Photo of Kathina Faith Conley, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in 40511, KY
Kathina Faith Conley
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate , MA, LPCA
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40511
I am capable of helping you by always seeking knowledge. I want to be able to empathize and place myself in your shoes so I strive to educate myself on what you are currently going through. This looks like me dedicating myself to continuing education on an array of treatments, disorders, approaches, and the like to ensure I already have or develop specialty in your condition.
I am capable of helping you by always seeking knowledge. I want to be able to empathize and place myself in your shoes so I strive to educate myself on what you are currently going through. This looks like me dedicating myself to continuing education on an array of treatments, disorders, approaches, and the like to ensure I already have or develop specialty in your condition.
(859) 659-6945 View (859) 659-6945
Photo of Judy Bailey, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 40511, KY
Judy Bailey
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40511
I am very person-centered in my therapeutic approach. My goal is to meet each client where they are in their life journey and to utilize my education, knowledge and experience to assist each client with reaching their desired goals. I have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, as well as a master’s degree in addiction counseling, and have worked with clients with dual diagnoses. I spent 15 years working with adolescents in a residential setting; 6 of those years being the Director of Clinical Services. I have always had a passion for working with children and adolescents.
I am very person-centered in my therapeutic approach. My goal is to meet each client where they are in their life journey and to utilize my education, knowledge and experience to assist each client with reaching their desired goals. I have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, as well as a master’s degree in addiction counseling, and have worked with clients with dual diagnoses. I spent 15 years working with adolescents in a residential setting; 6 of those years being the Director of Clinical Services. I have always had a passion for working with children and adolescents.
(606) 603-3238 View (606) 603-3238
Adoption Therapists

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 behavioral 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, behavioral, 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.