Photo of Samantha Kessler, Counselor in Billings, MT
Samantha Kessler
Counselor, MS, LCPC, LMHC, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of a Montana and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. I have certifications as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have over a decade of experience working in a variety of fields, including trauma, early childhood development, child and adolescent crisis, intensive-in-home family therapy, and private practice working with children, adolescents, families, couples and first responders.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of a Montana and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. I have certifications as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have over a decade of experience working in a variety of fields, including trauma, early childhood development, child and adolescent crisis, intensive-in-home family therapy, and private practice working with children, adolescents, families, couples and first responders.
(406) 380-4585 View (406) 380-4585
Photo of Elise Ribas Lisboa, Psychologist in Billings, MT
Elise Ribas Lisboa
Psychologist, PhD, MS, ME, BS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101  (Online Only)
Welcome to the beginning of your healing journey! I want to work with people who are ready to make meaningful change in their lives. Sometimes creating change is challenging, and we can all use some extra support, encouragement, guidance, feedback, and a caring nonjudgmental person to guide us through life’s ups and downs. I know that making choices while under stress can be very difficult, and I will work with you to help you get unstuck, problem solve effectively, and feel more confident in the choices you make. Please call or email me today to begin your transformation into a healthier, happier you!
Welcome to the beginning of your healing journey! I want to work with people who are ready to make meaningful change in their lives. Sometimes creating change is challenging, and we can all use some extra support, encouragement, guidance, feedback, and a caring nonjudgmental person to guide us through life’s ups and downs. I know that making choices while under stress can be very difficult, and I will work with you to help you get unstuck, problem solve effectively, and feel more confident in the choices you make. Please call or email me today to begin your transformation into a healthier, happier you!
(406) 284-0698 View (406) 284-0698
Photo of Advanced Counseling of Bozeman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Billings, MT
Advanced Counseling of Bozeman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to enjoy your personal, or professional life because of uncomfortable symptoms you wish to alleviate? Do you wish you could grow personally from talking about your problems? Counseling may be a great choice for you! When you feel understood and respected and believed by a counselor, a world of opportunity and personal growth can open up. Clients from all backgrounds in Bozeman come in seeking counseling for trauma, personal growth and overall mental health and wellbeing. We offer individualized services tailored to the client's needs. Expect to set goals and meet them, as we approach wellness, together.
Are you struggling to enjoy your personal, or professional life because of uncomfortable symptoms you wish to alleviate? Do you wish you could grow personally from talking about your problems? Counseling may be a great choice for you! When you feel understood and respected and believed by a counselor, a world of opportunity and personal growth can open up. Clients from all backgrounds in Bozeman come in seeking counseling for trauma, personal growth and overall mental health and wellbeing. We offer individualized services tailored to the client's needs. Expect to set goals and meet them, as we approach wellness, together.
(406) 213-7478 View (406) 213-7478
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.