Adoption Therapists in Minnesota
I am EMDR trained and have extensive training in Adoption work with Adoptee individuals and Adoptive Parents.
“You were given this Life because you are strong enough to live it”. My personal journey of Adoption has fueled my passion to provide unconditional and authentic support for families and individuals with warmth & compassion. Since 2007 I’ve been working in the mental health field in a variety of roles which have enriched my clinical practice. I have been incredibly inspired by working with adolescent and young adults navigate the challenges of childhood & current life circumstances.
I am EMDR trained and have extensive training in Adoption work with Adoptee individuals and Adoptive Parents.
“You were given this Life because you are strong enough to live it”. My personal journey of Adoption has fueled my passion to provide unconditional and authentic support for families and individuals with warmth & compassion. Since 2007 I’ve been working in the mental health field in a variety of roles which have enriched my clinical practice. I have been incredibly inspired by working with adolescent and young adults navigate the challenges of childhood & current life circumstances.
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
My extensive experience comes from working with individuals in acute crisis, cumulative trauma, adoption issues, anger management, serious and persistent mental illness, Dual Diagnosis, and parenting issues facing parents of adult children.
How many therapists did your parents have you see as a kid? Has anybody in your life commented on your " adoption issues"? How many times a day do you ask yourself where and how do I fit in? Maybe the mindset you used to help yourself survive childhood is now hindering your growth in adulthood. Why aren't there more therapists who are adoptees? These are some of many questions and issues I hope that we can work on together. I aspire, because I am an adoptee, to have you spend less time explaining what adoption was, and more time working on current issues.
My extensive experience comes from working with individuals in acute crisis, cumulative trauma, adoption issues, anger management, serious and persistent mental illness, Dual Diagnosis, and parenting issues facing parents of adult children.
How many therapists did your parents have you see as a kid? Has anybody in your life commented on your " adoption issues"? How many times a day do you ask yourself where and how do I fit in? Maybe the mindset you used to help yourself survive childhood is now hindering your growth in adulthood. Why aren't there more therapists who are adoptees? These are some of many questions and issues I hope that we can work on together. I aspire, because I am an adoptee, to have you spend less time explaining what adoption was, and more time working on current issues.
Do you or your family feel tired, stuck in chaos and ready to throw in the towel? Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle. As a parent of three, all adopted transracially, I have faced both the joy and struggle of parenting. When working with you, I will bring my personal and professional experience using a sensitive, non-judgmental approach as I help you find renewed hope and joy for yourself and your family.
Do you or your family feel tired, stuck in chaos and ready to throw in the towel? Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle. As a parent of three, all adopted transracially, I have faced both the joy and struggle of parenting. When working with you, I will bring my personal and professional experience using a sensitive, non-judgmental approach as I help you find renewed hope and joy for yourself and your family.
I have been known since a young age as the friend who people went to during difficult times. My natural ability to empathize with others grew into a desire to pursue social work at Augsburg University. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents (13-17 years old). My areas of focus include: Trauma, Adoption, and Substance use
I have been known since a young age as the friend who people went to during difficult times. My natural ability to empathize with others grew into a desire to pursue social work at Augsburg University. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents (13-17 years old). My areas of focus include: Trauma, Adoption, and Substance use
I have experience working with issues such as: Pre-Marital counseling, Couples Counseling, parenting skills training, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, ADHD, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pre and Post Adoption, Mood Disorder(s), and Grief and Loss.
I am committed to the restoration and improvement of familial relationships, and committed to generational change in families. I feel very strongly about working with individuals and families whatever their current situation may be, and working with them to establish positive changes that will positively affect generations to come in their families.
I have experience working with issues such as: Pre-Marital counseling, Couples Counseling, parenting skills training, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, ADHD, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pre and Post Adoption, Mood Disorder(s), and Grief and Loss.
I am committed to the restoration and improvement of familial relationships, and committed to generational change in families. I feel very strongly about working with individuals and families whatever their current situation may be, and working with them to establish positive changes that will positively affect generations to come in their families.
Mike A Arieta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, LISW, PACC
Verified Verified
Apple Valley, MN 55124
I have obtained the Permanency and Adoption Certificate through the University of Minnesota and have knowledge in Trauma Informed Care and Adoption issues.
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
I have obtained the Permanency and Adoption Certificate through the University of Minnesota and have knowledge in Trauma Informed Care and Adoption issues.
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
Heather Trettel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, IMH-E®, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
I have completed Level I of Theraplay training as well as the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC).
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping others find hope and healing through their relationships. I value relationships and strive to build a comfortable space for those I work with to process events in their life, find strength in themselves and develop a deeper connection with those in their life. I value supporting people in a variety of age groups, from infancy and early childhood to adulthood as well as those in the perinatal period, who have experienced stressful or traumatic events find healing and strength.
I have completed Level I of Theraplay training as well as the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC).
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping others find hope and healing through their relationships. I value relationships and strive to build a comfortable space for those I work with to process events in their life, find strength in themselves and develop a deeper connection with those in their life. I value supporting people in a variety of age groups, from infancy and early childhood to adulthood as well as those in the perinatal period, who have experienced stressful or traumatic events find healing and strength.
Nick Pranke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Waitlist for new clients
I work with teens and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, adoption/foster care, relationship difficulties, identity concerns and other stressors.
I believe the process of therapy is about the therapist and client joining together in a collaborative effort to work toward goals. Every person has strengths and values that are essential to living their best possible life. Sometimes obstacles get in the way of living those values and recognizing our strengths, including family, trauma, health concerns, and mental health difficulties. Through a systemic and trauma-informed lens, we will create individualized goals and approaches that best meet your needs.
I work with teens and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, adoption/foster care, relationship difficulties, identity concerns and other stressors.
I believe the process of therapy is about the therapist and client joining together in a collaborative effort to work toward goals. Every person has strengths and values that are essential to living their best possible life. Sometimes obstacles get in the way of living those values and recognizing our strengths, including family, trauma, health concerns, and mental health difficulties. Through a systemic and trauma-informed lens, we will create individualized goals and approaches that best meet your needs.
Adoptees do the best job informing about adoption.
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
Adoptees do the best job informing about adoption.
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
If you need a Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation (prior to weight loss surgery) or a Pre- Adoption Psychological Evaluation, I can help! Or, work with our great team for psychological testing and evaluation needs (8+ age).
I conduct Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations and psychotherapy pre and post surgery as needed. I also help people with Pre- Adoption Psychological Evaluations prior to international adoption. Additionally, within a team assessment methodology approach, I provide psychological testing and evaluation along with my pre-licensed doctoral candidate colleagues under my supervision. We assess ADHD, Personality, Cognitive and Memory, Behavior, Trauma, Functional Assessments, and other evaluations (ages 8+ for testing).
If you need a Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation (prior to weight loss surgery) or a Pre- Adoption Psychological Evaluation, I can help! Or, work with our great team for psychological testing and evaluation needs (8+ age).
I conduct Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations and psychotherapy pre and post surgery as needed. I also help people with Pre- Adoption Psychological Evaluations prior to international adoption. Additionally, within a team assessment methodology approach, I provide psychological testing and evaluation along with my pre-licensed doctoral candidate colleagues under my supervision. We assess ADHD, Personality, Cognitive and Memory, Behavior, Trauma, Functional Assessments, and other evaluations (ages 8+ for testing).
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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, Owner
Verified Verified
Little Canada, MN 55117
Are you looking for a family-focused solution to challenging family circumstances? Together, your family and our team will establish an individualized plan to meet individual and family goals. My team and I have both experience and passion towards working with diverse issues related to adults, children, women, and families. We at Heart to Heart offer trauma-informed care that includes: individual, family, group, and play therapy. We also have a Trauma Recovery Sensory Room and have Counseling-based Virtual Reality. We specialize in recovery from traumas as well as adoption/foster care related issues.
Are you looking for a family-focused solution to challenging family circumstances? Together, your family and our team will establish an individualized plan to meet individual and family goals. My team and I have both experience and passion towards working with diverse issues related to adults, children, women, and families. We at Heart to Heart offer trauma-informed care that includes: individual, family, group, and play therapy. We also have a Trauma Recovery Sensory Room and have Counseling-based Virtual Reality. We specialize in recovery from traumas as well as adoption/foster care related issues.
Kimberly Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fridley, MN 55432
I enjoy working with adults, children (ages 10+), pre-teens, teens and their families. I have extensive experience addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem/ self-concept, social/ emotional difficulties, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, grief and loss, parenting, emotional difficulties related to family of origin, and issues related to adoption and kinship care for all members of adoptive and kinship families, particularly attachment related difficulties.
I enjoy working with adults, children (ages 10+), pre-teens, teens and their families. I have extensive experience addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem/ self-concept, social/ emotional difficulties, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, grief and loss, parenting, emotional difficulties related to family of origin, and issues related to adoption and kinship care for all members of adoptive and kinship families, particularly attachment related difficulties.
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/ adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/ adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
Amy Wilkerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Understanding grief, loss, and trauma with all of the nuances of adoption and foster care, along with the military lifestyle is where my main focus aims to serve.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is better understand your own story. Working through your past allows you to better understand your patterns, beliefs, and strengths to optimize where you are headed. Too often in life, we experience events that silence us, making it hard to know where to turn. In my office I work hard to create and hold spaces for my clients that are rooted in compassion, empathy, and safety. No matter where you are in your healing journey, I believe everyone has the potential to find more peace and live closer to their authentic beings.
Understanding grief, loss, and trauma with all of the nuances of adoption and foster care, along with the military lifestyle is where my main focus aims to serve.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is better understand your own story. Working through your past allows you to better understand your patterns, beliefs, and strengths to optimize where you are headed. Too often in life, we experience events that silence us, making it hard to know where to turn. In my office I work hard to create and hold spaces for my clients that are rooted in compassion, empathy, and safety. No matter where you are in your healing journey, I believe everyone has the potential to find more peace and live closer to their authentic beings.
My clinical interests are Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, Attachment issues, Pre-marital/Marital counseling, Women’s issues, Body image issues, Self-esteem issues, LGBTQ, Sexuality/identity issues, Sex therapy, Codependency, Pregnancy/postpartum Parenthood, and Blended families.
Do you feel you have a lot of conflict within your relationship? Are you healing from an affair, divorce, or loss of a loved one? Does your mental health inhibit your daily functioning? Have you found yourself committing self-sabotaging behavior? These are problems I can help with. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe environment where individuals and couples can process their emotions, and feel heard, accepted, and respected. My goal is to build a strong relationship with each client through warmth, empathy, and authenticity. I want to meet you where you are and help bring progress and connection to couples and families.
My clinical interests are Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, Attachment issues, Pre-marital/Marital counseling, Women’s issues, Body image issues, Self-esteem issues, LGBTQ, Sexuality/identity issues, Sex therapy, Codependency, Pregnancy/postpartum Parenthood, and Blended families.
Do you feel you have a lot of conflict within your relationship? Are you healing from an affair, divorce, or loss of a loved one? Does your mental health inhibit your daily functioning? Have you found yourself committing self-sabotaging behavior? These are problems I can help with. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe environment where individuals and couples can process their emotions, and feel heard, accepted, and respected. My goal is to build a strong relationship with each client through warmth, empathy, and authenticity. I want to meet you where you are and help bring progress and connection to couples and families.
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
Kyla Reinholdson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roseville, MN 55113 (Online Only)
I have experience serving the BIPOC communities, Adoption/Foster Care communities, Elder communities, Mentally/Physically challenged communities, and ELL/ESL and Immigrant communities.
Do you feel unseen? Unheard? Overwhelmed? Hopeless? Anxious? Perhaps tired? Do you feel you’re not where you want to be or maybe you don’t recognize yourself anymore? Do you feel like something needs to change but you don't know where to start? Life is a journey of many highs and lows, it gets heavy, cloudy, exhausting and confusing. I want to help you improve the quality of your life by helping you examine yourself, your relationships, skills and strengths.
I have experience serving the BIPOC communities, Adoption/Foster Care communities, Elder communities, Mentally/Physically challenged communities, and ELL/ESL and Immigrant communities.
Do you feel unseen? Unheard? Overwhelmed? Hopeless? Anxious? Perhaps tired? Do you feel you’re not where you want to be or maybe you don’t recognize yourself anymore? Do you feel like something needs to change but you don't know where to start? Life is a journey of many highs and lows, it gets heavy, cloudy, exhausting and confusing. I want to help you improve the quality of your life by helping you examine yourself, your relationships, skills and strengths.
Kelly Ann Pieper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, IMH-E®
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55106
I work hard to connect and build trust with all children and families but have sub-specialty in early childhood and adoption/permanency work.
I am an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience in providing services to children and families. I have specific specialties in early childhood mental health and permanency/ adoption concerns. I am trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI- CPP) for children under 6 and completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency program through the UMN in early 2015. My approach integrates a broad spectrum of modalities based on the child’s development, age, needs, presenting concerns. I believe strongly in the need to integrate family and work to involve caregivers at every step.
I work hard to connect and build trust with all children and families but have sub-specialty in early childhood and adoption/permanency work.
I am an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience in providing services to children and families. I have specific specialties in early childhood mental health and permanency/ adoption concerns. I am trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI- CPP) for children under 6 and completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency program through the UMN in early 2015. My approach integrates a broad spectrum of modalities based on the child’s development, age, needs, presenting concerns. I believe strongly in the need to integrate family and work to involve caregivers at every step.
Katherine So Dachtler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Katherine is an international, transracial adoptee who was raised & lives in the upper Midwest. She strives to meet you where you are & aims to uncover & focus on your strengths to empower you throughout your healing journey. Katherine believes each individual has a unique, intersectional framework through which they experience the world. She will support you in finding a path forward through life setbacks & transitions & has a particular interest in adoption & identity & belonging work.
Katherine is an international, transracial adoptee who was raised & lives in the upper Midwest. She strives to meet you where you are & aims to uncover & focus on your strengths to empower you throughout your healing journey. Katherine believes each individual has a unique, intersectional framework through which they experience the world. She will support you in finding a path forward through life setbacks & transitions & has a particular interest in adoption & identity & belonging work.
See more therapy options for Minnesota
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.