Adoption Therapists in Hadley, MA

I have enjoyed working as a psychotherapist for 30+ years. I am a family systems oriented, psychodynamic clinician with a wide range of treatment approaches. I treat families and individuals experiencing transitions, loss and trauma, as well as depression, anxiety, behavioral or relationship problems. When I work with youth, parental involvement is requested. Treatment can be fluid to include siblings, parent/child and individual therapy. With all clients, the goals of acceptance, healing and growth occur within a positive and safe environment. I believe that feeling worthwhile and having hope are key elements to mental health.

Life can be extraordinarily challenging and finding a therapist that "fits" can be intimidating. I enjoy working with diverse clients from varied backgrounds. My passion is working with motivated clients to address trauma, anxiety, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with teenagers navigating the road to adulthood. My role as a therapist is to nurture the innate healing process by teaching the needed skills and utilizing tailored interventions so clients may achieve goals related to improved emotional coping, satisfying relationships, and better quality of life.

At your first appointment, I gather information about what's bringing you for therapy now. My approach is strength-based and collaborative, and we will consider what you might find most helpful together. My practice welcomes children, adolescents, college students and parents; I enjoy work with couples, families and individuals. While offering support and guidance, I take time to build a safe place where you gain understanding and develop skills to improve your life. I share my expertise in family systems, along with practical information about resources. With increased perspective and awareness about your choices, the opportunity for change unfolds.

My name is Elizabeth Bristow and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. I see individuals, couples and families in my private practice. My office is centrally located, I have day and evening hours and I accept most insurances.

I like to work relationally, which means that we, together, work on whatever challenges present themselves for you at this time in your life. It is my belief that each of us holds the answers to our own life challenges within ourselves. Therapy can create a supportive framework that can help clear debris from life's path so that one can see one's path more clearly. Adult life is often connected to our history, and the culture/environments we grew up in. Therapy can be a place to understand the threads between past and present. I often work with folks who are becoming parents. This phase is complex and can stir the silt of our story.

For young children, behavior is a way to communicate needs. When complex emotions arise through challenging behaviors, parents may be left feeling unsure how to respond. Does your child seem overly anxious? Are they highly distressed when separated from you or more withdrawn than you'd expect? Maybe they've experienced a traumatic or scary event, a significant loss, or you’d like to prepare them for a family life change. Are you an adoptive or foster family wanting help with bonding and building secure attachment? Do you hope to gain clearer insight into your child’s needs and support them through a stressful time?

"Compassionate and down-to-earth" sums up my style. We'll start by getting a handle on your confusing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors; this usually helps people feel a little better fairly soon. Beyond that, you'll discover the story you unconsciously believe about who you are and what you're worth, and find out how it steers your life. Then, we build up the story--and life--you prefer, which is waiting inside you.

Most of us decide to enter into therapy because we are in pain and we want to find ways to end the pain. We feel stuck, without choices. While we are drawn to change and growth, it can also be very scary. As your therapist, I see it as my job to help you find the courage to see yourself clearly, to harness your own strength and resources, and to discover your own answers.