Adoption Therapists in Sciota, PA

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Photo of K. D. Ferrari, PhD, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
K. D. Ferrari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
I'm Dr. Kate Ferrari and am here to assist you with difficulties you may be encountering in your life through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Regardless of the problems you are experiencing, my goal is to provide support, work with you to set goals for your future and develop tools to reach them. I believe in a holistic perspective to mental well-being, and am a proponent of neurodiversity, who will help you on your personal path towards the life you would like to live. Please note that all services are provided virtually and are tailored to fit your individual needs.
I'm Dr. Kate Ferrari and am here to assist you with difficulties you may be encountering in your life through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Regardless of the problems you are experiencing, my goal is to provide support, work with you to set goals for your future and develop tools to reach them. I believe in a holistic perspective to mental well-being, and am a proponent of neurodiversity, who will help you on your personal path towards the life you would like to live. Please note that all services are provided virtually and are tailored to fit your individual needs.
(814) 317-0350 View (814) 317-0350
Photo of Alla Leybinsky, LPC, LMHC , M Ed, CADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alla Leybinsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC , M Ed, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Living with depression is like living with thick fog that rolls into your life and affects everything meaningful in its path. It changes everything about you … how you think, feel and function in daily activities. It may have even started interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life. The people close to you probably have noticed, but they don’t know how to help you, and you don’t know how to help yourself. Trying to get through the day is overwhelming and seems like an impossible task. Seeking help from a therapist can seem scary because you want to make sure you choose someone who you truly connect with.
Living with depression is like living with thick fog that rolls into your life and affects everything meaningful in its path. It changes everything about you … how you think, feel and function in daily activities. It may have even started interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life. The people close to you probably have noticed, but they don’t know how to help you, and you don’t know how to help yourself. Trying to get through the day is overwhelming and seems like an impossible task. Seeking help from a therapist can seem scary because you want to make sure you choose someone who you truly connect with.
(929) 205-1633 View (929) 205-1633
Photo of Ana Mercedes Velez, MSW, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ana Mercedes Velez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Gilbert, PA 18331
At times, we all face trauma,crisis and challenges that influence our relationships with family and significant others. Many times these challenges, trauma or crisis leave profound emotional scars and pain that affect our performance and ability to cope and to function in a more healthy and productive way. I have good listening skills and a good sense of humor, which make my clients feel relaxed and comfortable.
At times, we all face trauma,crisis and challenges that influence our relationships with family and significant others. Many times these challenges, trauma or crisis leave profound emotional scars and pain that affect our performance and ability to cope and to function in a more healthy and productive way. I have good listening skills and a good sense of humor, which make my clients feel relaxed and comfortable.
(570) 279-4948 View (570) 279-4948
Photo of Michael L Raskind - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Stroudsburg, PA 18360  (Online Only)
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
(610) 510-6360 View (610) 510-6360
Photo of Christine Catania-Rachlin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Catania-Rachlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Not accepting new clients
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.
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.
(413) 359-6925 View (413) 359-6925

Online Therapists

Photo of Angelle E. Richardson, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angelle E. Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with anyone impacted by adoption to navigate this process.
I am an experienced and empathetic Family Therapist, specializing in adoption, foster care, trauma and grief. My goal is to hold space for people to share their stories and work toward healing. I have over 18 years of experience working with people from diverse family constellations. I enjoy helping them find a way to move toward a better future.
I enjoy working with anyone impacted by adoption to navigate this process.
I am an experienced and empathetic Family Therapist, specializing in adoption, foster care, trauma and grief. My goal is to hold space for people to share their stories and work toward healing. I have over 18 years of experience working with people from diverse family constellations. I enjoy helping them find a way to move toward a better future.
(267) 477-7302 View (267) 477-7302
Photo of Susan V. Brewer, BS, CADC, CC
Susan V. Brewer
Counselor/Life Coach, BS, CADC, CC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sellersville, PA 18960
Focus is on grief and loss, relationship patterns, self-worth, and adoption.
WELCOME TO LIVING A LIFE OF BALANCE All of us face struggles in our lives. We experience problems and difficulties sometimes on a daily basis and other times only occasionally. When we feel stuck we have a tendency to repeat negative or self-defeating patterns/behaviors. This repetition often causes us to become overly critical of ourselves. Our work together is designed to help you to understand the why and how so that you can make the changes you want in your life. Change is never easy; however it is so worth it!! You will be pleasantly surprised by how happy you will become.
Focus is on grief and loss, relationship patterns, self-worth, and adoption.
WELCOME TO LIVING A LIFE OF BALANCE All of us face struggles in our lives. We experience problems and difficulties sometimes on a daily basis and other times only occasionally. When we feel stuck we have a tendency to repeat negative or self-defeating patterns/behaviors. This repetition often causes us to become overly critical of ourselves. Our work together is designed to help you to understand the why and how so that you can make the changes you want in your life. Change is never easy; however it is so worth it!! You will be pleasantly surprised by how happy you will become.
(215) 297-4277 View (215) 297-4277
Photo of Richard Koenig, PsyD, Psychologist
Richard Koenig
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Exton, PA 19341
In my professional life, I have concentrated in a number of specialty areas- clients with combined medical and psychological difficulties, addictions, child and adolescent disorders, sexual disorders and sexual abuse, and adoption related issues.
I have been in practice thirty years. I see psychotherapy as a process of increasing self awareness, developing a more realistic and tolerant self esteem, and identifying and working through losses, disappointments and relational conflicts. This process enables reduction in pain, greater self acceptance, and comfort in relationships and family. This process occurs in a collaborative effort between you the client, and myself. The safe environment of the office allows for the full expression and understanding of what you experience, think, and feel. Our work together enables symptom relief, greater personal understanding, growth, responsibility and contentment.
In my professional life, I have concentrated in a number of specialty areas- clients with combined medical and psychological difficulties, addictions, child and adolescent disorders, sexual disorders and sexual abuse, and adoption related issues.
I have been in practice thirty years. I see psychotherapy as a process of increasing self awareness, developing a more realistic and tolerant self esteem, and identifying and working through losses, disappointments and relational conflicts. This process enables reduction in pain, greater self acceptance, and comfort in relationships and family. This process occurs in a collaborative effort between you the client, and myself. The safe environment of the office allows for the full expression and understanding of what you experience, think, and feel. Our work together enables symptom relief, greater personal understanding, growth, responsibility and contentment.
(610) 915-8484 View (610) 915-8484
Photo of Donna M. Kane, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Donna M. Kane
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
I am well acquainted with anxiety, depression and offer CBT and DBT skills; as well as family and relational issues, adolescence, past trauma/abuse, abandonment issues, SPD, PTSD, RAD and other attachment and adjustment issues, adoption and foster care related issues,self-destructive behaviors and inability to regulate emotions.
I have a true passion for working with adults and adolescents who are suffering from an inability to form healthy relationships with their loved ones. My office offers a warm setting for people of all ages to feel safe and explore their "child within". I use play and art therapy as well as evidenced based techniques to empower parents and help them to connect with their child and unlock their full potential. I love helping families grow with healthy coping skills. I also truly enjoy working with adults to explore their own past and how it affects their relationships today.
I am well acquainted with anxiety, depression and offer CBT and DBT skills; as well as family and relational issues, adolescence, past trauma/abuse, abandonment issues, SPD, PTSD, RAD and other attachment and adjustment issues, adoption and foster care related issues,self-destructive behaviors and inability to regulate emotions.
I have a true passion for working with adults and adolescents who are suffering from an inability to form healthy relationships with their loved ones. My office offers a warm setting for people of all ages to feel safe and explore their "child within". I use play and art therapy as well as evidenced based techniques to empower parents and help them to connect with their child and unlock their full potential. I love helping families grow with healthy coping skills. I also truly enjoy working with adults to explore their own past and how it affects their relationships today.
(215) 874-5600 View (215) 874-5600
Photo of Lynne A Williams, PhD, Psychologist
Lynne A Williams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kutztown, PA 19530
My experiences living in and working with people from multiple cultures and faith backgrounds help me to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. My professional experiences range from marriage and parenting issues, mood and anxiety disorders, delinquency, veterans' issues, career selection, bereavement, trauma recovery, family violence, adoption & infertility issues, relationship problems, cross-cultural adjustment, chronic illness and pain, and the challenges of living with ADHD and other learning difficulties.
My experiences living in and working with people from multiple cultures and faith backgrounds help me to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. My professional experiences range from marriage and parenting issues, mood and anxiety disorders, delinquency, veterans' issues, career selection, bereavement, trauma recovery, family violence, adoption & infertility issues, relationship problems, cross-cultural adjustment, chronic illness and pain, and the challenges of living with ADHD and other learning difficulties.
(484) 734-2746 View (484) 734-2746
Photo of Laurie Schein - New Journey Family Center, LCSW, MAMFT, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
New Journey Family Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
I have worked in various settings including foster care and adoption, in home and community services and outpatient.
Our passion for therapy is helping people of all ages discover their full potential in life and overcome obstacles. Our goal is to create a safe environment for you to turn and face the challenges you experience and identify new ways to create a meaningful life. For us, therapy is relationship and we would be honored to walk with you along your journey. We would like to offer our trainings and experiences, both professionally and personally to collaborate with you to help you reach your goals. We look forward to walking with you on this journey of healing and self-discovery!
I have worked in various settings including foster care and adoption, in home and community services and outpatient.
Our passion for therapy is helping people of all ages discover their full potential in life and overcome obstacles. Our goal is to create a safe environment for you to turn and face the challenges you experience and identify new ways to create a meaningful life. For us, therapy is relationship and we would be honored to walk with you along your journey. We would like to offer our trainings and experiences, both professionally and personally to collaborate with you to help you reach your goals. We look forward to walking with you on this journey of healing and self-discovery!
(717) 850-9573 View (717) 850-9573
Photo of Julia Ruane, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Ruane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Glenside, PA 19038  (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
(215) 999-7062 View (215) 999-7062
Photo of Lisa J Taylor, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa J Taylor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richboro, PA 18954
Here are some examples of challenges we can work on together: improving communication skills, conflict resolution, blending families, becoming a grandparent, financial stress, coping with loss in the family, infertility, adoption, cultural/generational differences, postpartum depression, children’s behavior issues, and sexual/gender identity exploration.
Relationships can be the greatest source of joy in people’s lives, but they also have the potential to cause us the most pain. The complex dynamics between romantic partners, parents and children, siblings, friends, and even colleagues can be incredibly challenging to navigate. I can help you to reclaim the joy in your relationships and learn how to nurture them to become even stronger. Your personal experiences have led you to develop the relationship patterns you have today, but I believe it is never too late to break unsatisfying cycles and create new, healthier ways of relating to the people you care about.
Here are some examples of challenges we can work on together: improving communication skills, conflict resolution, blending families, becoming a grandparent, financial stress, coping with loss in the family, infertility, adoption, cultural/generational differences, postpartum depression, children’s behavior issues, and sexual/gender identity exploration.
Relationships can be the greatest source of joy in people’s lives, but they also have the potential to cause us the most pain. The complex dynamics between romantic partners, parents and children, siblings, friends, and even colleagues can be incredibly challenging to navigate. I can help you to reclaim the joy in your relationships and learn how to nurture them to become even stronger. Your personal experiences have led you to develop the relationship patterns you have today, but I believe it is never too late to break unsatisfying cycles and create new, healthier ways of relating to the people you care about.
(267) 459-3703 View (267) 459-3703
Photo of Megan Schlude, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Schlude
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Media, PA 19063
I specialize in maternal mental health and work with mothers in all stages of motherhood- infertility, mood/anxiety disorders occurring in pregnancy or postpartum, adoption, pregnancy loss, birth trauma and much more.
Motherhood is hard, and oftentimes a role that receives very little support. Do you feel alone in trying to figure out how to mother? Do you wish you could feel more confident in this role? I have devoted my practice to helping mothers create more satisfying, productive, and peaceful lives. I believe in the healing powers of the therapeutic relationship and work hard to foster a genuine connection with my clients. Our sessions will be interactive and collaborative. I have a great passion for 'helping people help themselves' and work in a participatory manner with my clients. I look forward to being on this journey with you.
I specialize in maternal mental health and work with mothers in all stages of motherhood- infertility, mood/anxiety disorders occurring in pregnancy or postpartum, adoption, pregnancy loss, birth trauma and much more.
Motherhood is hard, and oftentimes a role that receives very little support. Do you feel alone in trying to figure out how to mother? Do you wish you could feel more confident in this role? I have devoted my practice to helping mothers create more satisfying, productive, and peaceful lives. I believe in the healing powers of the therapeutic relationship and work hard to foster a genuine connection with my clients. Our sessions will be interactive and collaborative. I have a great passion for 'helping people help themselves' and work in a participatory manner with my clients. I look forward to being on this journey with you.
(484) 209-1402 View (484) 209-1402
Photo of Gina Rothermel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Rothermel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19110
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and reach their goals. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, misogyny and sexism, a patriarchal system, homophobia, white supremacy and racism, gender role socialization, and ableism.
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and reach their goals. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, misogyny and sexism, a patriarchal system, homophobia, white supremacy and racism, gender role socialization, and ableism.
(215) 392-6879 View (215) 392-6879
Photo of Diane E Schulz, BA, MSW, CYT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Diane E Schulz
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MSW, CYT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17602
I am adoption competent and trauma-informed.
I recognize the importance of creating safe spaces and do so with an energy of warmth, validation and humor. I support clients from a healing-centered approach to identify goals, manage stress and process traumatic experiences through enhancing communication, somatic (body-focused) techniques, mindfulness and other creative practices for self-reflection and self-regulation. I recognize that processing grief or pain are important aspects of growth and that we can be more responsive and vulnerable without collapsing. As a collaborator on your healing journey, I approach our work together with genuine curiosity and open-mindedness.
I am adoption competent and trauma-informed.
I recognize the importance of creating safe spaces and do so with an energy of warmth, validation and humor. I support clients from a healing-centered approach to identify goals, manage stress and process traumatic experiences through enhancing communication, somatic (body-focused) techniques, mindfulness and other creative practices for self-reflection and self-regulation. I recognize that processing grief or pain are important aspects of growth and that we can be more responsive and vulnerable without collapsing. As a collaborator on your healing journey, I approach our work together with genuine curiosity and open-mindedness.
(223) 267-6040 View (223) 267-6040
Photo of Kimberly D Fisel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly D Fisel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19145
I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental and behavioral health difficulties in adults, adolescents, couples and families such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, infidelity, academic difficulties, socialization and spectrum disorders. I am is skilled at working with Couples and families who are in transition: experiencing separation, grief and loss, trauma and adoption. I work towards goals that have been established together to enhance the quality of relationship that a client has with themself and others in their life.
I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental and behavioral health difficulties in adults, adolescents, couples and families such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, infidelity, academic difficulties, socialization and spectrum disorders. I am is skilled at working with Couples and families who are in transition: experiencing separation, grief and loss, trauma and adoption. I work towards goals that have been established together to enhance the quality of relationship that a client has with themself and others in their life.
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Photo of Karen Mummau - Matters of the Heart Counseling, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matters of the Heart Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Salunga, PA 17538
I work with a variety of specialties which include adoption related issues, self harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, trauma and many other difficulties encountered in life.
Does it feel like chaos is all around you? Are you struggling to keep it all together? Have you tried solving the problems in your life and it's just not working? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? Have you tried everything you can think of and still feel stuck? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and uncertain about life and how to navigate all it requires. Not addressing your feelings can lead to health difficulties, increased fatigue, and less life enjoyment. I believe there is hope.
I work with a variety of specialties which include adoption related issues, self harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, trauma and many other difficulties encountered in life.
Does it feel like chaos is all around you? Are you struggling to keep it all together? Have you tried solving the problems in your life and it's just not working? Do you feel lost and overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? Have you tried everything you can think of and still feel stuck? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and uncertain about life and how to navigate all it requires. Not addressing your feelings can lead to health difficulties, increased fatigue, and less life enjoyment. I believe there is hope.
(717) 271-7866 View (717) 271-7866
Photo of Tiffany Jolly Jacob, MS, LPC, BSL, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany Jolly Jacob
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, BSL, NCC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Throughout the years I've found opportunities to work with various populations ranging in ages, diagnoses, goals, & approaches. I have extensive experience working with children & adolescents on the autism spectrum, as well as with parents to teach skills to manage behavioral issues. I also do family counseling, including with families & adoption. I work with with children & adolescents with trauma, anxiety, & behavioral issues (oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, ADHD, & reactive attachment disorder). I have experience working with the female population struggling with drug/alcohol addiction, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, andd mood difficulties.
Throughout the years I've found opportunities to work with various populations ranging in ages, diagnoses, goals, & approaches. I have extensive experience working with children & adolescents on the autism spectrum, as well as with parents to teach skills to manage behavioral issues. I also do family counseling, including with families & adoption. I work with with children & adolescents with trauma, anxiety, & behavioral issues (oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, ADHD, & reactive attachment disorder). I have experience working with the female population struggling with drug/alcohol addiction, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, andd mood difficulties.
(631) 593-4482 View (631) 593-4482
Stephanie Drabble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19145
I specialize in evaluation and treatment/support to young children and parents, adoption, grief, depression, trauma and anxiety.
I am here to support you and your children and would be honored to be your family's therapist.
I specialize in evaluation and treatment/support to young children and parents, adoption, grief, depression, trauma and anxiety.
I am here to support you and your children and would be honored to be your family's therapist.
(267) 485-6758 View (267) 485-6758

See more therapy options for Sciota

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.