Adoption Counselling in London
See all counsellors in London
Nicola Jane Thexton
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified
Verified
I am an
adoption
trained counsellor and can offer support to those who have been adopted and adopters.
I believe that emotional and psychological distress is a sign that life or social circumstances are preventing us from achieving our goals. I would create a warm therapeutic space for us to explore together the barriers that are preventing you from leading your best life. I believe that each person whether young or old has huge potential and resources to change. I would listen carefully and challenge sensitively offering up new perspectives and possibilities for growth. I hope that you will build on our sessions so that you can approach life with more clarity and ease.

Helen Treuhaft
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified
Verified
Hi, I'm Helen, a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and
adoption
support counsellor currently seeing clients in-person and online via Zoom.
I am experienced in helping people with a wide range of problems such as addiction issues, anxiety, depression, loss, neurodiverse diagnosis (self or formal) particularly late in life, relationship issues, self-harm and suicidal thoughts to name but a few. I am also an approved
adoption
support counsellor for adoptees, pre-adopters, adoptive parents and special guardians. I also offer counselling support to birth parents and grandparents where children have been place for
adoption
.
Waitlist for new clients

Caroline Spiers Counselling
Counsellor
I work from a trauma based, acceptance position with specialism in
adoption
(identity, belonging, attachment) mental health and supporting trans and poly clients.
I believe in truly listening to and helping to guide people according to their individual personal history and journey with an emphasis on non-judgement, building strengths and responding empathically. I have worked with a wide range of issues including
adoption
(I have lived experience as an adoptee), anxiety, depression, relationship couples counselling, schizophrenia, addiction and trauma.

Denise Quadrucci
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified
Verified
I have worked within fostering and
adoption
, Couple and family Counselling, Bereavement and Youth Counselling. My experience comes from having worked within a variety of family and child settings, a counselling service for young people, a hospice as a bereavement counsellor, and supporting couples in their relationships. I work with families who foster and the secondary trauma that they can also experience. Although I have been trained in the psychodynamic approach, I work using other models to best suit and help individuals explore and become aware of blocks in their lives, working towards making changes.

Jason Oddi
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, COSRT General
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.
Waitlist for new clients

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.

Sammantha Knight
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.

Heather Dingle
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified
Verified
For new parents - we’ll use music to help process the changes and support the attachment relationship between you and your new child, during pregnancy or after a birth or
adoption
.
Creative arts therapy is for adults, children, and babies. As in traditional talk therapy, we’ll use the sessions to form a relationship and focus on areas that have brought you to therapy. In the sessions you'll have the chance to use music or other art activities to share and express your emotions. Sometimes you might choose to use this as a springboard for talking, or it can be a way to explore and process when you’re not ready to verbally process yet.
London SE20
Not accepting new clients

Christina Moutsou
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have twenty years of clinical experience in working with issues such as depression, relationship difficulties, body image issues, issues around motherhood and pregnancy loss or infertility,
adoption
, cultural complexity and identity as well as blocks in one's creativity, life transitions, bereavement and sexuality.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working in an eclectic and relational way. This means that I can help you identify repeated patterns which are in the way of living your life to the full and are often linked with unresolved issues from the past. I enter into a dialogue with my clients and I am an active part in the therapy relationship, while at the same time facilitating an open and non judgmental space for exploring the difficulties that have brought you to therapy. Research has shown that building a good therapy relationship is the key factor for positive therapy outcome. I work in an open ended way.

Verele Anne Vorstman
Psychotherapist, MSc
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.

Uniquely Designed Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Verified
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.

Nicola Birago Counselling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified
Verified
I am qualified Social Worker with experience working with looked after children, foster carers and
adoption
families.
Do you feel unheard, undervalued or stuck in life? Do you find it hard to express yourself or do you feel no one understands you? I am passionate about supporting client to have a voice, to be heard and to feel valued. I am passionate about supporting clients to develop confidence and self esteem which in turn promotes self care. I also have a passion for supporting clients within "helping/caring professions" i.e social workers, teachers, nurses, doctors, foster carers etc and working with young/single mothers and exploring career/ life options.

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!

Chris Osgerby
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified
Verified
I have more than 20 years experience working in Child and Adolescent mental health services with children and families with a wide range of difficulties including autistic spectrum conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
adoption
, depression, anxiety, behavioural issues and eating disorders.
I am a highly experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapist who works with families, couples and individuals. Currently I am working on-line. I specialise in child-related issues but I am also very experienced in working with adult families where there are relationship issues or unresolved difficulties from the past. My work with couples, often with a female colleague, is often when there is a desire to improve the relationship and rediscover some of the joy that may have been lost.

Annette Strzedulla
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified
Verified
I have experience of working with a wide range of issues and with diverse families including birth and step families and those created through fostering,
adoption
and special guardianship.
I enjoy supporting people to find ways of making sense of themselves and their lives that lead to greater wellbeing. I strive to create conversations and spaces that actively address oppression, celebrate diversity and consider the challenges resulting from societal expectations of what makes a good life.

Kate Alice Taylor
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have wide experience of all sorts of issues concerned with abandonment,
adoption
, neglect, identity and a sense of belonging, unwanted habits or coping mechanisms, relationship breakdown, anxiety, low mood and depression, big life decisions, loss, and grief.
Having trained as Group Analyst and psychotherapist after working in the corporate sector, I bring a range of life and professional experience to my practice. I am a qualified Group Analyst and Psychotherapist, working with groups, and individuals. My experience extends from training and working in the NHS, to the voluntary sector, private practice and to post graduate education as the Convenor of the Qualifying Course at the Institute of Group Analysis.

Lola Fasehun
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified
Verified
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. The fee is £70 a session (lower for those on low incomes). *I am fully booked until further notice**

Ulisses Belucio
Psychotherapist, PhD, BPC
Verified
Verified
Anxiety/Stress -Traumatic experiences -Work stress -Pressure to make life choices - Support through life changes -Depression/feeling stuck - solation/loneliness -Overwhelming feelings -Feeling lost/empty -Life events -Loss/bereavement -
Adoption
- Divorce -Identity - Exploring and embracing your individuation -Gender, Sexuality - Relationships -Others.
I am an experienced Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a private practice in South London. The Therapeutic process explores rooted problems and behavioural patterns repeated through life. It helps to expand awareness and self-knowledge so that you learn to recognise, understand and deal better with overwhelming feelings and thoughts. In my practice I offer a calm, safe and confidential setting where we work together in finding ways of making more sense of your life experiences and developing a greater capacity to embrace your own life history, life’s events, difficulties and opportunities.

Maria Marchant
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Verified
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.
If you are considering how therapy can support you through challenging life events, I can support you by offering a safe and 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.

Philip Anthony Counselling
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified
Verified
I have experience with anxiety, teens, self-esteem, discrimination, harassment, minority groups, grief,
adoption
, abuse etc.
Talking about personal issues can be difficult but I am here to support your individual needs. I work with children up to 17 years old, young people, adults and couples. Contacting a counsellor can scary if you have never done it before, but please be assured we will move at your own speed in your own time. You can contact me via email or phone, then decide after the free initial consultation if you want to continue. Concessions for up to and including 17 years old & students. (Student I.D required). Couples Face to Face only. Individuals face to face, zoom or phone.
See more therapy options for
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.