Adoption Therapists in Colorado

Photo of Amanda Padgett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Amanda Padgett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC, MFTC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80538
The quality of our relationships, with ourselves and with others, has a profound impact on our quality of life including our mental, emotional, social, environmental, and physical health. I have been clinically serving the relationships of children, adolescents, families, adults, and partners since 2018 within Colorado. I provide therapy for families, parents, partners, and individuals to support empowering them to address their needs related to relationship difficulties, family conflict, behavior change, identity, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and needs unique to LGBTQIA+, adoption, and foster care.
The quality of our relationships, with ourselves and with others, has a profound impact on our quality of life including our mental, emotional, social, environmental, and physical health. I have been clinically serving the relationships of children, adolescents, families, adults, and partners since 2018 within Colorado. I provide therapy for families, parents, partners, and individuals to support empowering them to address their needs related to relationship difficulties, family conflict, behavior change, identity, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and needs unique to LGBTQIA+, adoption, and foster care.
(970) 716-6398 View (970) 716-6398
Photo of Sofia Anlei Robinson Kent, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Sofia Anlei Robinson Kent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. Life is hard and can present us with emotional challenges we’re not sure how to process. The first step is asking for help. If you're going through the adoption process, are an adoptee (youth or adult), experiencing relationship issues (monogamous and non-monogamous), are of a marginalized community, or have a special needs child in the family, I'd love to help you process through the complex feelings that accompany your unique intersection of identities.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. Life is hard and can present us with emotional challenges we’re not sure how to process. The first step is asking for help. If you're going through the adoption process, are an adoptee (youth or adult), experiencing relationship issues (monogamous and non-monogamous), are of a marginalized community, or have a special needs child in the family, I'd love to help you process through the complex feelings that accompany your unique intersection of identities.
(720) 445-8324 View (720) 445-8324
Photo of Jason R. Ledlie, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Jason R. Ledlie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Woodland Park, CO 80863
My clinical focuses included matters related to adoption/fostering ("adoption triad"), matters related to grief & loss, compassion-fatigue (i.
In my therapeutic work, I endeavor to create an environment that allows my clients to center-out, to breathe, to explore, to undertake, to dare, to dream, to change course, and to reconnect. As a would-be-adventurer with a penchant for curiosities and the unknown, I look forward to embarking on uncharted paths with my clients. In journeying alongside my client, my hope is that upon reaching the trailhead of their path, they're able to look around and exclaim "everything is in its right place."
My clinical focuses included matters related to adoption/fostering ("adoption triad"), matters related to grief & loss, compassion-fatigue (i.
In my therapeutic work, I endeavor to create an environment that allows my clients to center-out, to breathe, to explore, to undertake, to dare, to dream, to change course, and to reconnect. As a would-be-adventurer with a penchant for curiosities and the unknown, I look forward to embarking on uncharted paths with my clients. In journeying alongside my client, my hope is that upon reaching the trailhead of their path, they're able to look around and exclaim "everything is in its right place."
(719) 922-3494 View (719) 922-3494
Photo of Londa K Paulson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Londa K Paulson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228  (Online Only)
I have experience and am skilled in attachment, trauma, adoption and foster care issues, behavioral issues, chronic pain, family conflict, PTSD and parenting challenges.
My style is collaborative, empathetic, strength based and education oriented to help you over come life's hard challenges. My goal is to help you through self discovery, to gain a deeper understanding of personal challenges and to develop a set of skills to overcome those challenges in order to live a life full of meaning and satisfaction.
I have experience and am skilled in attachment, trauma, adoption and foster care issues, behavioral issues, chronic pain, family conflict, PTSD and parenting challenges.
My style is collaborative, empathetic, strength based and education oriented to help you over come life's hard challenges. My goal is to help you through self discovery, to gain a deeper understanding of personal challenges and to develop a set of skills to overcome those challenges in order to live a life full of meaning and satisfaction.
(720) 735-3014 View (720) 735-3014
Photo of Brianna Velie Silverberg, Pre-Licensed Professional in Colorado
Brianna Velie Silverberg
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I have a passion for supporting individuals who are members of the adoption triad or have experienced the foster care system in some way.
I love supporting children, families and individuals through a holistic lens. I know how change, stress, and relationships can be difficult to navigate at times. I can provide support for many concerns including: anxiety, depression, divorce, chronic illness, attachment, trauma, transitions, birth and postpartum, adoption and foster care. If you are seeking support, change or a safe place we can navigate this together.
I have a passion for supporting individuals who are members of the adoption triad or have experienced the foster care system in some way.
I love supporting children, families and individuals through a holistic lens. I know how change, stress, and relationships can be difficult to navigate at times. I can provide support for many concerns including: anxiety, depression, divorce, chronic illness, attachment, trauma, transitions, birth and postpartum, adoption and foster care. If you are seeking support, change or a safe place we can navigate this together.
(719) 938-1423 View (719) 938-1423
Photo of Christy Lynn Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Christy Lynn Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Centennial, CO 80112
Just as trauma often happens in the context of relationship, so healing can happen in a trusting, therapeutic relationship. My experiences with the adoption triad, a high-control religious environment, and trauma have led me into this work after 25 years of raising my six children, by birth and adoption. In this, I developed a passion for helping people heal from, adjust to, and manage their traumatic life experiences and transition to healthy living. I work from a self-regulatory, attachment, processing, and connected perspective. I use an eclectic approach including EMDR, CBT, DBT, TBRI and psychoeducational approach.
Just as trauma often happens in the context of relationship, so healing can happen in a trusting, therapeutic relationship. My experiences with the adoption triad, a high-control religious environment, and trauma have led me into this work after 25 years of raising my six children, by birth and adoption. In this, I developed a passion for helping people heal from, adjust to, and manage their traumatic life experiences and transition to healthy living. I work from a self-regulatory, attachment, processing, and connected perspective. I use an eclectic approach including EMDR, CBT, DBT, TBRI and psychoeducational approach.
(720) 744-0149 View (720) 744-0149
Photo of Lisa Ali, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Lisa Ali
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
I work collaboratively with clients who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, life transitions, genuine connections, relationship issues, attachment, bonding and adoption-related issues. I believe in the strength of families and individuals and I will collaborate with you by building on those strengths during the therapeutic process. I believe we all have strengths we can draw from which make us a stronger healthier human being. I believe in looking at therapy as a part of a holistic maintenance we as humans should all participate in. We are exercising our brains and emotions to strengthen who we are and who we strive to be.
I work collaboratively with clients who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, life transitions, genuine connections, relationship issues, attachment, bonding and adoption-related issues. I believe in the strength of families and individuals and I will collaborate with you by building on those strengths during the therapeutic process. I believe we all have strengths we can draw from which make us a stronger healthier human being. I believe in looking at therapy as a part of a holistic maintenance we as humans should all participate in. We are exercising our brains and emotions to strengthen who we are and who we strive to be.
(303) 569-4350 View (303) 569-4350
Photo of Grace Kackstaetter, Pre-Licensed Professional in Colorado
Grace Kackstaetter
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80526
I also have experienced and understand the complexities of blending a family, whether that is through divorce/remarriage, living circumstances, foster care, and/or adoption, and I can offer an environment of empathy and support for your family's needs.
I love the imagery of a phoenix. Sometimes in life, it feels like we are burning up due to circumstances beyond our control. What we are left with is a pile of ashes. But from those ashes, I believe we all have the power to change and grow into these beautiful creatures, free to make our lives what we want them to be. My goal is to work with and stand by you through whatever the flames and ashes of your life are, and to help empower you as you learn and grow into your own version of a phoenix, whatever that looks like for you.
I also have experienced and understand the complexities of blending a family, whether that is through divorce/remarriage, living circumstances, foster care, and/or adoption, and I can offer an environment of empathy and support for your family's needs.
I love the imagery of a phoenix. Sometimes in life, it feels like we are burning up due to circumstances beyond our control. What we are left with is a pile of ashes. But from those ashes, I believe we all have the power to change and grow into these beautiful creatures, free to make our lives what we want them to be. My goal is to work with and stand by you through whatever the flames and ashes of your life are, and to help empower you as you learn and grow into your own version of a phoenix, whatever that looks like for you.
(970) 279-1354 View (970) 279-1354
Photo of Spencer Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Spencer Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Particularly with the unique challenges connected with the adoption, foster-care and trauma.
Empowering parent's and caregiver's ability to connect with their child in a deep and meaningful way is the central focus of Spencer’s approach to overcoming challenges. This begins when parents/caregivers are able to resolve any challenges in the relationship that may be a barrier to therapy. Once this occurs, caregivers and their child can begin, in a safe and therapeutic environment, to explore the trauma, abuse, neglect, abandonment and loss which are the emotional source to behavioral struggles.
Particularly with the unique challenges connected with the adoption, foster-care and trauma.
Empowering parent's and caregiver's ability to connect with their child in a deep and meaningful way is the central focus of Spencer’s approach to overcoming challenges. This begins when parents/caregivers are able to resolve any challenges in the relationship that may be a barrier to therapy. Once this occurs, caregivers and their child can begin, in a safe and therapeutic environment, to explore the trauma, abuse, neglect, abandonment and loss which are the emotional source to behavioral struggles.
(970) 507-8834 View (970) 507-8834
Photo of Jani Tomski, Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado
Jani Tomski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80228
Hello! Every one of my clients is unique. What I specialize in is trauma, learned/experienced relationship patterns, adoption, family challenges, neuro-diversity and am LGBTQ+ friendly. . My focus is on using the (sometimes unrecognized) strengths of clients to overcome even severe obstacles to success. My 41 years of experience includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, teaching at the Master's level at Regis University and DU, elementary school counseling, local and national educational presentations, and animal assisted therapy. I am also a birth, foster and adoptive parent.
Hello! Every one of my clients is unique. What I specialize in is trauma, learned/experienced relationship patterns, adoption, family challenges, neuro-diversity and am LGBTQ+ friendly. . My focus is on using the (sometimes unrecognized) strengths of clients to overcome even severe obstacles to success. My 41 years of experience includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, teaching at the Master's level at Regis University and DU, elementary school counseling, local and national educational presentations, and animal assisted therapy. I am also a birth, foster and adoptive parent.
(720) 903-4631 View (720) 903-4631
Photo of Mia Bertram, Counselor in Colorado
Mia Bertram
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
I am a Child and Family Therapist specializing in Play Therapy, working with children ages 3- 12 struggling with such issues such as grief, adoption/foster care, trauma, self- esteem, divorce and sensory processing disorder. I have received extensive training at the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado in brain development and utilizing the nervous system as a means to understand and help clients regulate themselves. I am a resource for parents and caregivers, offering coaching and education to help create loving relationships by understanding their child's needs and ways to support their growth individually and within the family system.
I am a Child and Family Therapist specializing in Play Therapy, working with children ages 3- 12 struggling with such issues such as grief, adoption/foster care, trauma, self- esteem, divorce and sensory processing disorder. I have received extensive training at the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado in brain development and utilizing the nervous system as a means to understand and help clients regulate themselves. I am a resource for parents and caregivers, offering coaching and education to help create loving relationships by understanding their child's needs and ways to support their growth individually and within the family system.
(720) 340-6615 View (720) 340-6615
Photo of Creative Hope Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Creative Hope Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ATR-BC, RPT- S, CPCS
Verified Verified
We work with child, adolescents, adults & families with a range of problems from anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, parenting, parent-child relational and attachment issues, co-parenting, grief & loss, adoption issues, ADHD, family conflict, stress & dissociative disorders.
We have openings! Our team is dedicated to serving others. Many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed at some point in their lives. We are here to listen, offer hope, and walk through difficult times with you. We can work together to set achievable goals, gain insight, and work towards healing. We provide our clients with a safe, playful, creative and homey environment, where you can gain an outside perspective, additional support, or just someone to listen. Making the call takes courage and is the first step in the process.
We work with child, adolescents, adults & families with a range of problems from anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, parenting, parent-child relational and attachment issues, co-parenting, grief & loss, adoption issues, ADHD, family conflict, stress & dissociative disorders.
We have openings! Our team is dedicated to serving others. Many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed at some point in their lives. We are here to listen, offer hope, and walk through difficult times with you. We can work together to set achievable goals, gain insight, and work towards healing. We provide our clients with a safe, playful, creative and homey environment, where you can gain an outside perspective, additional support, or just someone to listen. Making the call takes courage and is the first step in the process.
(719) 496-0245 View (719) 496-0245
Photo of Ann Fleming @ Forge Counseling Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado
Ann Fleming @ Forge Counseling Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I have extensive experience with attachment and attunement, foster care/adoption, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”- Carl Jung. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with all ages. I have worked with children and families for over 20 years, and my greatest joy is found in being a “helper.” Registered Play Therapist means that I have a specialty in play therapy. While this specialty equips me in a unique way to work with children and adolescents, I believe that play helps us to see our way through life's problems with fresh eyes. It's common for me to incorporate some playfulness in all my work with families and individuals.
I have extensive experience with attachment and attunement, foster care/adoption, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”- Carl Jung. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with all ages. I have worked with children and families for over 20 years, and my greatest joy is found in being a “helper.” Registered Play Therapist means that I have a specialty in play therapy. While this specialty equips me in a unique way to work with children and adolescents, I believe that play helps us to see our way through life's problems with fresh eyes. It's common for me to incorporate some playfulness in all my work with families and individuals.
(719) 652-5779 View (719) 652-5779
Photo of Elizabeth (Elle) Dailey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado
Elizabeth (Elle) Dailey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Centennial, CO 80111
I am an adult adoptee helping families and individuals deal with adoption and other trauma-based issues in a warm, inviting environment. Whether you are an adoptee, adoptive family member, or birth parent, I can help process the complex emotions that can accompany this topic and others. Call me now to see if we're a good fit, and to start down the road toward accomplishing your goals!
I am an adult adoptee helping families and individuals deal with adoption and other trauma-based issues in a warm, inviting environment. Whether you are an adoptee, adoptive family member, or birth parent, I can help process the complex emotions that can accompany this topic and others. Call me now to see if we're a good fit, and to start down the road toward accomplishing your goals!
(720) 547-9431 View (720) 547-9431
Photo of Kathryn Price Foster, Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado
Kathryn Price Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Waitlist for new clients
Choosing a psychotherapist that fits your emotional needs and personal goals is an important decision. I am passionate to assist clients in their journey toward wholeness by utilizing evidence-based techniques including EMDR, IFS, Attachment and Family Systems. I have over 25 years of experience working with families, couples, parents, children, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Areas of specialty include adoption and foster care, attachment and bonding, parenting, family and developmental transition issues, depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and issues of faith and spirituality.
Choosing a psychotherapist that fits your emotional needs and personal goals is an important decision. I am passionate to assist clients in their journey toward wholeness by utilizing evidence-based techniques including EMDR, IFS, Attachment and Family Systems. I have over 25 years of experience working with families, couples, parents, children, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Areas of specialty include adoption and foster care, attachment and bonding, parenting, family and developmental transition issues, depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and issues of faith and spirituality.
(970) 672-4733 View (970) 672-4733
Photo of Maureen C. Fox, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Maureen C. Fox
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
"There will never be another day like the one you are living. There will never be another chance to pass this way again." It is well known that we do not have an infinite amount of time. The world throws us some curves and, in order to hang on and make the most of what we have, reaching out and asking for interaction and communication with someone capable of listening is good practice. Counseling preferences include, but are not limited to; cognitive behavioral therapy, storytelling, traditional talk therapy, desensitization. Specialties include knowledge of and practice in autism, adoption, divorce, and human development .
"There will never be another day like the one you are living. There will never be another chance to pass this way again." It is well known that we do not have an infinite amount of time. The world throws us some curves and, in order to hang on and make the most of what we have, reaching out and asking for interaction and communication with someone capable of listening is good practice. Counseling preferences include, but are not limited to; cognitive behavioral therapy, storytelling, traditional talk therapy, desensitization. Specialties include knowledge of and practice in autism, adoption, divorce, and human development .
(970) 469-8300 View (970) 469-8300
Photo of Meghan Scanlan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Meghan Scanlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Centennial, CO 80112
My true passion is working with families of adoption.
Hi! I am guessing that if I you have found me here, you are pretty desperate to help your little (or big) family. I have been working in private practice since 2010 helping families feel connected and calm again. My goal is for clients to be excited to come and see me and we can make some progress towards healing at the same time. I continue to be an active learner and have participated in many trainings- most notably EMDR, Karyn Purvis's Trust Based Relational Intervention, Gottman's Couples Therapy, Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Framework, DBT, and Heather Forbes's Beyond Consequences.
My true passion is working with families of adoption.
Hi! I am guessing that if I you have found me here, you are pretty desperate to help your little (or big) family. I have been working in private practice since 2010 helping families feel connected and calm again. My goal is for clients to be excited to come and see me and we can make some progress towards healing at the same time. I continue to be an active learner and have participated in many trainings- most notably EMDR, Karyn Purvis's Trust Based Relational Intervention, Gottman's Couples Therapy, Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Framework, DBT, and Heather Forbes's Beyond Consequences.
(303) 872-9163 View (303) 872-9163
Photo of Kate Thompson: Individuals, Couples and Groups, Unlicensed Psychotherapist in Colorado
Kate Thompson: Individuals, Couples and Groups
Unlicensed Psychotherapist, MA, CJT, BACP
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
I have worked with many different issues including loss, identity, sexual & domestic abuse, adoption, depression, anxiety, relationships and transitions.
I work with individuals and couples offering existential therapy to help you to live more fully and find new ways to face your predicaments, paradoxes and conflicts. Together we can explore your life and relationships to discover ways in which you can live more authentically, in alignment with your values. I trained and worked in England before moving to Boulder in 2010. I have over 20 years experience as a therapist; I bring that with me as I meet each new individual or couple. I will help you describe, clarify and unravel your relationship to the world, your self and other people. We do not have to start with your childhood.
I have worked with many different issues including loss, identity, sexual & domestic abuse, adoption, depression, anxiety, relationships and transitions.
I work with individuals and couples offering existential therapy to help you to live more fully and find new ways to face your predicaments, paradoxes and conflicts. Together we can explore your life and relationships to discover ways in which you can live more authentically, in alignment with your values. I trained and worked in England before moving to Boulder in 2010. I have over 20 years experience as a therapist; I bring that with me as I meet each new individual or couple. I will help you describe, clarify and unravel your relationship to the world, your self and other people. We do not have to start with your childhood.
(303) 732-6823 View (303) 732-6823
Photo of Diane Hansen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Diane Hansen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80229
Diane Hansen, MA LPC provides counseling for teens, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include Adoption, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Child/Teen Behavioral, Depression, Faith-Based Counseling, Family Counseling, Group Counseling, Grief and Loss, Independent Living Skills Training, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Social Skills Training, and Trauma. She believes that most people are operating the best they can in life and can make changes to improve themselves with some insight into the struggles they have.
Diane Hansen, MA LPC provides counseling for teens, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include Adoption, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Child/Teen Behavioral, Depression, Faith-Based Counseling, Family Counseling, Group Counseling, Grief and Loss, Independent Living Skills Training, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Social Skills Training, and Trauma. She believes that most people are operating the best they can in life and can make changes to improve themselves with some insight into the struggles they have.
(855) 930-0397 View (855) 930-0397
Photo of Nancy Lee McGeown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Nancy Lee McGeown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
Many of the children have attachment issues due to foster care and adoption.
Are you feeling stressed an anxious about your relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed as a parent? Are you fearful, not knowing what to do next? I will give you support and compassion in a safe nonjudgemental setting. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma, or have ADHD. I do individual and family therapy and choose an eclectic therapeutic style to match clinical methods with each client's particular need. I am comfortable with faith as an integral foundation if the client chooses to include this in the therapy process.
Many of the children have attachment issues due to foster care and adoption.
Are you feeling stressed an anxious about your relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed as a parent? Are you fearful, not knowing what to do next? I will give you support and compassion in a safe nonjudgemental setting. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma, or have ADHD. I do individual and family therapy and choose an eclectic therapeutic style to match clinical methods with each client's particular need. I am comfortable with faith as an integral foundation if the client chooses to include this in the therapy process.
(720) 924-4686 View (720) 924-4686
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.