Adoption Therapists in Illinois
Stephanie Petrey
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 (Online Only)
I have a strong focus on parenting, behavioral issues, attachment based treatment (including post adoption) and ADHD.
Seeking support when dealing with difficult and challenging times in life can be overwhelming. It is my commitment as you take this step, to help guide you toward reaching your personal treatment goals. I work collaboratively with clients as I believe that treatment should be tailored to each client's personal needs in order for the client to feel comfortable and confident in reaching their treatment goals
I have a strong focus on parenting, behavioral issues, attachment based treatment (including post adoption) and ADHD.
Seeking support when dealing with difficult and challenging times in life can be overwhelming. It is my commitment as you take this step, to help guide you toward reaching your personal treatment goals. I work collaboratively with clients as I believe that treatment should be tailored to each client's personal needs in order for the client to feel comfortable and confident in reaching their treatment goals
Hannah Dobson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, ALMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
I have previous experience in the mental health therapy field including work with survivors of abuse, crisis intervention, adoption, trauma, grief, and community-based therapy for children, adolescents, couples, and families.
My approach to therapy is holistic and collaborative. With a listening ear, my commitment to you is to use the knowledge, insight, perspective and tools I have learned as a professional therapist to partner with you to gain greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively and be empowered to find positive paths forward. It is my goal to help people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations succeed in achieving their desired goals. I understand the importance of finding connection with your therapist. When seeking help, one often feels vulnerable. I will provide a safe space as we process struggles towards resolution.
I have previous experience in the mental health therapy field including work with survivors of abuse, crisis intervention, adoption, trauma, grief, and community-based therapy for children, adolescents, couples, and families.
My approach to therapy is holistic and collaborative. With a listening ear, my commitment to you is to use the knowledge, insight, perspective and tools I have learned as a professional therapist to partner with you to gain greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively and be empowered to find positive paths forward. It is my goal to help people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations succeed in achieving their desired goals. I understand the importance of finding connection with your therapist. When seeking help, one often feels vulnerable. I will provide a safe space as we process struggles towards resolution.
I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founding partner of Compass Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC, who is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve personal growth, improve emotional regulation and foster positive relationships. I enjoy utilizing my training on attachment and brain development to assist in coping with the effects of trauma, loss, divorce, disrupted attachments, adoption, depression and anxiety. Using a collaborative and relational approach, I strive to help individuals and couples establish and maintain healthy relationships, as well as strengthen their ability to cope with stressful life events
I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founding partner of Compass Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC, who is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve personal growth, improve emotional regulation and foster positive relationships. I enjoy utilizing my training on attachment and brain development to assist in coping with the effects of trauma, loss, divorce, disrupted attachments, adoption, depression and anxiety. Using a collaborative and relational approach, I strive to help individuals and couples establish and maintain healthy relationships, as well as strengthen their ability to cope with stressful life events
Alex Goreham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CRADC, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
I specialize in trauma, adoption, addictions, attachment, depression, anxiety, and faith/spirituality.
Hey there! My name is Alex. Life can be a tricky journey, sometimes it is full of excitement and fun, and other times it can really be tough. I don't believe we were created to walk this life alone, especially through those difficult moments. That's where therapy comes in. To be honest with you, I don't have the power to change you and that is not my goal. My job as a therapist is to come alongside you and help you rediscover yourself and your potential. With a greater understanding of who you are and where you have been, comes the opportunity for change to create a new normal.
I specialize in trauma, adoption, addictions, attachment, depression, anxiety, and faith/spirituality.
Hey there! My name is Alex. Life can be a tricky journey, sometimes it is full of excitement and fun, and other times it can really be tough. I don't believe we were created to walk this life alone, especially through those difficult moments. That's where therapy comes in. To be honest with you, I don't have the power to change you and that is not my goal. My job as a therapist is to come alongside you and help you rediscover yourself and your potential. With a greater understanding of who you are and where you have been, comes the opportunity for change to create a new normal.
Emily Watson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Normal, IL 61761
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes these struggles are due to adoption, trauma, or having a different brain.
Welcome, parents! Dive into understanding and guiding Children and Early Teenagers through emotional development. Join us in fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships for a thriving family and academic life. We're a perfect match if you're a wonderful client between 7 to 11 years old, navigating the adventure of understanding and expressing your emotions. Together, we'll create a cozy space to work through any challenges you might be facing at home or school. I work well with trauma, attachment, family, relationships, anger, emotional regulation, adoption, PTSD, foster care, and self-harm.
Sometimes these struggles are due to adoption, trauma, or having a different brain.
Welcome, parents! Dive into understanding and guiding Children and Early Teenagers through emotional development. Join us in fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships for a thriving family and academic life. We're a perfect match if you're a wonderful client between 7 to 11 years old, navigating the adventure of understanding and expressing your emotions. Together, we'll create a cozy space to work through any challenges you might be facing at home or school. I work well with trauma, attachment, family, relationships, anger, emotional regulation, adoption, PTSD, foster care, and self-harm.
Margaret Anne Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
I treat addictions, abuse, relationship and adoption issues, .
Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.
I treat addictions, abuse, relationship and adoption issues, .
Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.
We offer therapy rooted in the understanding of what adoption is, its significance throughout a person’s life, and how it impacts individuals and families.
Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges. Those challenges can include complex emotional, psychological, and social dynamics that span from processing grief and loss to navigating one's identity and relationships. When challenges arise, we at Adoption Center of IL (ACI) provide a space for anyone impacted by adoption to receive therapy tailored to their unique experiences and stories. We provide adoption competent therapy, which promotes understanding of one’s self, story, and future in a setting where you don't have to explain to us why adoption is significant.
We offer therapy rooted in the understanding of what adoption is, its significance throughout a person’s life, and how it impacts individuals and families.
Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges. Those challenges can include complex emotional, psychological, and social dynamics that span from processing grief and loss to navigating one's identity and relationships. When challenges arise, we at Adoption Center of IL (ACI) provide a space for anyone impacted by adoption to receive therapy tailored to their unique experiences and stories. We provide adoption competent therapy, which promotes understanding of one’s self, story, and future in a setting where you don't have to explain to us why adoption is significant.
Whether you are struggling with a typical life transition such as: marriage, divorce, adoption, or death, or suffering from anxiety, anger, depression, or self-harm/sabotaging behaviors, therapy will be tailored to your individual situation.
I believe that, without exception, every individual carries within, the capacity required for healing to occur. As a therapist, it is my honor and privilege to help clients and their families uncover and understand the meanings and feelings associated with their symptoms. Whether the primary client is a child, adolescent, or adult, I work collaboratively with couples/parents to create a treatment plan that is right for the family as a whole. From this perspective we can then work together to discover more adaptive and creative ways to solve problems, build relationships, and live rich and fulfilling lives.
Whether you are struggling with a typical life transition such as: marriage, divorce, adoption, or death, or suffering from anxiety, anger, depression, or self-harm/sabotaging behaviors, therapy will be tailored to your individual situation.
I believe that, without exception, every individual carries within, the capacity required for healing to occur. As a therapist, it is my honor and privilege to help clients and their families uncover and understand the meanings and feelings associated with their symptoms. Whether the primary client is a child, adolescent, or adult, I work collaboratively with couples/parents to create a treatment plan that is right for the family as a whole. From this perspective we can then work together to discover more adaptive and creative ways to solve problems, build relationships, and live rich and fulfilling lives.
Karyn Roggatz Ness
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Wheaton, IL 60187
Adoption issues.
It is my goal to work with people of all ages, and simply meet them where they are. I hope to motivate my clients to make changes that will enhance the quality of their lives, working from the most appropriate theoretical models that suit each person's needs.
Adoption issues.
It is my goal to work with people of all ages, and simply meet them where they are. I hope to motivate my clients to make changes that will enhance the quality of their lives, working from the most appropriate theoretical models that suit each person's needs.
Bree Yoo Sun Jeong McLuen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60609
I have provided gentle, person-centered, compassionate services and treatment most extensively to individuals who identify as women, people of color, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, criminal justice/prison, child welfare/ adoption, and athletes.
Life brings forth challenges and stressors each day. For individuals, families, and communities whose lives and histories meet at multiple intersections, managing everyday life while working toward healing and growth may present additional, unique layers and compounded difficulties. Whatever your dreams, goals, and aspirations for life and relationships are, making them a reality is possible. Healing from the past, self-love, spiritual peace, decolonization, and success are interconnected.
I have provided gentle, person-centered, compassionate services and treatment most extensively to individuals who identify as women, people of color, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, criminal justice/prison, child welfare/ adoption, and athletes.
Life brings forth challenges and stressors each day. For individuals, families, and communities whose lives and histories meet at multiple intersections, managing everyday life while working toward healing and growth may present additional, unique layers and compounded difficulties. Whatever your dreams, goals, and aspirations for life and relationships are, making them a reality is possible. Healing from the past, self-love, spiritual peace, decolonization, and success are interconnected.
Marcia works with adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of issues including adoption, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relational difficulties, grief and loss, and trauma.
Marcia graduated from Dominican University with a Master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as well as a strengths-based and person-centered approach.
Marcia works with adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of issues including adoption, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relational difficulties, grief and loss, and trauma.
Marcia graduated from Dominican University with a Master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as well as a strengths-based and person-centered approach.
15 Second Videos
Emily Watson
Jenny White
Deanna Pacelli
Adam Lawrence Maldonado
Victoria Shirkey
Nicole Jordan
Liz Vohasek
Jonathan Ryan
Stephanie Willis
Scott Henry van Slee
Dr Robert John Zagar PC A Professional
Stella Center Chicago-SGB, TMS, Spravato, Ketamine
Tigist Taylor
Barbara Spaulding
Emily Breitweiser
Valerie Ytzen, EMDR Therapist
Deanna L Stacy
Daniel Campos
Holly Chuang
Crystal Lawson
Heather Olsson
Heather Treat
Frank E. Cushing
Velma Oliver
Katie Butusov
Jack Beck
Andrea Good
Jerey L McKinney
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Emily Perepa
Eva D Smith
Ebony Oliphant
Codie G Surratt
Mary Questad
Antonina (Nina) Lunetta
Ashley Miller Nolan
Euginia Ivanova
Kelly Voorhees
Sarah A. Schroeder
Katherine Marie Esposito
Swain Therapy & Counseling, LLC
Kellie Stryker
Ellie Mental Health Naperville
Relationship Consultants
Kristina Jongsma
Brandy Kelley Counseling
Kaori Wander
Rachael S. Sytsma-Ramos
Andrea H Hohf
Daughon Langner
I also have particular expertise helping individuals from the adoption community (e.
As a generalist clinician, I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of different reasons. I take a collaborative and relational approach to therapy and do my best to provide a supportive space for clients to feel heard, express themselves, and actively work toward change.
I also have particular expertise helping individuals from the adoption community (e.
As a generalist clinician, I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of different reasons. I take a collaborative and relational approach to therapy and do my best to provide a supportive space for clients to feel heard, express themselves, and actively work toward change.
Rose Mary Spizzirri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
We have advanced training helping people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adoption and difficult behaviors with children or adolescents.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
We have advanced training helping people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adoption and difficult behaviors with children or adolescents.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
I have been in the field since 2019 and specialize in anxiety, trauma, adoption related issues, and adjustment disorders.
I am committed to creating a comfortable and safe space for all of my clients. Through collaboration, trust, and goal-setting, I aim to help individuals achieve said goals and improve their overall well-being. I am excited to be a part of your mental health journey!
I have been in the field since 2019 and specialize in anxiety, trauma, adoption related issues, and adjustment disorders.
I am committed to creating a comfortable and safe space for all of my clients. Through collaboration, trust, and goal-setting, I aim to help individuals achieve said goals and improve their overall well-being. I am excited to be a part of your mental health journey!
Jan Holmes Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IL 61701 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people around issues of shame that result from addictions, co-dependency, trauma, adoption related issues and more.
I specialize in working with people around issues of shame that result from addictions, co-dependency, trauma, adoption related issues and more.
More specifically, I have training and focused experience with individuals in the adoption constellation, from immigrant families, and/or immigrants themselves.
Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, or identities. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and indecisiveness. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives. (I meet with virtually with clients residing in California and Illinois).
More specifically, I have training and focused experience with individuals in the adoption constellation, from immigrant families, and/or immigrants themselves.
Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, or identities. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and indecisiveness. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives. (I meet with virtually with clients residing in California and Illinois).
I also have extensive experience with the child welfare system, foster care, and adoption with expertise in childhood trauma and the impact of trauma.
My goal as a therapist is to create a space where my clients feel safe exploring their stories, experience healing, and find their true selves. I take a person-centered and systemic approach so that I can understand my client's life story and the events that have brought them to seeking services.
I also have extensive experience with the child welfare system, foster care, and adoption with expertise in childhood trauma and the impact of trauma.
My goal as a therapist is to create a space where my clients feel safe exploring their stories, experience healing, and find their true selves. I take a person-centered and systemic approach so that I can understand my client's life story and the events that have brought them to seeking services.
Andrea (Andie) Coston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IL 61701
Waitlist for new clients
Bessel Van der Kolk's Intensive Trauma Treatment Course as well as in TF-CBT, Sand Tray, and I am an adoption competent therapist.
I specialize in working within the trauma, adoption, foster care, Autism/ADHD/Neurodiverse communities. Knowing that lived experiences within these communities are affected by other systems and struggles, I also have a strong focus on attachment, identity processing, chronic pain, other disabilities, religious trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bessel Van der Kolk's Intensive Trauma Treatment Course as well as in TF-CBT, Sand Tray, and I am an adoption competent therapist.
I specialize in working within the trauma, adoption, foster care, Autism/ADHD/Neurodiverse communities. Knowing that lived experiences within these communities are affected by other systems and struggles, I also have a strong focus on attachment, identity processing, chronic pain, other disabilities, religious trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I understand the struggles of post adoption and postpartum depression.
Therapy is a very intimate experience. I strive for a personal connection with my clients from the get-go. Through that relationship, I am better able to understand the motivations, hidden struggles and impulses that drive my clients, and in turn, help them to utilize their own strengths and learned techniques to successfully address the difficult issues for which they sought therapy. I have assisted clients who are going through or preparing for a life transition, experiencing depression, anxiety or mood disorders, and recovering from trauma or loss.
I understand the struggles of post adoption and postpartum depression.
Therapy is a very intimate experience. I strive for a personal connection with my clients from the get-go. Through that relationship, I am better able to understand the motivations, hidden struggles and impulses that drive my clients, and in turn, help them to utilize their own strengths and learned techniques to successfully address the difficult issues for which they sought therapy. I have assisted clients who are going through or preparing for a life transition, experiencing depression, anxiety or mood disorders, and recovering from trauma or loss.
I've worked with both children and adults in my career, and specialize in trauma, adoption issues, and trauma-informed parenting.
Figuring out our feelings and then how to handle them can be so tricky sometimes. Many of us are also doing the hard work of unpacking our own trauma and stopping the cycle of generational trauma. We are all trying our best, and I'm honored to be with my clients as they navigate through it. You are not alone, and therapy offers a safe, comfortable space for you to let it all out, for you to feel heard, and for you to learn and grow.
I've worked with both children and adults in my career, and specialize in trauma, adoption issues, and trauma-informed parenting.
Figuring out our feelings and then how to handle them can be so tricky sometimes. Many of us are also doing the hard work of unpacking our own trauma and stopping the cycle of generational trauma. We are all trying our best, and I'm honored to be with my clients as they navigate through it. You are not alone, and therapy offers a safe, comfortable space for you to let it all out, for you to feel heard, and for you to learn and grow.
See more therapy options for Illinois
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.