Adoption Counselling in London

Photo of Paul Gomes, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Paul Gomes
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
2 Endorsed
London SE1
Waitlist for new clients
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 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 to support healing, self-understanding, and lasting change.
020 3667 9998 View 020 3667 9998
Photo of Sandra E Zecevic-Gonzalez, Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Sandra E Zecevic-Gonzalez
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
Like the orchid, we too need to foster those ideal conditions that enable us to flourish... With over twenty years experience, my main focus is private practice.  Previous employment includes The Priory Hospital, Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care, the University of East London and West London Centre for Counselling.  I offer individual therapy for adults and supervision for therapists. My therapeutic stance is Integrative which means that I work across different therapeutic modalities depending on the issues brought to therapy and the length of the contract agreed.
Like the orchid, we too need to foster those ideal conditions that enable us to flourish... With over twenty years experience, my main focus is private practice.  Previous employment includes The Priory Hospital, Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care, the University of East London and West London Centre for Counselling.  I offer individual therapy for adults and supervision for therapists. My therapeutic stance is Integrative which means that I work across different therapeutic modalities depending on the issues brought to therapy and the length of the contract agreed.
020 4634 4609 View 020 4634 4609
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 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 Amy Moon, MA
Amy Moon
Verified Verified
London SE23
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.
View
Photo of Jodun Du Puy, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Jodun Du Puy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
1 Endorsed
London SE16
I’ve worked with adults and young people since 2009 across the NHS, schools, post- adoption services, domestic violence charities, and private practice.
I combine Art Psychotherapy (you don't need to be creative), Internal Family Systems therapy, and talking therapy to help you process trauma, regulate emotions, and build self-understanding. Art Psychotherapy provides another form of expression, while IFS helps explore your inner system, release burdens, and reconnect with your calm, confident core self.
I’ve worked with adults and young people since 2009 across the NHS, schools, post- adoption services, domestic violence charities, and private practice.
I combine Art Psychotherapy (you don't need to be creative), Internal Family Systems therapy, and talking therapy to help you process trauma, regulate emotions, and build self-understanding. Art Psychotherapy provides another form of expression, while IFS helps explore your inner system, release burdens, and reconnect with your calm, confident core self.
020 3947 4018 View 020 3947 4018
Photo of Anissa Sedira, Counsellor, MBACP
Anissa Sedira
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I am also trained in supporting adults impacted by adoption.
In our sessions, I will assist you empathically in identifying & understanding the root causes of your problems to strive to empower you by fostering emotional growth & helping you uncover your inner strengths. I also place emphasis on cultivating your resilience, one of the valuable tools that will equip you, to confidently navigate future life challenges.
I am also trained in supporting adults impacted by adoption.
In our sessions, I will assist you empathically in identifying & understanding the root causes of your problems to strive to empower you by fostering emotional growth & helping you uncover your inner strengths. I also place emphasis on cultivating your resilience, one of the valuable tools that will equip you, to confidently navigate future life challenges.
020 3772 3458 View 020 3772 3458
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 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, comfortable (and occasionally even fun) 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, comfortable (and occasionally even fun) 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 Hester Alison Ford Moy, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Hester Alison Ford Moy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
London NW10
Art Therapy is a readily accessible, gentle 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.
Art Therapy is a readily accessible, gentle 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 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 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 kimberley fuller, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
kimberley fuller
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Online Only
Clients come to me often navigating identity, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or family challenges such as adoption or care experience.
I offer integrative psychotherapy for children, young people, and adults. My work is grounded in intersectionality and anti-oppressive practice. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs.
Clients come to me often navigating identity, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, trauma, or family challenges such as adoption or care experience.
I offer integrative psychotherapy for children, young people, and adults. My work is grounded in intersectionality and anti-oppressive practice. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs.
View
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 Zeenat Hutchings - East Hampshire Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
East Hampshire Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I understand that life can present numerous challenges, and I am here to support you through difficult times involving anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, family issues, bereavement, stress, PTSD, addiction, and abuse. These experiences can be incredibly exhausting and overwhelming, often leading to feelings of dehumanisation. It is natural to ask yourself questions like: Why is this happening to me? What can I do to help myself? Where can I find the support I need? You are not alone, and there is hope for healing and growth.
I understand that life can present numerous challenges, and I am here to support you through difficult times involving anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, family issues, bereavement, stress, PTSD, addiction, and abuse. These experiences can be incredibly exhausting and overwhelming, often leading to feelings of dehumanisation. It is natural to ask yourself questions like: Why is this happening to me? What can I do to help myself? Where can I find the support I need? You are not alone, and there is hope for healing and growth.
01428 778687 View 01428 778687
Photo of Sally Coombe, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Sally Coombe
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I've supported people with many issues; anxiety, depression, postnatal depression, OCD, relationship difficulties, sexuality, identity, gender dysphoria, self esteem, self harm, abuse, adoption, trauma, bereavement/loss.
You may be reading this as you’re finding things in life difficult at the moment. You may be struggling with thoughts or certain circumstances, maybe you can’t pin point what you’re going through; you just know you need some support. I offer you a safe and non judgmental space to explore what is happening, and help you to understand why you’re feeling the way you are. I personalise my work with you and provide tools to support you to work through the difficulties you are experiencing. You may be searching for the right counsellor, or you may be the parent/carer of a young person who needs support.
I've supported people with many issues; anxiety, depression, postnatal depression, OCD, relationship difficulties, sexuality, identity, gender dysphoria, self esteem, self harm, abuse, adoption, trauma, bereavement/loss.
You may be reading this as you’re finding things in life difficult at the moment. You may be struggling with thoughts or certain circumstances, maybe you can’t pin point what you’re going through; you just know you need some support. I offer you a safe and non judgmental space to explore what is happening, and help you to understand why you’re feeling the way you are. I personalise my work with you and provide tools to support you to work through the difficulties you are experiencing. You may be searching for the right counsellor, or you may be the parent/carer of a young person who needs support.
01737 949810 View 01737 949810
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 Dhakshini Patel, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Dhakshini Patel
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Serves Area
I specialise in autism, trauma, adoption, and emotional regulation, using creative, attachment-based and sensory approaches.
With over a decade of experience as a UKCP-registered Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, many families come to me because their child or young adult is anxious, overwhelmed, autistic, traumatised, or struggling with big emotions. You may feel exhausted or unsure how to help them feel calmer and more connected. You want someone who understands your child’s world, supports you as a parent, and can also help older teens/young adults who feel stuck or lost. Many families I meet feel isolated or unseen, and they’re looking for my support to help the whole family feel more connected and move forward.
I specialise in autism, trauma, adoption, and emotional regulation, using creative, attachment-based and sensory approaches.
With over a decade of experience as a UKCP-registered Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, many families come to me because their child or young adult is anxious, overwhelmed, autistic, traumatised, or struggling with big emotions. You may feel exhausted or unsure how to help them feel calmer and more connected. You want someone who understands your child’s world, supports you as a parent, and can also help older teens/young adults who feel stuck or lost. Many families I meet feel isolated or unseen, and they’re looking for my support to help the whole family feel more connected and move forward.
020 4634 5543 View 020 4634 5543
Photo of Shoshana Rose Stern, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Shoshana Rose Stern
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Serves Area
Hi, I am Shoshana. I am an Art Psychotherapist. Whether you are struggling to cope with current events or longer term unresolved feelings, I can help you explore the meaning of these emotions and how to process through them to become healthier and happier in yourself. By using art in the therapy, we can explore deep rooted causes for why we feel the way we do. Art helps us reach our unconscious voice that wants to be heard. Through developing a relationship in a safe and confidential space, I will help you explore what it is that you need to process.
Hi, I am Shoshana. I am an Art Psychotherapist. Whether you are struggling to cope with current events or longer term unresolved feelings, I can help you explore the meaning of these emotions and how to process through them to become healthier and happier in yourself. By using art in the therapy, we can explore deep rooted causes for why we feel the way we do. Art helps us reach our unconscious voice that wants to be heard. Through developing a relationship in a safe and confidential space, I will help you explore what it is that you need to process.
020 3947 8942 View 020 3947 8942

See more therapy options for 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.