Photo of Gwen Felten, Counselor in Billings, MT
Gwen Felten
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
406-698-0402 I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, trauma, and depression. I want clients to gain a better understanding of their anxiety and develop the tools to cope with emotions. I help clients in releasing anxiety, and shame and teach them sense of empowerment in their lives. I have advanced training in EMDR techniques, Somatic Psychotherapy, DNMS ,CBT and Story-work therapy for treating anxiety disorders, depression and trauma with children, adolescents and adults. I am a Faith-Based therapist, yet respect clients with different spiritual beliefs. I approach clients with a posture of curiosity, suspending judgement.
406-698-0402 I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, trauma, and depression. I want clients to gain a better understanding of their anxiety and develop the tools to cope with emotions. I help clients in releasing anxiety, and shame and teach them sense of empowerment in their lives. I have advanced training in EMDR techniques, Somatic Psychotherapy, DNMS ,CBT and Story-work therapy for treating anxiety disorders, depression and trauma with children, adolescents and adults. I am a Faith-Based therapist, yet respect clients with different spiritual beliefs. I approach clients with a posture of curiosity, suspending judgement.
(406) 578-0514 View (406) 578-0514
Photo of Virginia Rightmier Pierce, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Billings, MT
Virginia Rightmier Pierce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59105
You will find me to be client focused offering a safe, confidential place to address and work through your personal problems/issues. Clients find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental. You get to set your goals and pace for therapy. My 25 years of experience working with victims of abuse and trauma, adoptive families, depression, anxiety, grief, behavioral and emotional problems, parenting issues, relationship problems, and too many other issues to list gives me vast resources to help you grow. It would be an honor to work with you.
You will find me to be client focused offering a safe, confidential place to address and work through your personal problems/issues. Clients find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental. You get to set your goals and pace for therapy. My 25 years of experience working with victims of abuse and trauma, adoptive families, depression, anxiety, grief, behavioral and emotional problems, parenting issues, relationship problems, and too many other issues to list gives me vast resources to help you grow. It would be an honor to work with you.
(406) 961-7375 View (406) 961-7375
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.