Photo of Shawna M. Benson, Psychologist in Minnesota
Shawna M. Benson
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
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).
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).
(763) 284-3939 View (763) 284-3939
Photo of John Gunvalson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota
John Gunvalson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55345
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.
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.
(763) 343-7531 View (763) 343-7531
Photo of Jess Holly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minnesota
Jess Holly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55102  (Online Only)
Jess has extensive experience treating children with complex trauma and working with families facing challenges post-adoption.
Jess Holly received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the U of M. Jess previously worked for a children’s community mental health agency in Minneapolis and surrounding areas where she provided in-home therapeutic support to children and their families facing serious and persistent mental and behavioral health challenges. Jess also has experience treating adults with anxiety and depression.
Jess has extensive experience treating children with complex trauma and working with families facing challenges post-adoption.
Jess Holly received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the U of M. Jess previously worked for a children’s community mental health agency in Minneapolis and surrounding areas where she provided in-home therapeutic support to children and their families facing serious and persistent mental and behavioral health challenges. Jess also has experience treating adults with anxiety and depression.
(651) 359-9875 View (651) 359-9875
Photo of Balfour Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minnesota
Balfour Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
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.
(612) 255-9037 View (612) 255-9037
Photo of Lisa S. Squire, PhD, LP Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist in Minnesota
Lisa S. Squire, PhD, LP Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Bloomington, MN 55425
Psychological testing--ADD/ADHD, learning disorders (LD), pre-adoption, pre-bariatric surgery psych evaluations.
I imagine you're seeking a psychotherapist for counseling because you hope to make some important changes. Success working with a psychologist depends on you feeling comfortable engaging in a collaborative manner with her. Some therapy sessions may be difficult as you ask important questions about yourself, how you function in the world. As you proceed, you may experience frustration, confusion, anxiety, self-doubt and/or conflicted feelings, but at the end of your psychotherapy you'll most likely have learned something new to help you with the concerns that brought you in to seek psychological treatment.
Psychological testing--ADD/ADHD, learning disorders (LD), pre-adoption, pre-bariatric surgery psych evaluations.
I imagine you're seeking a psychotherapist for counseling because you hope to make some important changes. Success working with a psychologist depends on you feeling comfortable engaging in a collaborative manner with her. Some therapy sessions may be difficult as you ask important questions about yourself, how you function in the world. As you proceed, you may experience frustration, confusion, anxiety, self-doubt and/or conflicted feelings, but at the end of your psychotherapy you'll most likely have learned something new to help you with the concerns that brought you in to seek psychological treatment.
(952) 373-0446 View (952) 373-0446
Photo of Aspen Counseling, Psychologist in Minnesota
Aspen Counseling
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
Osseo, MN 55369  (Online Only)
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
(763) 888-8947 View (763) 888-8947
Photo of Tanesha Saxon, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota
Tanesha Saxon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbury, MN 55125  (Online Only)
 TaNesha's extensive experience comes from working with individuals in crisis, cumulative trauma, foster care, foster/adoptive parents, blended families, issues with dysregulation, dual diagnosis (SPMI’s), attachment, parenting, and adoption issues.
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
 TaNesha's extensive experience comes from working with individuals in crisis, cumulative trauma, foster care, foster/adoptive parents, blended families, issues with dysregulation, dual diagnosis (SPMI’s), attachment, parenting, and adoption issues.
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
(651) 299-6476 View (651) 299-6476
Photo of Mary Kay Elizabeth Voight-Moller, Psychologist in Minnesota
Mary Kay Elizabeth Voight-Moller
Psychologist, MS, MN-LP
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55102
My areas of specialization include; depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, relationship issues, eating disorders, chronic pain, DBT, marital/family therapy, grief and loss, pregnancy loss, infertility, adoption, abuse issues, and life transitions.
My office is a warm and comforting place for you to tell your story, deal with life's stressors, treat depression and anxiety, work on healthy relationships, or heal old wounds. I provide a more holistic perspective in my appraoch to therapy, looking at the total needs you might have to best help you to heal and grow. It is very important to me that you feel heard and well cared for in your therapy process. We will work together to help you to make changes and to feel stronger.
My areas of specialization include; depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, relationship issues, eating disorders, chronic pain, DBT, marital/family therapy, grief and loss, pregnancy loss, infertility, adoption, abuse issues, and life transitions.
My office is a warm and comforting place for you to tell your story, deal with life's stressors, treat depression and anxiety, work on healthy relationships, or heal old wounds. I provide a more holistic perspective in my appraoch to therapy, looking at the total needs you might have to best help you to heal and grow. It is very important to me that you feel heard and well cared for in your therapy process. We will work together to help you to make changes and to feel stronger.
(651) 760-0673 View (651) 760-0673
Photo of Christina Gwenn Copeland in Minnesota
Christina Gwenn Copeland
MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55449
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
(636) 266-2065 View (636) 266-2065
Photo of Taylor Cravey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minnesota
Taylor Cravey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, MN 55128
I believe that every person, no matter their age, deserves to have a space where they are unconditionally accepted. I work with children (ages 2 and up), teens, young adults and families to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to come as they are and untangle life’s complexities. I hold extensive experience working with Autism, ADHD, adoption and foster care, trauma and attachment challenges. I work to provide a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals and families, am social and racial justice oriented and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Additionally, I hold space for individuals of all abilities and identities.
I believe that every person, no matter their age, deserves to have a space where they are unconditionally accepted. I work with children (ages 2 and up), teens, young adults and families to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to come as they are and untangle life’s complexities. I hold extensive experience working with Autism, ADHD, adoption and foster care, trauma and attachment challenges. I work to provide a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals and families, am social and racial justice oriented and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Additionally, I hold space for individuals of all abilities and identities.
(651) 661-2547 View (651) 661-2547
Photo of Masa Sato, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minnesota
Masa Sato
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Rochester, MN 55906
Via individual/family therapy, I work with children/adolescents/adults with MH, addiction, trauma, abuse, attachment, parenting, family/relationship issues, foster care, child protection, adoption, divorce, blended families, family reunification, & emotional/behavioral dysregulation.
I've worked with individuals & families via CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)/trauma focused therapy, family systems therapy, & play therapy for a variety of issues such as MH & addiction since 1998. I adjust/integrate therapeutic modalities holistically based on needs. I am respectful, laid back and humorous during tough work. I'm supportive & I encourage/challenge you to grow. It is difficult to change while health & wellness may require changes. I may use “tough love” while I am understanding and collaborative. Recovery/health requires action, growth, maturity, & accountability.
Via individual/family therapy, I work with children/adolescents/adults with MH, addiction, trauma, abuse, attachment, parenting, family/relationship issues, foster care, child protection, adoption, divorce, blended families, family reunification, & emotional/behavioral dysregulation.
I've worked with individuals & families via CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)/trauma focused therapy, family systems therapy, & play therapy for a variety of issues such as MH & addiction since 1998. I adjust/integrate therapeutic modalities holistically based on needs. I am respectful, laid back and humorous during tough work. I'm supportive & I encourage/challenge you to grow. It is difficult to change while health & wellness may require changes. I may use “tough love” while I am understanding and collaborative. Recovery/health requires action, growth, maturity, & accountability.
(507) 204-3494 View (507) 204-3494
Photo of Connie G. Palacio, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minnesota
Connie G. Palacio
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55439
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, sexual health and sexuality, couple problems, intimacy problems, trauma, domestic abuse, divorce and separation, parenting problems, attachment, adoption and foster care, grief and loss, immigration issues, posttrauma, and domestic abuse.
Helping those experiencing personal, emotional, relationship, family, traumatic experiences or psychological struggles. Therapy is a journey of growth and self discovery. Let's embark on that life journey together. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. As you get ready to start this journey, I will be there to support and empower you. My counseling style is warm, patient, kind and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, sexual health and sexuality, couple problems, intimacy problems, trauma, domestic abuse, divorce and separation, parenting problems, attachment, adoption and foster care, grief and loss, immigration issues, posttrauma, and domestic abuse.
Helping those experiencing personal, emotional, relationship, family, traumatic experiences or psychological struggles. Therapy is a journey of growth and self discovery. Let's embark on that life journey together. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. As you get ready to start this journey, I will be there to support and empower you. My counseling style is warm, patient, kind and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
(612) 662-6560 View (612) 662-6560
Photo of Maylee Chang, Counselor in Minnesota
Maylee Chang
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Woodbury, MN 55125  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Maylee Chang. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School. My personal and professional experience have provided me the experience to effectively work with adolescents, adults, and families with varied needs from all ethnicities. My areas of expertise include working with trauma from physical/sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family issues, grief, immigration, war experiences; and shifts in family structure related to divorce, remarriage, child protection involvement, foster care, adoption, life transitions, acculturation, and identity formation.
Hello, I am Maylee Chang. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School. My personal and professional experience have provided me the experience to effectively work with adolescents, adults, and families with varied needs from all ethnicities. My areas of expertise include working with trauma from physical/sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family issues, grief, immigration, war experiences; and shifts in family structure related to divorce, remarriage, child protection involvement, foster care, adoption, life transitions, acculturation, and identity formation.
(651) 321-9632 View (651) 321-9632
Photo of Mosaic Psychological Assessment, Psychologist in Minnesota
Mosaic Psychological Assessment
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Clients come to Mosaic Psychological Assessment, to find answers to a broad range of questions, such as what diagnosis makes sense for them (e.g., ADHD, Depression, etc.) to questions about what is making them feel stuck in their forward progress in life, in therapy, in relationships, at work, or in school. What does the mosaic of your life look like? What are each of the small tiles that add up to the picture of who you are now? What would you like to change?
Clients come to Mosaic Psychological Assessment, to find answers to a broad range of questions, such as what diagnosis makes sense for them (e.g., ADHD, Depression, etc.) to questions about what is making them feel stuck in their forward progress in life, in therapy, in relationships, at work, or in school. What does the mosaic of your life look like? What are each of the small tiles that add up to the picture of who you are now? What would you like to change?
(952) 592-9173 View (952) 592-9173
Photo of Cynthia Peterson, Psychologist in Minnesota
Cynthia Peterson
Psychologist, MAC, MA, LP, LPCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Apple Valley, MN 55124
I have been in the counseling and psychology field for the past 20 years. I know that it is difficult to ask for help. However, people sometimes need additional support beyond their family and friends. I work with, adults and adolescents that experience low self-esteem, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, addiction, trauma, and have trouble regulating their emotions. If you are a parent looking for services for your child, I am a registered play therapist and I will work with your child to resolve fears, worries, sadness, and build healthy esteem and assist you in providing on-going support to your child.
I have been in the counseling and psychology field for the past 20 years. I know that it is difficult to ask for help. However, people sometimes need additional support beyond their family and friends. I work with, adults and adolescents that experience low self-esteem, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, addiction, trauma, and have trouble regulating their emotions. If you are a parent looking for services for your child, I am a registered play therapist and I will work with your child to resolve fears, worries, sadness, and build healthy esteem and assist you in providing on-going support to your child.
(952) 479-5112 View (952) 479-5112
Photo of Liz Powell, Pre-Licensed Professional in Minnesota
Liz Powell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Liz’s approach to mental health takes into account individual concerns as well as a systemic awareness of her clients’ backgrounds, relationships, lifestyles, cultures and values. Liz enjoys working with clients with a variety of mental health needs and backgrounds. She considers herself to be a culturally/racially sensitive therapist, LGBTQIA friendly, and practices from a non-judgmental, authentic and open-minded perspective.
Liz’s approach to mental health takes into account individual concerns as well as a systemic awareness of her clients’ backgrounds, relationships, lifestyles, cultures and values. Liz enjoys working with clients with a variety of mental health needs and backgrounds. She considers herself to be a culturally/racially sensitive therapist, LGBTQIA friendly, and practices from a non-judgmental, authentic and open-minded perspective.
(612) 502-5924 View (612) 502-5924
Photo of Enakshi Choudhuri, Counselor in Minnesota
Enakshi Choudhuri
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Waitlist for new clients
Albert Einstein remarked, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. At various times in our life we find ourselves challenged to do just that as we struggle to make it through the day. Using a strengths-based perspective, I will collaborate with you to understand and confront your unique challenges and empower you to find the inner strength and resources to facilitate positive healing change so you can keep moving forward. I firmly believe that while change is inevitable, being paralyzed by change is not and you have the power to construct your own unique pathway to optimal health and wellness.
Albert Einstein remarked, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. At various times in our life we find ourselves challenged to do just that as we struggle to make it through the day. Using a strengths-based perspective, I will collaborate with you to understand and confront your unique challenges and empower you to find the inner strength and resources to facilitate positive healing change so you can keep moving forward. I firmly believe that while change is inevitable, being paralyzed by change is not and you have the power to construct your own unique pathway to optimal health and wellness.
(612) 361-2877 View (612) 361-2877
Photo of Amber Pone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minnesota
Amber Pone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Therapy is a process of investigation and change, looking deeply at what works and what doesn't work. While some answers may lie in the past, you and I will work together to understand your life, relationships, and desire for change as they are right now. Change begins the moment you recognize the need for it. I have the skills, compassion, and desire to help you explore new possibilities and practice the change you want. Examples of issues I have worked with include depression and anxiety, infertility, life transitions, relationship difficulties, parenting, and family of origin and attachment issues.
Therapy is a process of investigation and change, looking deeply at what works and what doesn't work. While some answers may lie in the past, you and I will work together to understand your life, relationships, and desire for change as they are right now. Change begins the moment you recognize the need for it. I have the skills, compassion, and desire to help you explore new possibilities and practice the change you want. Examples of issues I have worked with include depression and anxiety, infertility, life transitions, relationship difficulties, parenting, and family of origin and attachment issues.
(512) 456-9372 View (512) 456-9372
Photo of Gina Schuchman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minnesota
Gina Schuchman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55439
Waitlist for new clients
I believe people are basically competent, come to therapy because their usual coping skills are not working with problems. I am actively involved: therapy is a working partnership in which we review all your clues and then find solutions that fit for your specific needs. I believe in the healing qualities of relationships. I have trained in Pia Mellody's PIT Model to work with people in recovery from childhood trauma, addictions and relationship problems who are struggling with anxiety, depression and other emotional stresses. I am currently only accepting private pay for new clients.
I believe people are basically competent, come to therapy because their usual coping skills are not working with problems. I am actively involved: therapy is a working partnership in which we review all your clues and then find solutions that fit for your specific needs. I believe in the healing qualities of relationships. I have trained in Pia Mellody's PIT Model to work with people in recovery from childhood trauma, addictions and relationship problems who are struggling with anxiety, depression and other emotional stresses. I am currently only accepting private pay for new clients.
(952) 314-5628 View (952) 314-5628
Photo of Beth Alexandra Larson. Licensed Psychologist, Psychologist in Minnesota
Beth Alexandra Larson. Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deciding to ask for help when dealing with life's struggles is a very important step. Finding the right person to work with is equally important. I am happy to meet with you and let you know where I would focus. If you decide we are not the right fit I will help you find the person that is right for you.
Deciding to ask for help when dealing with life's struggles is a very important step. Finding the right person to work with is equally important. I am happy to meet with you and let you know where I would focus. If you decide we are not the right fit I will help you find the person that is right for you.
(612) 326-3307 View (612) 326-3307
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.