, or work issues. Sometimes there is nothing specific to name. I am a qualified, registered and experienced therapist, holding a degree in psychology and I have been professionally trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I am a member of the professional bodies UKCP and FPC.
020 3870 2948 View 020 3870 2948
Photo of Claire Mouchot, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Claire Mouchot
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
I like to see any life journey as a metaphor to walking in known and unknown territories. We follow the cairns along the way (beliefs, relationships, professional career...) and sometimes we lose sight of them, we get anxious; stuck; lost; not good enough and compensatory mechanisms no longer work. This is usually when we look for help, including counselling, psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. In the therapeutic setting, I will walk with you at your pace to re-discover or re-build these structures that bring you a sense of direction, safety, strength and meaning in your life and allow you to go on to your individual path.
I like to see any life journey as a metaphor to walking in known and unknown territories. We follow the cairns along the way (beliefs, relationships, professional career...) and sometimes we lose sight of them, we get anxious; stuck; lost; not good enough and compensatory mechanisms no longer work. This is usually when we look for help, including counselling, psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. In the therapeutic setting, I will walk with you at your pace to re-discover or re-build these structures that bring you a sense of direction, safety, strength and meaning in your life and allow you to go on to your individual path.
020 3871 8314 View 020 3871 8314
Photo of Daniel Dacre, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Daniel Dacre
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
I am a psychotherapist and supervisor and have been working with individuals and groups for the last twenty years. For several years I was on the training committee at AGIP including two years as chair. I am currently the course leader for the Guild's diploma in psychoanalytic supervision. I would describe my orientation as psychoanalytic from within a contemplative perspective. By this I mean that I subscribe to the idea of an unconscious and believe events and attitudes from early life can impact on our lives today. I understand that an awareness of these currents helps to increase the choices available to us.
I am a psychotherapist and supervisor and have been working with individuals and groups for the last twenty years. For several years I was on the training committee at AGIP including two years as chair. I am currently the course leader for the Guild's diploma in psychoanalytic supervision. I would describe my orientation as psychoanalytic from within a contemplative perspective. By this I mean that I subscribe to the idea of an unconscious and believe events and attitudes from early life can impact on our lives today. I understand that an awareness of these currents helps to increase the choices available to us.
020 3974 2627 View 020 3974 2627
Photo of Paolo De Luca, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Paolo De Luca
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
We all have moments in which we feel vulnerable in the stressful world of nowadays. Life is challenging and most of us has experienced how it can become overwhelming. There are moments in life when we may look at our problems as without solutions and asking for help as meaningless. And so we keep going along with things as they are. Throughout psychotherapy, you will have the opportunity to raise issues that are currently on your mind and to acquire awareness and self-confidence, allowing healthier and happier ways of living.
We all have moments in which we feel vulnerable in the stressful world of nowadays. Life is challenging and most of us has experienced how it can become overwhelming. There are moments in life when we may look at our problems as without solutions and asking for help as meaningless. And so we keep going along with things as they are. Throughout psychotherapy, you will have the opportunity to raise issues that are currently on your mind and to acquire awareness and self-confidence, allowing healthier and happier ways of living.
020 3856 4038 View 020 3856 4038
Photo of London Bridge Counselling Claudine van de Vyver, Counsellor in Kennington, London, England
London Bridge Counselling Claudine van de Vyver
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
I offer non-judgemental, open space to help you understand and move past difficulties in your life. I have a warm, down to earth approach, enabling me to help you build a sense of self and the resilience to grow within yourself . We work together to identify healthier ways of managing your emotions and stress and what is behind them. I specialise in anxiety, childhood trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and have a particular passion for working with those enable them to promote personal growth and a more balanced life. I offer a FREE first session, 5 min walk from Lambeth North/Waterloo- South Kensington Tube.
I offer non-judgemental, open space to help you understand and move past difficulties in your life. I have a warm, down to earth approach, enabling me to help you build a sense of self and the resilience to grow within yourself . We work together to identify healthier ways of managing your emotions and stress and what is behind them. I specialise in anxiety, childhood trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and have a particular passion for working with those enable them to promote personal growth and a more balanced life. I offer a FREE first session, 5 min walk from Lambeth North/Waterloo- South Kensington Tube.
020 3960 5321 View 020 3960 5321
Photo of Dr Joyline Gozho, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Dr Joyline Gozho
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
Troubling thoughts, feelings, emotions, & repetitive behaviors can be safely explored & understood with the help of an experienced therapist. I work with individuals, couples and run groups. I help people who are experiencing a broad range of issues such as low mood, anxiety, low self esteem, anger, loneliness, rejection, infidelity, dependency, stuckness, eating disorders, abusive relationships, & seeking meaning in life. I use the psychodynamic model & CBT when necessary. Apart from being a therapist, I am a Lecturer at Birkbeck Uni on the MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy course. Please visit www.citysanctuarytherapy.com
Troubling thoughts, feelings, emotions, & repetitive behaviors can be safely explored & understood with the help of an experienced therapist. I work with individuals, couples and run groups. I help people who are experiencing a broad range of issues such as low mood, anxiety, low self esteem, anger, loneliness, rejection, infidelity, dependency, stuckness, eating disorders, abusive relationships, & seeking meaning in life. I use the psychodynamic model & CBT when necessary. Apart from being a therapist, I am a Lecturer at Birkbeck Uni on the MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy course. Please visit www.citysanctuarytherapy.com
020 3962 1808 View 020 3962 1808
Photo of Richard Demwell, Counsellor in Kennington, London, England
Richard Demwell
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Kennington, London SE11
I understand that deciding to seek therapy can be a daunting prospect. Yet therapy can also be an immensely rewarding and beneficial experience to help you understand your difficulties and facilitate change. Like many, you may not be certain what sort of support you need. If you are considering counselling, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your concerns. I have many years of experience of providing counselling and psychotherapy in different organisational settings. These include working within an NHS psychotherapy department, a charity settings, and university student counselling service.
I understand that deciding to seek therapy can be a daunting prospect. Yet therapy can also be an immensely rewarding and beneficial experience to help you understand your difficulties and facilitate change. Like many, you may not be certain what sort of support you need. If you are considering counselling, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your concerns. I have many years of experience of providing counselling and psychotherapy in different organisational settings. These include working within an NHS psychotherapy department, a charity settings, and university student counselling service.
020 4538 1856 View 020 4538 1856

Online Therapists

Photo of Sammantha Knight, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Sammantha Knight
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
People seek therapy for different reasons, life issues, trauma due to mental or physical events, loss of a loved one, or a breakdown of a relationship. Choosing therapy can be a route to discover better ways of managing moments of anxiety or depression. As well as working with individuals, I am experienced at working with couples who are struggling to stay together or trying to part amicably. I also work with couples and individuals who experience issues on becoming parents (fertility/adoption) or with those who find it difficult to make the decision to parent because of their own past experiences.
People seek therapy for different reasons, life issues, trauma due to mental or physical events, loss of a loved one, or a breakdown of a relationship. Choosing therapy can be a route to discover better ways of managing moments of anxiety or depression. As well as working with individuals, I am experienced at working with couples who are struggling to stay together or trying to part amicably. I also work with couples and individuals who experience issues on becoming parents (fertility/adoption) or with those who find it difficult to make the decision to parent because of their own past experiences.
020 3984 9215 View 020 3984 9215
Photo of Dr Tanya McDonnaugh, Psychologist in Kennington, London, England
Dr Tanya McDonnaugh
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
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 Lola Fasehun, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Lola Fasehun
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N10  (Online Only)
Would you like a safe space where your difficulties can be explored and real change can happen? My name's Lola and I've been a qualified psychotherapist for over 19 years with experience in assisting anyone who needs a reliable & confidential space in which to explore issues & difficulties. I can work with you on a range of issues including; Anxiety, Depression, Low moods, Trauma, Bereavement, Abuse (sexual/physical/psychological) Self esteem, Race & identity, Adoption & Smoking cessation. I offer online or telephone sessions. Fee is £70 a session (lower for those on low incomes). Currently taking bookings for mornings/evenings
Would you like a safe space where your difficulties can be explored and real change can happen? My name's Lola and I've been a qualified psychotherapist for over 19 years with experience in assisting anyone who needs a reliable & confidential space in which to explore issues & difficulties. I can work with you on a range of issues including; Anxiety, Depression, Low moods, Trauma, Bereavement, Abuse (sexual/physical/psychological) Self esteem, Race & identity, Adoption & Smoking cessation. I offer online or telephone sessions. Fee is £70 a session (lower for those on low incomes). Currently taking bookings for mornings/evenings
07723 496194 View 07723 496194
Photo of Dr Natasha Nascimento, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Dr Natasha Nascimento
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London WC1H
Seeking help is brave, finding the right therapist essential. So, let me tell you about myself. I am passionate about helping families and individuals navigate a range of complexities/dilemmas/relationships. You might be feeling hopeless or too cautious around others. Occasionally we all experience these feelings, but gradually these wear us down. I specialise in helping people affected by emotional/relationship difficulties to change and reconnect. These include: improving relationships, communication; anxiety/depression; trauma; parenting issues; post-adoption; separation/divorce; loss/grief; education/work issues and other issues
Seeking help is brave, finding the right therapist essential. So, let me tell you about myself. I am passionate about helping families and individuals navigate a range of complexities/dilemmas/relationships. You might be feeling hopeless or too cautious around others. Occasionally we all experience these feelings, but gradually these wear us down. I specialise in helping people affected by emotional/relationship difficulties to change and reconnect. These include: improving relationships, communication; anxiety/depression; trauma; parenting issues; post-adoption; separation/divorce; loss/grief; education/work issues and other issues
View
Photo of Verele Anne Vorstman, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Verele Anne Vorstman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Due to my systemic and personal background I have deep knowledge of immigration, war trauma, infertility, adoption, and chronic illness, so I can offer profound understanding.
I offer a balanced set of approaches that I can apply to suit your needs. Some people are better helped with insights into their patterns; others may need more skills and again others may feel they do everything right yet they are still unhappy. I strongly believe in trying out new behaviour, as this creates the biggest shifts and minimizes relapse. I integrate lifestyle factors such as nutrition when necessary. When the chemicals aren't right, talking isn't going to lift your mood. We will always explore the source of your issues, relating it to your system, so as to radically release and uproot it and make change more effortless.
Due to my systemic and personal background I have deep knowledge of immigration, war trauma, infertility, adoption, and chronic illness, so I can offer profound understanding.
I offer a balanced set of approaches that I can apply to suit your needs. Some people are better helped with insights into their patterns; others may need more skills and again others may feel they do everything right yet they are still unhappy. I strongly believe in trying out new behaviour, as this creates the biggest shifts and minimizes relapse. I integrate lifestyle factors such as nutrition when necessary. When the chemicals aren't right, talking isn't going to lift your mood. We will always explore the source of your issues, relating it to your system, so as to radically release and uproot it and make change more effortless.
07533 061114 View 07533 061114
Photo of Jason Oddi, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Jason Oddi
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, COSRT General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My career as a counselor began over 17 years ago within the NHS and a Post-adoption charity.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
My career as a counselor began over 17 years ago within the NHS and a Post-adoption charity.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
020 8103 3827 View 020 8103 3827
Photo of Su Grant - Forest Therapy Centre, Counsellor in Kennington, London, England
Su Grant - Forest Therapy Centre
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Relationship issues/individual/couples, Anxiety Disorder, Self Esteem/confidence, Personality Disorders (Narcissists Specialist) LGBTQS, Anger Management, Barnardos Adoption, Depression, Motivational Life and Coaching.
Hello, I’m one of the most experienced counsellors in our area, having 25 years experience to date. Generally clients pay as they go. I also work privately through insurance company referrals such as PPP/Bupa/Aviva Etc. Professional, yet approachable and friendly practitioner. Proud to be known as challenging when circumstances require this! Many clients whom I have worked with said this was exactly what they needed from a counselling psychotherapist, especially if previous experience of practitioners whom have been overtly passive. Together we shall accessand implement YOUR inner wisdom! FTC also have many alternatives for you!
Relationship issues/individual/couples, Anxiety Disorder, Self Esteem/confidence, Personality Disorders (Narcissists Specialist) LGBTQS, Anger Management, Barnardos Adoption, Depression, Motivational Life and Coaching.
Hello, I’m one of the most experienced counsellors in our area, having 25 years experience to date. Generally clients pay as they go. I also work privately through insurance company referrals such as PPP/Bupa/Aviva Etc. Professional, yet approachable and friendly practitioner. Proud to be known as challenging when circumstances require this! Many clients whom I have worked with said this was exactly what they needed from a counselling psychotherapist, especially if previous experience of practitioners whom have been overtly passive. Together we shall accessand implement YOUR inner wisdom! FTC also have many alternatives for you!
020 3856 7847 View 020 3856 7847
Photo of Uniquely Designed Counselling, Counsellor in Kennington, London, England
Uniquely Designed Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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 Liselle Van Zyl, Psychotherapist in Kennington, London, England
Liselle Van Zyl
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over 22 years experience in the mental health field. I trained in gestalt psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute in London. My practice is also informed by transpersonal, eco-psychology, and am trained in Brainspotting for trauma and addictions. I work with individuals on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, adoption, and self-development. I particularly enjoy facilitating clients through deep personal transformations. Your therapy with me will be tailored specifically to your needs, and where you are at this moment in time.
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over 22 years experience in the mental health field. I trained in gestalt psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute in London. My practice is also informed by transpersonal, eco-psychology, and am trained in Brainspotting for trauma and addictions. I work with individuals on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, adoption, and self-development. I particularly enjoy facilitating clients through deep personal transformations. Your therapy with me will be tailored specifically to your needs, and where you are at this moment in time.
07475 660023 View 07475 660023
Photo of Petya Milcheva, Counsellor in Kennington, London, England
Petya Milcheva
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
I am experienced in working with loss and trauma, psychosomatic symptoms and difficulties in relationships - intimate or parent-child, adoption.
I offer psychodynamic counselling to adults. Whether you harbour interest in the unconscious because you have noticed repetitive patterns in your life and have no clue how you always get there, or psychodynamic work is your last resort in a series of interventions - dedicating time and effort to a deeper process might be a sign that you decided to put more value on yourself. To all that you are – the successful professional, or the caring parent and a partner, but also to those parts of your being that are usually excluded and feel unrecognized or unappreciated, who often suffer in silence the burden of “carry on”.
I am experienced in working with loss and trauma, psychosomatic symptoms and difficulties in relationships - intimate or parent-child, adoption.
I offer psychodynamic counselling to adults. Whether you harbour interest in the unconscious because you have noticed repetitive patterns in your life and have no clue how you always get there, or psychodynamic work is your last resort in a series of interventions - dedicating time and effort to a deeper process might be a sign that you decided to put more value on yourself. To all that you are – the successful professional, or the caring parent and a partner, but also to those parts of your being that are usually excluded and feel unrecognized or unappreciated, who often suffer in silence the burden of “carry on”.
020 3962 1193 View 020 3962 1193

See more therapy options for Kennington, London

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.