Photo of Amy Heidecker, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Amy Heidecker
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221
Now accepting online clients in WA & MT. This journey called life is full of ups & downs, joy & pain, being known and feeling alone. This is most prominent during transition times like adolescence, graduating, getting married or divorced, or losing part of your identity through a change in roles or job. In my practice I honor the whole person and treat mind, body, & spirit, as well as the connections with others in relationships. You are welcome & encouraged to bring your whole story and whole self to the therapy process.
Now accepting online clients in WA & MT. This journey called life is full of ups & downs, joy & pain, being known and feeling alone. This is most prominent during transition times like adolescence, graduating, getting married or divorced, or losing part of your identity through a change in roles or job. In my practice I honor the whole person and treat mind, body, & spirit, as well as the connections with others in relationships. You are welcome & encouraged to bring your whole story and whole self to the therapy process.
(406) 612-1414 View (406) 612-1414
Photo of Todd Webb, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Todd Webb
Counselor, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
During my career, I've worked with many diverse individuals, couples, and families to find healing and restoration from a variety of complicated and often very messy problems. I offer a unique measure of acceptance, support, and assistance for my clients. Besides my experience and training, I've personally struggled with difficult life issues myself. I know healing is possible and I am committed to helping you find it. If you choose to work with me, together we'll discover the root causes of your predicament and strive toward making changes that will ultimately lead to greater happiness and satisfaction.
During my career, I've worked with many diverse individuals, couples, and families to find healing and restoration from a variety of complicated and often very messy problems. I offer a unique measure of acceptance, support, and assistance for my clients. Besides my experience and training, I've personally struggled with difficult life issues myself. I know healing is possible and I am committed to helping you find it. If you choose to work with me, together we'll discover the root causes of your predicament and strive toward making changes that will ultimately lead to greater happiness and satisfaction.
(360) 301-7976 View (360) 301-7976
Photo of CradleStone, LLC , Counselor in Anacortes, WA
CradleStone, LLC
Counselor, MS, MAC, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Are you alone and feeling no support? Is your teenager struggling to be part of your family? Whether your teen is acting out through high-risk behaviors or isolating through technology, your family is probably feeling the strain. When you aren't sure how to help your teen or what they truly need, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. I'm here to support you, your teen, and your family so you can move through your challenges together. Individuals seeking help with depressive or anxious feelings can find solutions through me as well.
Are you alone and feeling no support? Is your teenager struggling to be part of your family? Whether your teen is acting out through high-risk behaviors or isolating through technology, your family is probably feeling the strain. When you aren't sure how to help your teen or what they truly need, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. I'm here to support you, your teen, and your family so you can move through your challenges together. Individuals seeking help with depressive or anxious feelings can find solutions through me as well.
(360) 614-2842 View (360) 614-2842
Photo of Tony Vecchione, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Tony Vecchione
Counselor, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes life is hard. You get stuck. You realize that this isn't the life you thought you'd be living. Unexpected life changing events happen. Old patterns or unresolved trauma may hold you back.. My strength is to help support you in an honest and direct way. I want to help you gain insight into the challenges you are facing and the life experiences that have brought you here. With that insight, we can work together to develop a plan for positive change, and give you the tools you need to live the life you want to be living.
Sometimes life is hard. You get stuck. You realize that this isn't the life you thought you'd be living. Unexpected life changing events happen. Old patterns or unresolved trauma may hold you back.. My strength is to help support you in an honest and direct way. I want to help you gain insight into the challenges you are facing and the life experiences that have brought you here. With that insight, we can work together to develop a plan for positive change, and give you the tools you need to live the life you want to be living.
(360) 234-3811 View (360) 234-3811
Photo of Aaron R. Burdge, Psychologist in Anacortes, WA
Aaron R. Burdge
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Not accepting new clients
My personal philosophy of human nature is optimistic, hopeful, and empowering. Human beings are the world's most valuable resource. We can be powerful agents for good and for self-improvement if we choose to engage in the work necessary to realize our potential. My ability to perceive the thoughts and feelings of my clients assists me in helping clients to make significant, positive changes in their lives.
My personal philosophy of human nature is optimistic, hopeful, and empowering. Human beings are the world's most valuable resource. We can be powerful agents for good and for self-improvement if we choose to engage in the work necessary to realize our potential. My ability to perceive the thoughts and feelings of my clients assists me in helping clients to make significant, positive changes in their lives.
(360) 682-5299 View (360) 682-5299

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Clarity Counseling-Joan Forest LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Clarity Counseling-Joan Forest LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, I, C, S, W
Verified Verified
La Conner, WA 98257
Each client has unique circumstances, challenges and goals, and I adapt my treatment to best fit the particular needs of the individual, couple or family. I am experienced in helping clients with difficult life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and marital problems. I am currently seeing children age five and up, teens and adults. My office is located in Greenbank, WA, and I provide telehealth as well as in person therapy.
Each client has unique circumstances, challenges and goals, and I adapt my treatment to best fit the particular needs of the individual, couple or family. I am experienced in helping clients with difficult life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and marital problems. I am currently seeing children age five and up, teens and adults. My office is located in Greenbank, WA, and I provide telehealth as well as in person therapy.
(360) 284-1317 View (360) 284-1317

Online Therapists

Photo of Gera McGuire, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Gera McGuire
Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Enumclaw, WA 98022
I work with many client challenges including complicated grief/loss, divorce/separation, parenting, premarital counseling, child behavior and mental health, anger management, depression, anxiety, work-life balance, attachment, foster care, adoption, infertility, families with special needs children, self esteem, women's issues, and improving family systems.
Counseling provides an opportunity to make positive changes and to find ways to manage, negotiate and overcome some of life's difficult challenges. Therapists partner with you on this journey. My hope is for you to experience relief and happiness. I help you build upon your unique strengths and abilities as well as expand your personal "tool box." I help families improve their functioning and relationships. For individuals, you and I will identify your concerns, discover the unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviors which keep you stuck and find ways to have a happier, healthier life. I also specialize in complicated grief.
I work with many client challenges including complicated grief/loss, divorce/separation, parenting, premarital counseling, child behavior and mental health, anger management, depression, anxiety, work-life balance, attachment, foster care, adoption, infertility, families with special needs children, self esteem, women's issues, and improving family systems.
Counseling provides an opportunity to make positive changes and to find ways to manage, negotiate and overcome some of life's difficult challenges. Therapists partner with you on this journey. My hope is for you to experience relief and happiness. I help you build upon your unique strengths and abilities as well as expand your personal "tool box." I help families improve their functioning and relationships. For individuals, you and I will identify your concerns, discover the unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviors which keep you stuck and find ways to have a happier, healthier life. I also specialize in complicated grief.
(360) 680-1796 View (360) 680-1796
Photo of The Lord Who Heals Christian Therapy in Anacortes, WA
The Lord Who Heals Christian Therapy
Not Verified Not Verified
Parkland, WA 98444  (Online Only)
Chris Cline, MA, has her Master's in Counseling and received her degrees from Regis University and Colorado Christian University. She has been working with children, teenagers, families, couples and individuals on topics of addictions, depression, sexual abuse, adoption, abandonment, attachment issues, domestic violence, wrestling with your relationship with God, trauma experienced while in the womb, gender identity, post traumatic stress disorder and conversion disorder. She has led groups on anger management, domestic violence, children of divorce, thinking errors, adolescent relationships and the masks we wear.
Chris Cline, MA, has her Master's in Counseling and received her degrees from Regis University and Colorado Christian University. She has been working with children, teenagers, families, couples and individuals on topics of addictions, depression, sexual abuse, adoption, abandonment, attachment issues, domestic violence, wrestling with your relationship with God, trauma experienced while in the womb, gender identity, post traumatic stress disorder and conversion disorder. She has led groups on anger management, domestic violence, children of divorce, thinking errors, adolescent relationships and the masks we wear.
(253) 201-7634 View (253) 201-7634
Photo of Angela Welch, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Angela Welch
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Waitlist for new clients
I serve those that are managing baffling behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere and toss you into a tailspin of chaos. Primary supporting those that identify with parenting a child that brings more stress than joy, managing frustration controls your day, and/or you find yourself lost in grief thinking of the life you imagined. Having been intimately involved with the systems of Foster Care and Adoption, I am passionate about supporting this community of families and individuals. I serve those that are managing baffling behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere and toss you into a tailspin of chaos.
I serve those that are managing baffling behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere and toss you into a tailspin of chaos. Primary supporting those that identify with parenting a child that brings more stress than joy, managing frustration controls your day, and/or you find yourself lost in grief thinking of the life you imagined. Having been intimately involved with the systems of Foster Care and Adoption, I am passionate about supporting this community of families and individuals. I serve those that are managing baffling behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere and toss you into a tailspin of chaos.
(360) 997-4596 x1 View (360) 997-4596 x1
Photo of Sarah Ramstad, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Sarah Ramstad
Counselor, MA, LMHC, PLLC
Verified Verified
Maple Valley, WA 98038
Some of the challenges I treat include; anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, teenage issues, parent-child discord, sibling conflict, adoption, social skills, and work life balance.
Often the struggles and barriers we face are opportunities to envision what we really want for our lives. I am here as a child & family therapist to join with you and your family where you are at in the moment, and to walk beside you towards where you hope to be. TOGETHER we will get to the heart of what really matters. I believe that each individual, from child to adult, has unique strengths to build upon. My approach establishes the foundation of treatment on these innate strengths to overcome challenges, as to move towards increased life satisfaction & healthy relationships.
Some of the challenges I treat include; anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, teenage issues, parent-child discord, sibling conflict, adoption, social skills, and work life balance.
Often the struggles and barriers we face are opportunities to envision what we really want for our lives. I am here as a child & family therapist to join with you and your family where you are at in the moment, and to walk beside you towards where you hope to be. TOGETHER we will get to the heart of what really matters. I believe that each individual, from child to adult, has unique strengths to build upon. My approach establishes the foundation of treatment on these innate strengths to overcome challenges, as to move towards increased life satisfaction & healthy relationships.
(425) 654-3704 View (425) 654-3704
Photo of Katy Crouch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Katy Crouch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
My speciality is working with people who are going through a difficult time with relationships, dating, seperation, divorce, blended families, infertility, adoption, postpartum, menopause, caregiving for aging parents, young adults, and other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.
I specialize in working with people in transition, individuals, couples and young adults. As a Generalist with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual I work with. I want to fully understand your story; however, I recognize it is important for you to feel comfortable. My first job is to help you become comfortable enough to begin sharing your story. Without a therapeutic partnership, it is difficult to make progress and build the trust necessary for growth and change.
My speciality is working with people who are going through a difficult time with relationships, dating, seperation, divorce, blended families, infertility, adoption, postpartum, menopause, caregiving for aging parents, young adults, and other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.
I specialize in working with people in transition, individuals, couples and young adults. As a Generalist with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual I work with. I want to fully understand your story; however, I recognize it is important for you to feel comfortable. My first job is to help you become comfortable enough to begin sharing your story. Without a therapeutic partnership, it is difficult to make progress and build the trust necessary for growth and change.
(425) 390-8062 View (425) 390-8062
Photo of Cher Anderton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Cher Anderton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
My primary areas of focus are, but not limited to, trauma, adoption, parent coaching, interpersonal skills and relationships, blended families, anxiety, depression, life coaching and major life transitions.
There is power in our voices, and we deserve spaces where we can learn to feel safe expressing our pain, our hopes and our truth. I consider it my life's work to help create sacred spaces for those seeking ways to let go of the weight of their trauma and/or simply learn how to live life well and more authentically. Trust fostered in therapeutic relationships can open doors for increased self-awareness and self-love, inviting you to create healthier beliefs about yourself, your relationships, your life, your choices and your potential.
My primary areas of focus are, but not limited to, trauma, adoption, parent coaching, interpersonal skills and relationships, blended families, anxiety, depression, life coaching and major life transitions.
There is power in our voices, and we deserve spaces where we can learn to feel safe expressing our pain, our hopes and our truth. I consider it my life's work to help create sacred spaces for those seeking ways to let go of the weight of their trauma and/or simply learn how to live life well and more authentically. Trust fostered in therapeutic relationships can open doors for increased self-awareness and self-love, inviting you to create healthier beliefs about yourself, your relationships, your life, your choices and your potential.
(401) 404-5932 View (401) 404-5932
Photo of Debby Fields, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Debby Fields
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020  (Online Only)
I have extensive training and experience in the fields of attachment, adoption, and trauma.
Have you or your loved ones experienced trauma, loss, or unmet needs? Are you feeling defeated and hopeless about your relationship with your child or spouse? If your messages to yourself are critical and self-defeating, or your communication with family members is strained and ineffective, you are continually bumping up against the same walls. Understanding and nurturing are necessary for your healing and growth. With awareness and support you can have peace in your heart and joy in your relationships.
I have extensive training and experience in the fields of attachment, adoption, and trauma.
Have you or your loved ones experienced trauma, loss, or unmet needs? Are you feeling defeated and hopeless about your relationship with your child or spouse? If your messages to yourself are critical and self-defeating, or your communication with family members is strained and ineffective, you are continually bumping up against the same walls. Understanding and nurturing are necessary for your healing and growth. With awareness and support you can have peace in your heart and joy in your relationships.
(425) 307-5207 View (425) 307-5207
Photo of Maria Carolina De Bruyn, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Maria Carolina De Bruyn
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Friday Harbor, WA 98250  (Online Only)
A few of my specialties: children's issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, emotional intelligence, intercultural/interracial issues, foster care, adoption, attachment, OCD, male issues, teen/tween struggles, setting boundaries, dealing with/recovering from narcissistic relationships, sensory processing issues, loss, Christian spirituality.
My approach is person-centered, relationally-based, and narrative. I work with a wide variety of clientele, but some of my strengths include working with children and families, working with men, and integrating culture and spirituality, especially Christian spirituality, into the treatment plan, if desired.
A few of my specialties: children's issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, emotional intelligence, intercultural/interracial issues, foster care, adoption, attachment, OCD, male issues, teen/tween struggles, setting boundaries, dealing with/recovering from narcissistic relationships, sensory processing issues, loss, Christian spirituality.
My approach is person-centered, relationally-based, and narrative. I work with a wide variety of clientele, but some of my strengths include working with children and families, working with men, and integrating culture and spirituality, especially Christian spirituality, into the treatment plan, if desired.
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Photo of Sandra A Milton, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Sandra A Milton
Counselor, LICSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
I also enjoy working with those dealing with adoption issues, women's issues and faith issues.
It is my hope that clients gain from counseling specific tools they can apply to their lives to feel better equipped in dealing effectively with their life circumstances. I tailor my counseling to the needs of the client, using various therapeutic techniques to provide clients skills such as communication, emotion management, coping, parenting, etc. I incorporate an educational component, presenting information to enhance knowledge regarding various issues that clients face. I often include homework to make use of the time between sessions. When desired by the client, I approach their circumstances from a biblical perspective.
I also enjoy working with those dealing with adoption issues, women's issues and faith issues.
It is my hope that clients gain from counseling specific tools they can apply to their lives to feel better equipped in dealing effectively with their life circumstances. I tailor my counseling to the needs of the client, using various therapeutic techniques to provide clients skills such as communication, emotion management, coping, parenting, etc. I incorporate an educational component, presenting information to enhance knowledge regarding various issues that clients face. I often include homework to make use of the time between sessions. When desired by the client, I approach their circumstances from a biblical perspective.
(855) 835-6580 x305 View (855) 835-6580 x305
Photo of Michael Lombard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Michael Lombard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Lynnwood, WA 98037
I specialize in assisting adults of all age groups, offering expertise in areas such as adoption issues, financial anxiety, life transitions, and more.
Hello and welcome! Life often throws us into a whirlwind of societal expectations, dictating how we should live, who we should be friends with, and what our lives should conform to. This constant pressure can leave us feeling overwhelmed and detached from who we actually want to be. Within my practice, I provide a secure space where we can confront and challenge these societal expectations, empowering you to lead life on your own terms.
I specialize in assisting adults of all age groups, offering expertise in areas such as adoption issues, financial anxiety, life transitions, and more.
Hello and welcome! Life often throws us into a whirlwind of societal expectations, dictating how we should live, who we should be friends with, and what our lives should conform to. This constant pressure can leave us feeling overwhelmed and detached from who we actually want to be. Within my practice, I provide a secure space where we can confront and challenge these societal expectations, empowering you to lead life on your own terms.
(425) 532-3375 View (425) 532-3375
Photo of David Goldman, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
David Goldman
Counselor, MS CMHC, MAEd, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
David supports individuals and groups during changes such as loss, career shifts, traumatic divorce, criminal/legal, (in)justice, parenting, co-parenting, reunification, stepparenting, adoption, aging, heartbreak, as well as partnering and marriage.
David works with clients to understand challenges, to develop specific goals, and to promote wellness using a variety of tools from therapeutic modalities including empathetic Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). David draws from experience working with individuals and families as an educator, birth doula, Guardian ad Litem, mediator, and counselor. David is also approved by WA State to complete DVIT Domestic Violence Assessments and Treatment.
David supports individuals and groups during changes such as loss, career shifts, traumatic divorce, criminal/legal, (in)justice, parenting, co-parenting, reunification, stepparenting, adoption, aging, heartbreak, as well as partnering and marriage.
David works with clients to understand challenges, to develop specific goals, and to promote wellness using a variety of tools from therapeutic modalities including empathetic Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). David draws from experience working with individuals and families as an educator, birth doula, Guardian ad Litem, mediator, and counselor. David is also approved by WA State to complete DVIT Domestic Violence Assessments and Treatment.
(360) 774-4078 View (360) 774-4078
Photo of Kerry V Ragain, Psychologist in Anacortes, WA
Kerry V Ragain
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice on Mercer Island, Washington. I have experience in providing therapy for a variety of mental health concerns with children, adolescents, and adults, including those associated with adoption, depression, anxiety and trauma. My services might be particularly suited to those individuals with long-standing mental health concerns.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice on Mercer Island, Washington. I have experience in providing therapy for a variety of mental health concerns with children, adolescents, and adults, including those associated with adoption, depression, anxiety and trauma. My services might be particularly suited to those individuals with long-standing mental health concerns.
(425) 358-4857 View (425) 358-4857
Photo of Laura Zucker Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Laura Zucker Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CMHS, MHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I have worked with an extensive spectrum of issues including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, Divorce, Obsessive Compulsive behaviors, Oppositional & defiant youth, Abuse, & Academic underachievement.
I currently have had to pause on accepting new patients. I will update my profile when that changes. Everyone experiences difficult times in their lives. Whether it's struggling with a difficult relationship, work or school, anxiety, depression, or problems in your family or social life, you're making an effort now to change. We will work together on ways to resolve the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that have prevented you from being who you want and attaining the things in life you really want for yourself. I offer a warm, safe, and confidential setting where we determine what your therapy needs are and how to achieve them.
I have worked with an extensive spectrum of issues including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, Divorce, Obsessive Compulsive behaviors, Oppositional & defiant youth, Abuse, & Academic underachievement.
I currently have had to pause on accepting new patients. I will update my profile when that changes. Everyone experiences difficult times in their lives. Whether it's struggling with a difficult relationship, work or school, anxiety, depression, or problems in your family or social life, you're making an effort now to change. We will work together on ways to resolve the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that have prevented you from being who you want and attaining the things in life you really want for yourself. I offer a warm, safe, and confidential setting where we determine what your therapy needs are and how to achieve them.
(206) 535-1755 View (206) 535-1755
Photo of David Bennett, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
David Bennett
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
If you, or someone you care for, are having difficulties with relationships, personal challenges, emotional balance, or past trauma, I can help. I have 30 years of experience working with adults, couples, children and adolescents supporting emotional health and well being. People seek my help because they find me easy to talk with, experienced and insightful, genuine, open and supportive. My areas of expertise include: anxiety and stress management, child/adolescent/adult depression, family conflict, relationship counseling, communication skills development, anger management, adoption and attachment, sexual and physical trauma, ADD/ADHD, divorce, childhood adjustment and self-esteem.
If you, or someone you care for, are having difficulties with relationships, personal challenges, emotional balance, or past trauma, I can help. I have 30 years of experience working with adults, couples, children and adolescents supporting emotional health and well being. People seek my help because they find me easy to talk with, experienced and insightful, genuine, open and supportive. My areas of expertise include: anxiety and stress management, child/adolescent/adult depression, family conflict, relationship counseling, communication skills development, anger management, adoption and attachment, sexual and physical trauma, ADD/ADHD, divorce, childhood adjustment and self-esteem.
(206) 745-5769 View (206) 745-5769
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.