Adoption Therapists in 66215
Polly J Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, RN, RPT
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66215
I serve a wide array of clients. These include individuals, families, and children. My background, skills, and experience lend themselves particularly well to younger clients. My practice most often addresses issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, relationships, anger management, attachment, divorce, emotion regulation, parent-child relationship, sibling conflict, self-esteem, blended families, and adoption.
I serve a wide array of clients. These include individuals, families, and children. My background, skills, and experience lend themselves particularly well to younger clients. My practice most often addresses issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, relationships, anger management, attachment, divorce, emotion regulation, parent-child relationship, sibling conflict, self-esteem, blended families, and adoption.
Updated 7/13/24. At SOZO Therapy Group, we have openings for most clients. We understand how brave it is for you to contact us and we will honor you by returning your call or email within 24 hours. It's a big step to think about starting therapy and I want to assure you that you're on the right path. There might be days that are great and it's easy to stop and smell the roses, and then there might be those days that feel so incredibly tough to get through. Believe me, I get it.
Updated 7/13/24. At SOZO Therapy Group, we have openings for most clients. We understand how brave it is for you to contact us and we will honor you by returning your call or email within 24 hours. It's a big step to think about starting therapy and I want to assure you that you're on the right path. There might be days that are great and it's easy to stop and smell the roses, and then there might be those days that feel so incredibly tough to get through. Believe me, I get it.
Sara Kelloway Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Lenexa, KS 66215
If you are dealing with mental health issues, rest assured there is hope and healing available for whatever you face. At Kansas City Counseling we specialize in treating children & adults with depression, anxiety & trauma-related stress. Our approach is a strengths-based approach to help identify & utilize your unique abilities in order employ the most effective treatment. We offer in-person appointments in an inclusive, safe, comfortable space or virtual appointments in your own home to suit your schedule.
If you are dealing with mental health issues, rest assured there is hope and healing available for whatever you face. At Kansas City Counseling we specialize in treating children & adults with depression, anxiety & trauma-related stress. Our approach is a strengths-based approach to help identify & utilize your unique abilities in order employ the most effective treatment. We offer in-person appointments in an inclusive, safe, comfortable space or virtual appointments in your own home to suit your schedule.
Better begins now. Relationships, life challenges, and poor self-image can leave you struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. An encourager at heart, I can help you identify and navigate the challenges before you, restore your emotional balance, and help you reconnect with yourself and others. Don't continue to live in limbo, life can be better than this. Together we will identify why you may be stuck, work through it and get you feeling better.
Better begins now. Relationships, life challenges, and poor self-image can leave you struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. An encourager at heart, I can help you identify and navigate the challenges before you, restore your emotional balance, and help you reconnect with yourself and others. Don't continue to live in limbo, life can be better than this. Together we will identify why you may be stuck, work through it and get you feeling better.
You've taken the first step by taking time to seek out help! Are you or your family struggling with a life transition? Regularly arguing with your partner and can't break the negative cycles? Navigating a difficult parent/child relationship? Working on processing a trauma? Whether you are dealing with an individual issue or having issues with a personal relationship, I want to help you move towards living your best life! I would love the opportunity to meet you and see if we may be a good fit!
You've taken the first step by taking time to seek out help! Are you or your family struggling with a life transition? Regularly arguing with your partner and can't break the negative cycles? Navigating a difficult parent/child relationship? Working on processing a trauma? Whether you are dealing with an individual issue or having issues with a personal relationship, I want to help you move towards living your best life! I would love the opportunity to meet you and see if we may be a good fit!
Exploring the unknown? I work with clients who find themselves entering into a new life phase. Recently divorced? Discovered a partner's infidelity? Trying to conceive? Experiencing anxiety after a baby? Exploring who you are as an adult adoptee? These phases may have been forced upon you, or maybe they were made by choice. Each one can be difficult due to the particular and unique shame and/or societal beliefs about them. I work with clients to set boundaries, identify their values, re-write their narratives, while implementing healthy lifestyle changes.
Exploring the unknown? I work with clients who find themselves entering into a new life phase. Recently divorced? Discovered a partner's infidelity? Trying to conceive? Experiencing anxiety after a baby? Exploring who you are as an adult adoptee? These phases may have been forced upon you, or maybe they were made by choice. Each one can be difficult due to the particular and unique shame and/or societal beliefs about them. I work with clients to set boundaries, identify their values, re-write their narratives, while implementing healthy lifestyle changes.
Change is hard. Life not working is harder. A million experiences have brought you to today...the good, the tragic and the unimaginably lovely. Within your experience is potential for success however you define it and no matter your origin, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, race, IQ, body size, education. Being human means we want good in our lives but sometimes get lost along the way. I have built my practice around compassionately normalizing human struggle and helping people create lives they want using their commitment to change along with their values and strengths.
Change is hard. Life not working is harder. A million experiences have brought you to today...the good, the tragic and the unimaginably lovely. Within your experience is potential for success however you define it and no matter your origin, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, race, IQ, body size, education. Being human means we want good in our lives but sometimes get lost along the way. I have built my practice around compassionately normalizing human struggle and helping people create lives they want using their commitment to change along with their values and strengths.
Stephanie Risinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lenexa, KS 66215
Waitlist for new clients
The journey to and through parenthood is sometimes more difficult than expected. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other concerns during fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum, or a loss, we’re here to help you navigate the journey.
The journey to and through parenthood is sometimes more difficult than expected. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other concerns during fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum, or a loss, we’re here to help you navigate the journey.
Updated 7/13/24. At SOZO Therapy Group, we have openings for most clients. We understand how brave it is for you to contact us and we will honor you by returning your call or email within 24 hours. Disappointment, grief and relational pain can derail us from the life we envisioned. These unexpected detours often lead to disconnection. But we weren’t made to journey alone. A safe therapeutic space can help. Whether you’re currently in the midst of a life challenge, dealing with trauma from your past, or making decisions around your future, there is healing, wholeness and strength available for you.
Updated 7/13/24. At SOZO Therapy Group, we have openings for most clients. We understand how brave it is for you to contact us and we will honor you by returning your call or email within 24 hours. Disappointment, grief and relational pain can derail us from the life we envisioned. These unexpected detours often lead to disconnection. But we weren’t made to journey alone. A safe therapeutic space can help. Whether you’re currently in the midst of a life challenge, dealing with trauma from your past, or making decisions around your future, there is healing, wholeness and strength available for you.
Sometimes life's circumstances have a way of beating you down to the point you don't even recognize yourself. The pain that comes with depression, anxiety, shame, broken relationships, or whatever may be the root of your suffering, can be completely overwhelming. This can feel like an impossible task for you, but you do not have to do this alone. I want to help you discover yourself once again.
Sometimes life's circumstances have a way of beating you down to the point you don't even recognize yourself. The pain that comes with depression, anxiety, shame, broken relationships, or whatever may be the root of your suffering, can be completely overwhelming. This can feel like an impossible task for you, but you do not have to do this alone. I want to help you discover yourself once again.
As a Licensed Psychologist with a doctoral degree from KU, I have worked in a variety of mental health settings for 22 years. Before my PHD, I received a Masters of Nursing degree at KU and worked as a nurse practitioner. Using behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies, I try to quickly identify your issues. Together, we can decide the issues you want to work on and set goals. In a relaxing and calming office, I try to provide an understanding and non-judgmental environment.
As a Licensed Psychologist with a doctoral degree from KU, I have worked in a variety of mental health settings for 22 years. Before my PHD, I received a Masters of Nursing degree at KU and worked as a nurse practitioner. Using behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies, I try to quickly identify your issues. Together, we can decide the issues you want to work on and set goals. In a relaxing and calming office, I try to provide an understanding and non-judgmental environment.
Life is full of growth, transitions, and obstacles. Sometimes this can be a difficult process that requires additional support and a safe place to process it all. Together we work towards helping you identify practical goals and triggers, learn healthy coping skills, embrace personal strengths, and develop healthy boundaries. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and sexual compulsions. I work using a trauma informed and compassion focused approach for all clients. A big part of therapy is working from where you are at. We want to create goals that are customized to what is best for you.
Life is full of growth, transitions, and obstacles. Sometimes this can be a difficult process that requires additional support and a safe place to process it all. Together we work towards helping you identify practical goals and triggers, learn healthy coping skills, embrace personal strengths, and develop healthy boundaries. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and sexual compulsions. I work using a trauma informed and compassion focused approach for all clients. A big part of therapy is working from where you are at. We want to create goals that are customized to what is best for you.
Erin Sunsong
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lenexa, KS 66215 (Online Only)
You may not feel like it, but seeking help is an act of bravery, and I'm proud of you for taking this step. My name is Erin Sunsong, and I specialize in helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, or the challenges that come with being LGBTQ+. I have extensive experience helping people explore their gender and sexuality, as well as dealing with religious trauma. As a queer woman I want you to know, no matter who you are or what you believe, that I care about you, and I want happiness for you. If you resonate with any of that, I can help you.
You may not feel like it, but seeking help is an act of bravery, and I'm proud of you for taking this step. My name is Erin Sunsong, and I specialize in helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, or the challenges that come with being LGBTQ+. I have extensive experience helping people explore their gender and sexuality, as well as dealing with religious trauma. As a queer woman I want you to know, no matter who you are or what you believe, that I care about you, and I want happiness for you. If you resonate with any of that, I can help you.
See more therapy options for 66215
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.