Adoption Therapists in Vermont
Courtney McGuire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Albans, VT 05478
Telehealth Only at this time I have been lucky to spend the last ten years helping children and families facing a diverse range of life challenges, including anxiety, school challenges, adoption, foster care, trauma and grief and loss. I have worked in schools, community mental health, and intensive home based services. I deeply believe in the healing power of relationships in children's lives. I do everything I can to support family relationships and to build a strong, trusting relationship during the treatment process. I believe that learning and healing best happen when children feel safe, cared for and are having fun.
Telehealth Only at this time I have been lucky to spend the last ten years helping children and families facing a diverse range of life challenges, including anxiety, school challenges, adoption, foster care, trauma and grief and loss. I have worked in schools, community mental health, and intensive home based services. I deeply believe in the healing power of relationships in children's lives. I do everything I can to support family relationships and to build a strong, trusting relationship during the treatment process. I believe that learning and healing best happen when children feel safe, cared for and are having fun.
Judith R Bush
ACSW, MSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Wilder, VT 05088
Family and individual development has been a central theme in my work since beginning a social work career in 1967. For many years, I practiced within an agency. A focus on how best to support families coping with challenges after adoption characterized my last agency years. Since 1998, I have had a private counseling practice: Adoption Conversations. In 2013, I joined with two former colleagues to open Dothan Brook Associates on Route 5 in Wilder, VT. My counseling work is now generalized to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking to understand themselves and improve their relationships or their functioning.
Family and individual development has been a central theme in my work since beginning a social work career in 1967. For many years, I practiced within an agency. A focus on how best to support families coping with challenges after adoption characterized my last agency years. Since 1998, I have had a private counseling practice: Adoption Conversations. In 2013, I joined with two former colleagues to open Dothan Brook Associates on Route 5 in Wilder, VT. My counseling work is now generalized to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking to understand themselves and improve their relationships or their functioning.
Hailey Libbey
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colchester, VT 05446
I have extensive experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma & PTSD, LGBTQA+, adoption & attachment, grief & loss, etc.
*Accepting New Clients!** Are you feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Have you experienced a traumatic event or loss and struggling to navigate the world around you? I may be able to help. I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2019. For the past 3 years I have worked with children and teens (5-18) along with their caregivers (bio/foster/adoptive/kin). I have provided direct client care to adults 65+ for over 13 years. I will use a collection of therapeutic modalities to meet your needs. Contact me today at Haileylibbey@gmail.com
I have extensive experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma & PTSD, LGBTQA+, adoption & attachment, grief & loss, etc.
*Accepting New Clients!** Are you feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Have you experienced a traumatic event or loss and struggling to navigate the world around you? I may be able to help. I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2019. For the past 3 years I have worked with children and teens (5-18) along with their caregivers (bio/foster/adoptive/kin). I have provided direct client care to adults 65+ for over 13 years. I will use a collection of therapeutic modalities to meet your needs. Contact me today at Haileylibbey@gmail.com
Scott Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, VT 05091 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Facilitate treatment with individuals who have PTSD histories including attachment issues in the context of foster & adoption issues; Working with families or young adults who struggle to communicate, get along or are in challenging life situations.
Thank you for your interest. My clinical work focuses on individuals who are experiencing personal, family or relational and communication difficulty. These may include couples or parents of children or teenagers. Additionally, young adults in transition in life including school, job or a relationship. My therapeutic approach is to first explore with you your life history, the presenting problem and then develop a plan, utilizing tools to manage the stressors better. We'll establish goals for our work and embark on a journey together.
Facilitate treatment with individuals who have PTSD histories including attachment issues in the context of foster & adoption issues; Working with families or young adults who struggle to communicate, get along or are in challenging life situations.
Thank you for your interest. My clinical work focuses on individuals who are experiencing personal, family or relational and communication difficulty. These may include couples or parents of children or teenagers. Additionally, young adults in transition in life including school, job or a relationship. My therapeutic approach is to first explore with you your life history, the presenting problem and then develop a plan, utilizing tools to manage the stressors better. We'll establish goals for our work and embark on a journey together.
Pamela Kneisel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Norwich, VT 05055
I help individuals and families adapt to major life-altering events related to loss, separation, adoption, pregnancy, and relationship conflict.
I strive to have clients feel safe and accepted while exploring the difficult issues that bring them to my office. I help some people pursue a deeper understanding of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that interfere with their living a full and vibrant life. With others we develop strategies designed to address particular issues or change specific challenging behaviors. Much of my work explores connections between early life experiences and current functioning. Specific issues such as anxiety, trauma, or loss have unique strategies that are effective and they are introduced as needed.
I help individuals and families adapt to major life-altering events related to loss, separation, adoption, pregnancy, and relationship conflict.
I strive to have clients feel safe and accepted while exploring the difficult issues that bring them to my office. I help some people pursue a deeper understanding of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that interfere with their living a full and vibrant life. With others we develop strategies designed to address particular issues or change specific challenging behaviors. Much of my work explores connections between early life experiences and current functioning. Specific issues such as anxiety, trauma, or loss have unique strategies that are effective and they are introduced as needed.
Rachel Gray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VT 05477 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with people who are struggling with infertility, perinatal concerns, and new parenthood. I am especially interested in supporting those who desire to build their own families and need emotional support through the process of infertility, fertility treatments, and exploring various pathways to parenthood such as surrogacy and adoption. I am a strong advocate for maternal mental health and I believe more support for mothers is needed in our society after birth and adoption. I also enjoy working with those who are going through transitions in life, whether that is due to relationship changes, a move or change in job.
I enjoy working with people who are struggling with infertility, perinatal concerns, and new parenthood. I am especially interested in supporting those who desire to build their own families and need emotional support through the process of infertility, fertility treatments, and exploring various pathways to parenthood such as surrogacy and adoption. I am a strong advocate for maternal mental health and I believe more support for mothers is needed in our society after birth and adoption. I also enjoy working with those who are going through transitions in life, whether that is due to relationship changes, a move or change in job.
Danielle Robillard D'Amico, Psy.D., LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401 (Online Only)
With more than 25 years of experience, I have worked in a variety of settings including clinical, medical, and academic milieus, and with a diverse clientele in urban and rural areas. I have extensive expertise in treating those who face a variety of challenges including anxiety, stress, sadness and depressed mood, grief, family and life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, adoption, attachment-related concerns, OCD, chronic illness, and interpersonal struggles. Additionally, I work with clients seeking to deepen self-awareness, heal unresolved areas, and expand their capacity for meaningful connection and fulfillment.
With more than 25 years of experience, I have worked in a variety of settings including clinical, medical, and academic milieus, and with a diverse clientele in urban and rural areas. I have extensive expertise in treating those who face a variety of challenges including anxiety, stress, sadness and depressed mood, grief, family and life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, adoption, attachment-related concerns, OCD, chronic illness, and interpersonal struggles. Additionally, I work with clients seeking to deepen self-awareness, heal unresolved areas, and expand their capacity for meaningful connection and fulfillment.
Sandra Nigolian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05408
I have experience with acute mental health crisis, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, adoption, ADHD, substance misuse, and a variety of other life situations.
Life presents challenges sometimes. Learning how to access our resiliency, explore negative thought patterns, and strengthen new positive beliefs assists us in creating and maintaining a thriving daily life. I recognize that each person is diverse, having a unique family, social, and cultural history, and that healing and growth can be dependent on numerous factors. I use therapy methods that help bridge communication with children, youth and adults. I hold also hold BA in studio art that contributes to the creativity element of my work with individuals.
I have experience with acute mental health crisis, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, adoption, ADHD, substance misuse, and a variety of other life situations.
Life presents challenges sometimes. Learning how to access our resiliency, explore negative thought patterns, and strengthen new positive beliefs assists us in creating and maintaining a thriving daily life. I recognize that each person is diverse, having a unique family, social, and cultural history, and that healing and growth can be dependent on numerous factors. I use therapy methods that help bridge communication with children, youth and adults. I hold also hold BA in studio art that contributes to the creativity element of my work with individuals.
Gordon W Petersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CEAP
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
I also have experience in working with adoptive families and couples considering adoption.
For the time being I am working virtually using a telemedicine portal. So far it as been working out well!! Focusing on self and on family history can provide insights to meaningful change. Knowledge of who you are enables you to redirect anxiety and think differently about others in your family and larger social system. Challenges can become opportunities.
I also have experience in working with adoptive families and couples considering adoption.
For the time being I am working virtually using a telemedicine portal. So far it as been working out well!! Focusing on self and on family history can provide insights to meaningful change. Knowledge of who you are enables you to redirect anxiety and think differently about others in your family and larger social system. Challenges can become opportunities.
Michelle Minogue
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05405 (Online Only)
Do you feel discouraged, anxious, or just unable to feel better? Do you ever get stuck in your thoughts or worry that you aren't good enough? Experiencing conflict in your relationship? Struggling with adoption issues? Have a family member with special needs? Life presents us with many challenges that can be overwhelming. My priority as a therapist is to provide you with a caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where your strengths, unrecognized needs, and goals can be realized. I work with clients on creating meaningful connections, improving self-esteem and confidence, self-care, and achieving overall well-being.
Do you feel discouraged, anxious, or just unable to feel better? Do you ever get stuck in your thoughts or worry that you aren't good enough? Experiencing conflict in your relationship? Struggling with adoption issues? Have a family member with special needs? Life presents us with many challenges that can be overwhelming. My priority as a therapist is to provide you with a caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where your strengths, unrecognized needs, and goals can be realized. I work with clients on creating meaningful connections, improving self-esteem and confidence, self-care, and achieving overall well-being.
Wendy Maria Kennedy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brattleboro, VT 05301
I am a LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 13 years of experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, codependency, relationship issues, and PTSD. I have many years of experience working with adults who come from families with substance abuse issues. I enjoy working with women who are having struggles around parenting and relationships. I also worked with children and families for years. I was the supervisor of a foster family agency. Due to this I am well versed in issues around parenting, adoption and children who have experienced foster care.
I am a LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 13 years of experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, codependency, relationship issues, and PTSD. I have many years of experience working with adults who come from families with substance abuse issues. I enjoy working with women who are having struggles around parenting and relationships. I also worked with children and families for years. I was the supervisor of a foster family agency. Due to this I am well versed in issues around parenting, adoption and children who have experienced foster care.
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Laura Hoskins
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Brattleboro, VT 05301
I have experience and expertise in working with adoptive children and families, particularly around attachment disorders. My practice has shown me that I have a particular skill with pre-teens and adolescents. Clients in the LGBTQ and alternative lifestyles communities will find an open-minded and welcoming presence in working with me. I especially enjoy working with transgender teens and young adults. I seek to help empower clients to find inner resources to fulfill their life goals and duly face life's challenges.
I have experience and expertise in working with adoptive children and families, particularly around attachment disorders. My practice has shown me that I have a particular skill with pre-teens and adolescents. Clients in the LGBTQ and alternative lifestyles communities will find an open-minded and welcoming presence in working with me. I especially enjoy working with transgender teens and young adults. I seek to help empower clients to find inner resources to fulfill their life goals and duly face life's challenges.
Randy J. Bulpin Counseling and Supervision
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hardwick, VT 05843
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is based on the premise that the relationship is key to emotional wellbeing. Life experiences and especially trauma can lead us to distort our interpretations of both our internal and external worlds. My counseling experience began in 2007 working with young people with extensive social, emotional, and behavioral needs. This inevitably raised my awareness of the importance of the family and related support systems. I spent much of my life as a professional musician and have been able to use music in my therapeutic work, supporting the development and maintenance of sharing, self-regulation, and effective communication.
My practice is based on the premise that the relationship is key to emotional wellbeing. Life experiences and especially trauma can lead us to distort our interpretations of both our internal and external worlds. My counseling experience began in 2007 working with young people with extensive social, emotional, and behavioral needs. This inevitably raised my awareness of the importance of the family and related support systems. I spent much of my life as a professional musician and have been able to use music in my therapeutic work, supporting the development and maintenance of sharing, self-regulation, and effective communication.
Christopher Colpitts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819
For over 20 years, I have enjoyed working with children, adolescents and their families to improve relationships, overcome the effects of complex trauma, and foster healthy attachments between children and parents. I have experience working with attachment issues, as well as training in Trauma-Focused CBT. With children, a directive, supportive and playful approach is used to overcome shame and fear. I also treat adults with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Meeting clients where they are is important to healing emotional wounds and building confidence in personal decision making.
For over 20 years, I have enjoyed working with children, adolescents and their families to improve relationships, overcome the effects of complex trauma, and foster healthy attachments between children and parents. I have experience working with attachment issues, as well as training in Trauma-Focused CBT. With children, a directive, supportive and playful approach is used to overcome shame and fear. I also treat adults with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Meeting clients where they are is important to healing emotional wounds and building confidence in personal decision making.
Moxie Taylor Craig
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Are you struggling to find your place within your community or within yourself? Together we can seek out clarity, navigate transition, and strengthen relationships. Our therapeutic work centers around creating a deeper understanding self, diving into your beliefs and values, and the cycles we play out in relationships with others.
Are you struggling to find your place within your community or within yourself? Together we can seek out clarity, navigate transition, and strengthen relationships. Our therapeutic work centers around creating a deeper understanding self, diving into your beliefs and values, and the cycles we play out in relationships with others.
Renee Kondos
Counselor, LCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Welcome to Hobbyhorse Counseling, LLC! My practice focuses on treating children and families that have experienced trauma, as well as working with those who experience trauma due to being marginalized by our society. I believe in focusing on strengths, spending time engaged in play, and building a team of supports to help achieve goals.
Welcome to Hobbyhorse Counseling, LLC! My practice focuses on treating children and families that have experienced trauma, as well as working with those who experience trauma due to being marginalized by our society. I believe in focusing on strengths, spending time engaged in play, and building a team of supports to help achieve goals.
Abby Jacobson, Adoptee Counselor
MA
Verified Verified
Putney, VT 05346
Adoptees are often a silent population due to challenges surrounding the issue of trust. Needs for this population may include difficulties connecting with others, difficulty with self esteem & making decisions to appease others rather than for themselves. Goals are often directly linked to these issues. How do I know? I have both lived experiences as a former foster child & adoptee who then used those experiences to launch me into the field of psychotherapy where I accrued over 20 years of experience. Learning to trust & knowing who we are as adoptees is an important part of the healing work we will do together.
Adoptees are often a silent population due to challenges surrounding the issue of trust. Needs for this population may include difficulties connecting with others, difficulty with self esteem & making decisions to appease others rather than for themselves. Goals are often directly linked to these issues. How do I know? I have both lived experiences as a former foster child & adoptee who then used those experiences to launch me into the field of psychotherapy where I accrued over 20 years of experience. Learning to trust & knowing who we are as adoptees is an important part of the healing work we will do together.
Hannah Fuller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
I believe one of the most healing things we can do is understand our stories and how it affects our everyday life and relationships. These experiences can manifest in different ways such as anxiety, emotional numbness, or relationship challenges. The clients I work with have oftentimes experienced complex relational traumas in childhood and dysfunctional family dynamics. Through these difficult experiences, we develop coping strategies and protective behaviors, which may no longer be serving you.
I believe one of the most healing things we can do is understand our stories and how it affects our everyday life and relationships. These experiences can manifest in different ways such as anxiety, emotional numbness, or relationship challenges. The clients I work with have oftentimes experienced complex relational traumas in childhood and dysfunctional family dynamics. Through these difficult experiences, we develop coping strategies and protective behaviors, which may no longer be serving you.
Emily Agostini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
Are you feeling anxious, stressed, worn out? Do you struggle saying no to others leaving little time for yourself? Do you often find yourself overthinking small situations? Are you looking to better understand how your past is impacting you today?
Are you feeling anxious, stressed, worn out? Do you struggle saying no to others leaving little time for yourself? Do you often find yourself overthinking small situations? Are you looking to better understand how your past is impacting you today?
Jennifer Blanchard Counseling
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, RN, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
Waitlist for new clients
We share a universal humanness as we agonize over decisions, struggle with isolation, endure losses, & seek meaning in life. I believe this fundamental connection is at the root of all healing. You yearn for compassionate listening & an empathetic personal engagement in your journey towards positive self-discovery. I want to help you find the freedom to generate new ways of thinking, feeling & acting: to transform unhelpful personal narratives into strength-based versions you can use to flourish. Adult or child, you are uniquely beautiful & vulnerable. Through talk or play, we'll explore how you can live more comfortably as both.
We share a universal humanness as we agonize over decisions, struggle with isolation, endure losses, & seek meaning in life. I believe this fundamental connection is at the root of all healing. You yearn for compassionate listening & an empathetic personal engagement in your journey towards positive self-discovery. I want to help you find the freedom to generate new ways of thinking, feeling & acting: to transform unhelpful personal narratives into strength-based versions you can use to flourish. Adult or child, you are uniquely beautiful & vulnerable. Through talk or play, we'll explore how you can live more comfortably as both.
See more therapy options for Vermont
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.