Adoption Therapists in Shafter, CA
Welcome! My practice includes supporting adolescents, young adults, and adult professionals who are stressed, experiencing anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major conflict. I also have significant experience working with victims of violent crimes of all ages, which includes the challenges of navigating the criminal court process. I work with clients of various racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual, and religious identities both in inpatient and outpatient settings. My commitment is to cultivate an accepting and confidential environment to promote emotional support and safety in difficult times.
Welcome! My practice includes supporting adolescents, young adults, and adult professionals who are stressed, experiencing anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major conflict. I also have significant experience working with victims of violent crimes of all ages, which includes the challenges of navigating the criminal court process. I work with clients of various racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual, and religious identities both in inpatient and outpatient settings. My commitment is to cultivate an accepting and confidential environment to promote emotional support and safety in difficult times.
Rose M. Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Shafter, CA 93263
Waitlist for new clients
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
More Therapists Nearby
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Millicent Pitts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I understand how difficult sharing life altering memories can be for people. Just ignoring unresolved issues will not make the pain any less. Addressing old hurt, anger, fears, and other emotions will assist in gaining a better sense of self. My goal is to help people with the thoughts that keep them up at night. We can’t change the past, but we can change how we process old grief and allow past trauma to impact our lives.
I understand how difficult sharing life altering memories can be for people. Just ignoring unresolved issues will not make the pain any less. Addressing old hurt, anger, fears, and other emotions will assist in gaining a better sense of self. My goal is to help people with the thoughts that keep them up at night. We can’t change the past, but we can change how we process old grief and allow past trauma to impact our lives.
HI! My name is Elena Gorrow. I enjoy working with older teens (along with parents if appropriate), adults and couples; adults experiencing day-to-day life with changing families, changing careers, and making life plans; and parents who are striving to do what is best for their children despite the challenges they face in their relationship with other key adults in the child's life. This depends on the client's needs. Some clients come into therapy only looking to focus on a single situation and other clients have multiple areas of their life that they want to work on. I offer video telehealth therapy.
HI! My name is Elena Gorrow. I enjoy working with older teens (along with parents if appropriate), adults and couples; adults experiencing day-to-day life with changing families, changing careers, and making life plans; and parents who are striving to do what is best for their children despite the challenges they face in their relationship with other key adults in the child's life. This depends on the client's needs. Some clients come into therapy only looking to focus on a single situation and other clients have multiple areas of their life that they want to work on. I offer video telehealth therapy.
Online Therapists
Ron Huxley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I teach internationally on Faith-Based, Trauma-Informed Care, and Adoption/Permanency issues.
Faith-Based Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma! I have Telehealth (M-Th) and In-Person options available (W/Th only). Are you seeking faith-based therapy to address anxiety and trauma? With 30+ years of experience, I integrate traditional mental health tools with Christian Inner Healing principles to facilitate the transformation you desire. I will provide a unique blend of spiritual and psychological support. Together, we will work towards bringing hope and wellness to your life and relationships.
I teach internationally on Faith-Based, Trauma-Informed Care, and Adoption/Permanency issues.
Faith-Based Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma! I have Telehealth (M-Th) and In-Person options available (W/Th only). Are you seeking faith-based therapy to address anxiety and trauma? With 30+ years of experience, I integrate traditional mental health tools with Christian Inner Healing principles to facilitate the transformation you desire. I will provide a unique blend of spiritual and psychological support. Together, we will work towards bringing hope and wellness to your life and relationships.
My name is Tanya Ridaura and I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with experience working alongside individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression so that together we can work on an approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. The majority of my work is with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, attachment, life transitions, anger management, stress, trauma, and adoption issues. I believe clients are capable of making changes to gain control of their lives with guidance, support, empowerment, and faith.
My name is Tanya Ridaura and I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with experience working alongside individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression so that together we can work on an approach that is tailored to each individual’s needs. The majority of my work is with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, attachment, life transitions, anger management, stress, trauma, and adoption issues. I believe clients are capable of making changes to gain control of their lives with guidance, support, empowerment, and faith.
Marta Block
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
Waitlist for new clients
My background working in the fields of adoption and foster care led me to focus on healing trauma - childhood trauma or later traumas that impact our everyday functioning.
Our lives are made up of demands and often the last thing we pay attention to is ourselves. I am here to support women during times of difficulty and transition. As a breast cancer survivor, I work collaboratively with individuals with a recent cancer diagnosis, families navigating cancer, or those caregiving for cancer patients. Families navigating formed through adoption and foster care may benefit from attachment-based work we can do together in my office.
My background working in the fields of adoption and foster care led me to focus on healing trauma - childhood trauma or later traumas that impact our everyday functioning.
Our lives are made up of demands and often the last thing we pay attention to is ourselves. I am here to support women during times of difficulty and transition. As a breast cancer survivor, I work collaboratively with individuals with a recent cancer diagnosis, families navigating cancer, or those caregiving for cancer patients. Families navigating formed through adoption and foster care may benefit from attachment-based work we can do together in my office.
Frances Echeverria Logan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pinedale, CA 93650 (Online Only)
I have worked as a county Mental Health Clinician, a Social Worker at a Foster Family/ Adoption Agency and as Program Manager for an outpatient addiction treatment facility prior to private practice.
We want to feel safe, secure and connected to ourselves, our families/friends and our communities. Obstacles to doing so can include circumstances outside of our control and also the results of our own learned patterns and behaviors. Therapy is an integral part of healing past trauma, validating one's thoughts/feelings/emotions, identifying dysfunctional patterns of engagement and learning new skills to cope. Through work with a therapist, it is possible to shape a life and relationships that include confidence, calm and presence that is so often missed in the busyness of society today.
I have worked as a county Mental Health Clinician, a Social Worker at a Foster Family/ Adoption Agency and as Program Manager for an outpatient addiction treatment facility prior to private practice.
We want to feel safe, secure and connected to ourselves, our families/friends and our communities. Obstacles to doing so can include circumstances outside of our control and also the results of our own learned patterns and behaviors. Therapy is an integral part of healing past trauma, validating one's thoughts/feelings/emotions, identifying dysfunctional patterns of engagement and learning new skills to cope. Through work with a therapist, it is possible to shape a life and relationships that include confidence, calm and presence that is so often missed in the busyness of society today.
With my experience in working in foster care, adoption, and in schools, I find that my approach is helpful for those who are looking for guidance with issues in those areas of their lives.
Hi! My name is Amber West, and I am an LCSW based in Southern California focusing on servicing clients through telehealth all throughout the state of California. I work with adolescents, young adults, and parents specializing in school issues, anxiety, and stress. As a hard-of-hearing therapist myself, I am here to support, guide, and help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community be their best selves. My approach varies based on the needs of the clients I work with. I most frequently use solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and client-centered approach.
With my experience in working in foster care, adoption, and in schools, I find that my approach is helpful for those who are looking for guidance with issues in those areas of their lives.
Hi! My name is Amber West, and I am an LCSW based in Southern California focusing on servicing clients through telehealth all throughout the state of California. I work with adolescents, young adults, and parents specializing in school issues, anxiety, and stress. As a hard-of-hearing therapist myself, I am here to support, guide, and help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community be their best selves. My approach varies based on the needs of the clients I work with. I most frequently use solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and client-centered approach.
Sarah Borrego
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (Online Only)
I work alongside individuals to assist them with trauma, grief and loss, illness, life transitions, depression, anxiety, fertility, family building, adoption, and third party reproduction.
If you are considering therapy, you have taken the first step toward making a positive change. It takes courage to seek support and talking with someone can help. When we experience painful events, feel our life’s plan has been taken out of our control, and experience disconnect in our relationships, we can feel hopeless, alone and lost. I believe that, through life’s challenges, we can learn how truly strong we are.
I work alongside individuals to assist them with trauma, grief and loss, illness, life transitions, depression, anxiety, fertility, family building, adoption, and third party reproduction.
If you are considering therapy, you have taken the first step toward making a positive change. It takes courage to seek support and talking with someone can help. When we experience painful events, feel our life’s plan has been taken out of our control, and experience disconnect in our relationships, we can feel hopeless, alone and lost. I believe that, through life’s challenges, we can learn how truly strong we are.
I specialize in treating trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, attachment issues, infant and early childhood mental health, adoption, survivors of abuse, domestic violence, LGBT issues, survivors of suicide, parenting, spirituality and difficult life transitions.
With well over 20 years experience working with clients in various settings, I still find it an honor and joy to witness personal transformations. I provide a warm, safe, and non- judgmental space where children, teens, and adults can reflect on how they are developing and explore what changes they want to create for themselves. I join clients in creating attainable goals that help find balance, satisfaction, and well being in all areas of one's life.
I specialize in treating trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, attachment issues, infant and early childhood mental health, adoption, survivors of abuse, domestic violence, LGBT issues, survivors of suicide, parenting, spirituality and difficult life transitions.
With well over 20 years experience working with clients in various settings, I still find it an honor and joy to witness personal transformations. I provide a warm, safe, and non- judgmental space where children, teens, and adults can reflect on how they are developing and explore what changes they want to create for themselves. I join clients in creating attainable goals that help find balance, satisfaction, and well being in all areas of one's life.
Stephanie Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Clovis, CA 93612
I have also worked with many families through the unique circumstances of adoption and foster care.
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
I have also worked with many families through the unique circumstances of adoption and foster care.
Every individual, couple, parent or family comes with their own individual needs. My goal as a therapist is to journey with my client towards healing from our pain, feeling empowered as a person and living with healthy boundaries. My approach towards this is to develop awareness into how thoughts affect feelings and lead to actions, develop healthy coping skills and address how past experiences can influence present situations.
I also work with adolescents and Adoption related issues such as attachment.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
I also work with adolescents and Adoption related issues such as attachment.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93726
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre- adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
Hello! My name is Nailah Wilder and I am so happy that you found me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California, with more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief & loss, anger and stress management, parenting challenges, ADHD, life changes, and adoption-related issues.
Hello! My name is Nailah Wilder and I am so happy that you found me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California, with more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief & loss, anger and stress management, parenting challenges, ADHD, life changes, and adoption-related issues.
Hello! I'm Shawna, and I'm excited you're here! Each person seeks therapy for a variety of reasons and in a number of different situations. I aim to help each individual feel comfortable beginning therapy and meet you wherever you're at. I'm experienced in areas of adoption and infertility, childhood trauma and abuse, as well as depression and anxiety.
Hello! I'm Shawna, and I'm excited you're here! Each person seeks therapy for a variety of reasons and in a number of different situations. I aim to help each individual feel comfortable beginning therapy and meet you wherever you're at. I'm experienced in areas of adoption and infertility, childhood trauma and abuse, as well as depression and anxiety.
Dr. Karen Stark-Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I have clinical experience in grief, crisis, and loss issues related to death, divorce, disrupted relationships, infertility, and adoption, as well as trauma history, attachment struggles, unresolved anger, spiritual concerns, neurodiversity, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Sometimes, the unexpected occurs and psyches become traumatized. Once fulfilling relationships grow distant, tense, and riddled with conflict - begging the question of "how it came to this" or whether "it has to be this way." In my systems-based work with clients, I look for root causes of emotional reactivity and maladaptive behaviors that interfere with healthy functioning in relationships. I will assist you in remembering how capable you are and help you discover new ways of communicating effectively so you may move toward the changes you seek.
I have clinical experience in grief, crisis, and loss issues related to death, divorce, disrupted relationships, infertility, and adoption, as well as trauma history, attachment struggles, unresolved anger, spiritual concerns, neurodiversity, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Sometimes, the unexpected occurs and psyches become traumatized. Once fulfilling relationships grow distant, tense, and riddled with conflict - begging the question of "how it came to this" or whether "it has to be this way." In my systems-based work with clients, I look for root causes of emotional reactivity and maladaptive behaviors that interfere with healthy functioning in relationships. I will assist you in remembering how capable you are and help you discover new ways of communicating effectively so you may move toward the changes you seek.
Cristina Bostanian-Quezada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342 (Online Only)
My name is Cristina Bostanian-Quezada, a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Los Angeles, California. I work with clients statewide via telehealth with over 20 years of combined experience in providing care, support, and guidance to individuals, adults, children (adolescents/teens), and families in various settings. I specialize in trauma-informed care, grief and loss, developmental disabilities, parenting and coaching, attachment issues, relationship issues, stress, anger management, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and adoption-related core issues.
My name is Cristina Bostanian-Quezada, a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Los Angeles, California. I work with clients statewide via telehealth with over 20 years of combined experience in providing care, support, and guidance to individuals, adults, children (adolescents/teens), and families in various settings. I specialize in trauma-informed care, grief and loss, developmental disabilities, parenting and coaching, attachment issues, relationship issues, stress, anger management, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and adoption-related core issues.
I have experience treating children and adolescents with a variety of concerns, including behavioral issues, trauma, attention disorders (ADHD), adjustment disorder, issues related to adoption, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety and depression.
Is your child experiencing problems at school, difficulty making or keeping friends, tantrums, constant worrying or nightmares? I have a passion for working with children and families, and I'm here to help. There is so much pressure today to be a "perfect" parent, and admitting that you need support can be difficult. My goal is to create a safe space for you and your child to work together to problem-solve and get through challenging times.
I have experience treating children and adolescents with a variety of concerns, including behavioral issues, trauma, attention disorders (ADHD), adjustment disorder, issues related to adoption, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety and depression.
Is your child experiencing problems at school, difficulty making or keeping friends, tantrums, constant worrying or nightmares? I have a passion for working with children and families, and I'm here to help. There is so much pressure today to be a "perfect" parent, and admitting that you need support can be difficult. My goal is to create a safe space for you and your child to work together to problem-solve and get through challenging times.
See more therapy options for Shafter
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.