Adoption Therapists in Dane County, WI
I am an Experienced, compassionate and competent therapist. I help individuals and couples identify and understand the patterns that are causing distress and disfunction. I enjoy the process of insight building and guiding my clients towards healthy change and control over who they are and how they engage life. I have expertise in post adoption reunion issues and help adult adoptees navigate those new relationship realities.
I am an Experienced, compassionate and competent therapist. I help individuals and couples identify and understand the patterns that are causing distress and disfunction. I enjoy the process of insight building and guiding my clients towards healthy change and control over who they are and how they engage life. I have expertise in post adoption reunion issues and help adult adoptees navigate those new relationship realities.
Samantha Pierce
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53713
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in anxiety, attachment, LGBTQA+ struggles, PTSD and trauma, dissociation, and families working through pre and post adoption struggles.
Does going out in public with your child feel like an impossible task? Do you feel guilt over your child's meltdowns or teen's isolation? Do you feel like doctors, teachers, and other adults just don't get it? Do you worry about their safety? Are you overcome with guilt looking at other families on Facebook and Instagram? Parents want to feel like things are under control; that your family can be happy and have productive evenings, and that your child can transition to school and activities, feel confident, have friendships, and like themselves.
I specialize in anxiety, attachment, LGBTQA+ struggles, PTSD and trauma, dissociation, and families working through pre and post adoption struggles.
Does going out in public with your child feel like an impossible task? Do you feel guilt over your child's meltdowns or teen's isolation? Do you feel like doctors, teachers, and other adults just don't get it? Do you worry about their safety? Are you overcome with guilt looking at other families on Facebook and Instagram? Parents want to feel like things are under control; that your family can be happy and have productive evenings, and that your child can transition to school and activities, feel confident, have friendships, and like themselves.
Are you struggling with anxiety, hopelessness, or burnout? Each day your stress is piling higher, and you feel like you can’t keep up. You may be feeling alone like no one understands what you’re going through. Maybe you’re overwhelmed amid a big life change, where you’re struggling to find peace in your new reality, or a parent who feels lost in how to help their child. I want to assure you that you’ve found a supportive space here. I specialize in working with individuals ages 14 & up with a variety of struggles like complex trauma, autism, attachment issues, adoption, life transitions, anxiety, & more.
Are you struggling with anxiety, hopelessness, or burnout? Each day your stress is piling higher, and you feel like you can’t keep up. You may be feeling alone like no one understands what you’re going through. Maybe you’re overwhelmed amid a big life change, where you’re struggling to find peace in your new reality, or a parent who feels lost in how to help their child. I want to assure you that you’ve found a supportive space here. I specialize in working with individuals ages 14 & up with a variety of struggles like complex trauma, autism, attachment issues, adoption, life transitions, anxiety, & more.
Leah Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53704
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include anxiety spectrum disorders, fears both rational and irrational, self-esteem issues, trauma and adoption issues .
I believe throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood there are circumstances that cause us to lose sight of our true authentic self. I value taking time to develop a therapeutic relationship based on trust in a safe environment. My sessions are casual, and I enjoy working as a team in developing goals and strategies. When working with children, I like to use play based techniques and movement to assist in regulation while discussing stressful topics. My client base consists of children, teens, young adults transitioning into adulthood and adults dealing with stressors that impact day to day functioning.
My specialties include anxiety spectrum disorders, fears both rational and irrational, self-esteem issues, trauma and adoption issues .
I believe throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood there are circumstances that cause us to lose sight of our true authentic self. I value taking time to develop a therapeutic relationship based on trust in a safe environment. My sessions are casual, and I enjoy working as a team in developing goals and strategies. When working with children, I like to use play based techniques and movement to assist in regulation while discussing stressful topics. My client base consists of children, teens, young adults transitioning into adulthood and adults dealing with stressors that impact day to day functioning.
Adoptees do the best job informing about adoption.
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
Adoptees do the best job informing about adoption.
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
Laura Mengar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oregon, WI 53575
I have specialized training and experience in working with trauma, adoption, suicidality, self-harm, as well as autism through the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin.
I have over 10 years of experience in working with clients who deal with various mental health disorders including substance abuse disorders. My goal is to support those that I work with to be able to gain skills and confidence in being able to develop ways to engage in living a life that brings them a sense of hope and connection with one's self. I focus on helping individuals to be able to recognize barriers in their journey and build skills to work through those barriers towards progress in their identified goals.
I have specialized training and experience in working with trauma, adoption, suicidality, self-harm, as well as autism through the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin.
I have over 10 years of experience in working with clients who deal with various mental health disorders including substance abuse disorders. My goal is to support those that I work with to be able to gain skills and confidence in being able to develop ways to engage in living a life that brings them a sense of hope and connection with one's self. I focus on helping individuals to be able to recognize barriers in their journey and build skills to work through those barriers towards progress in their identified goals.
As an adoptee myself, I also have a specialty in helping clients impacted by adoption and foster care.
My name is Brooke Thorson and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin. I have multiple years of experience working mostly with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families of all backgrounds. As a practicing therapist, I feel privileged to be a part of peoples’ unique journeys in processing, coping, healing, and overcoming life stressors through strengths-based and client-centered approaches.
As an adoptee myself, I also have a specialty in helping clients impacted by adoption and foster care.
My name is Brooke Thorson and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin. I have multiple years of experience working mostly with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families of all backgrounds. As a practicing therapist, I feel privileged to be a part of peoples’ unique journeys in processing, coping, healing, and overcoming life stressors through strengths-based and client-centered approaches.
Claire Schulz Bergman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53704
As a trauma-informed, strengths-based therapist with certifications in grief and adoption-competent therapy, I bring a holistic approach to this work.
As a therapist specializing in life transitions, I offer support for those facing significant changes. Whether it’s coping with the loss of a loved one, navigating the journey of building a family through infertility or adoption, managing parenting challenges or empty nesting, dealing with divorce, addressing mid-life concerns, adapting to a new health diagnosis, or embracing a new chapter in life, change can bring about anxiety, sadness, confusion and overwhelm. My goal is to help you develop the tools and strategies to manage difficult emotions, alleviate self-doubt and move forward with clarity and ease.
As a trauma-informed, strengths-based therapist with certifications in grief and adoption-competent therapy, I bring a holistic approach to this work.
As a therapist specializing in life transitions, I offer support for those facing significant changes. Whether it’s coping with the loss of a loved one, navigating the journey of building a family through infertility or adoption, managing parenting challenges or empty nesting, dealing with divorce, addressing mid-life concerns, adapting to a new health diagnosis, or embracing a new chapter in life, change can bring about anxiety, sadness, confusion and overwhelm. My goal is to help you develop the tools and strategies to manage difficult emotions, alleviate self-doubt and move forward with clarity and ease.
Karen M Seif
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53703 (Online Only)
I specialize in parenting support, young adult counseling, adoption and foster care issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns.
My ideal client is seeking compassionate, collaborative mental health support. They may be struggling with parenting, stress, identity issues, or LGBTQ+ concerns. They value a therapist with 30 years of diverse experience, empathy, humor, and a relational, narrative, and CBT approach. They seek a trusting therapeutic space for self-discovery, growth, and coping with life's challenges. Whether they're a caregiver, young adult, part of the adoption community, or LGBTQ+, they desire understanding, guidance, and a non-judgmental ally in their journey towards wellness and self-acceptance.
I specialize in parenting support, young adult counseling, adoption and foster care issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns.
My ideal client is seeking compassionate, collaborative mental health support. They may be struggling with parenting, stress, identity issues, or LGBTQ+ concerns. They value a therapist with 30 years of diverse experience, empathy, humor, and a relational, narrative, and CBT approach. They seek a trusting therapeutic space for self-discovery, growth, and coping with life's challenges. Whether they're a caregiver, young adult, part of the adoption community, or LGBTQ+, they desire understanding, guidance, and a non-judgmental ally in their journey towards wellness and self-acceptance.
Rebecca Mahan-Strupp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53713
You’d do anything to feel okay again—to get rid of the fog that is clouding your every day. You might feel numb or disconnected and it’s affecting your happiness, relationships, and oftentimes, your productivity. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before, but something is still missing. You’ve started thinking and feeling like you’re not good enough or strong enough to handle life. Your sleep is all over the place, and you no longer enjoy the things you used to. I want you to know what you’re feeling is valid. You’ve come to the right place to find hope, healing, and answers.
You’d do anything to feel okay again—to get rid of the fog that is clouding your every day. You might feel numb or disconnected and it’s affecting your happiness, relationships, and oftentimes, your productivity. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before, but something is still missing. You’ve started thinking and feeling like you’re not good enough or strong enough to handle life. Your sleep is all over the place, and you no longer enjoy the things you used to. I want you to know what you’re feeling is valid. You’ve come to the right place to find hope, healing, and answers.
My best work is with clients who need to love themselves more. I enjoy working with clients with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and anxiety, and working with them to extend more care to themselves. Often, these concerns can intersect with trauma, grief and loss, loneliness, experiences of bias and discrimination, and more - all of which I am glad to work with clients to address! Additionally, I am an expert in taking a nonjudgemental, abortion-positive approach to supporting people who have had abortions. I am also happy to work with clients around other family-building and reproductive topics.
My best work is with clients who need to love themselves more. I enjoy working with clients with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and anxiety, and working with them to extend more care to themselves. Often, these concerns can intersect with trauma, grief and loss, loneliness, experiences of bias and discrimination, and more - all of which I am glad to work with clients to address! Additionally, I am an expert in taking a nonjudgemental, abortion-positive approach to supporting people who have had abortions. I am also happy to work with clients around other family-building and reproductive topics.
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Abegglen Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFTs, CSACs
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Our mission, at Abegglen Counseling, is to bring caring, compassionate, culturally responsive counseling to all, regardless of race, gender, and income. The providers at Abegglen Counseling understand that making the choice to see a therapist is not always easy so we work hard to ensure every client feels safe, supported, and validated when they are working with us. Abegglen Counseling vows to make each client's unique change process more manageable by offering high quality mental health counseling that supports healing, assists in change and encourages growth.
Our mission, at Abegglen Counseling, is to bring caring, compassionate, culturally responsive counseling to all, regardless of race, gender, and income. The providers at Abegglen Counseling understand that making the choice to see a therapist is not always easy so we work hard to ensure every client feels safe, supported, and validated when they are working with us. Abegglen Counseling vows to make each client's unique change process more manageable by offering high quality mental health counseling that supports healing, assists in change and encourages growth.
I love working with children, families and individuals who are exploring themselves and why they do and think how they do. I work with children and teens, to help them understand their emotions and behaviors, and learn healthy ways to express and communicate them. I work with families to increase communication and understanding, allowing everyone to feel more safe and connected. With individuals, I help them explore and identify thought and behavior patterns to help them take control of what they do and how they react. I love working with clients to help them explore and find their true self, including gender and sexuality.
I love working with children, families and individuals who are exploring themselves and why they do and think how they do. I work with children and teens, to help them understand their emotions and behaviors, and learn healthy ways to express and communicate them. I work with families to increase communication and understanding, allowing everyone to feel more safe and connected. With individuals, I help them explore and identify thought and behavior patterns to help them take control of what they do and how they react. I love working with clients to help them explore and find their true self, including gender and sexuality.
Laughing Heart Play Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Monona, WI 53713
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with young children, teens and families. I hold specialized training in evidenced-based play therapy, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, trauma-informed therapy, parent-child attachment, and attachment parenting. Through the use of play, relational and somatic therapies, I assist children and families in resolving difficulties and achieving a greater sense of well-being. My holistic approach creates a sacred space for clients and cultivates each individual’s and family’s innate capacity to heal.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with young children, teens and families. I hold specialized training in evidenced-based play therapy, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, trauma-informed therapy, parent-child attachment, and attachment parenting. Through the use of play, relational and somatic therapies, I assist children and families in resolving difficulties and achieving a greater sense of well-being. My holistic approach creates a sacred space for clients and cultivates each individual’s and family’s innate capacity to heal.
Are you struggling with pain and trauma from your past? Is your anxiety overwhelming you and causing issues in your relationship? I am passionate about working with women who experience anxiety and trauma. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to care to help you understand yourself from a holistic perspective, develop self-compassion, and increase strategies to manage your stress/conflict/symptoms. Together, we can heal the traumatic wounds from your past using EMDR and develop mental flexibility to help you manage your anxiety. My goal is to help you build a meaningful life that you love!
Are you struggling with pain and trauma from your past? Is your anxiety overwhelming you and causing issues in your relationship? I am passionate about working with women who experience anxiety and trauma. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to care to help you understand yourself from a holistic perspective, develop self-compassion, and increase strategies to manage your stress/conflict/symptoms. Together, we can heal the traumatic wounds from your past using EMDR and develop mental flexibility to help you manage your anxiety. My goal is to help you build a meaningful life that you love!
You don't have to feel alone. No matter where your journey has been or may be going ,there is help and hope for a better future and a happier you. Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. With 20 years experience in individual and couple's therapy, I can help you build a healthier and happier life and learn how to make choices that feel right for you. How? By improving your communication skills so that you feel heard and understood. I am dedicated to your personal growth and well-being.
You don't have to feel alone. No matter where your journey has been or may be going ,there is help and hope for a better future and a happier you. Taking the first step towards getting help is often the most difficult. With 20 years experience in individual and couple's therapy, I can help you build a healthier and happier life and learn how to make choices that feel right for you. How? By improving your communication skills so that you feel heard and understood. I am dedicated to your personal growth and well-being.
Julie Ann Paleen Aronow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleton, WI 53562
No matter who you are, or what you’re facing, you deserve a life worth living. I am here to help you break through the pain, anxiety, depression, and roadblocks holding you back from the life, and the relationships, you want and deserve. Are you living with unspoken pain from past trauma? Struggling with family or relationship conflicts that are never resolved? At the pinnacle of your career, yet drowning in workplace stress leading to anxiety, depression or substance use? Experiencing pandemic-related stress bubbling to the surface? If so, let’s talk.
No matter who you are, or what you’re facing, you deserve a life worth living. I am here to help you break through the pain, anxiety, depression, and roadblocks holding you back from the life, and the relationships, you want and deserve. Are you living with unspoken pain from past trauma? Struggling with family or relationship conflicts that are never resolved? At the pinnacle of your career, yet drowning in workplace stress leading to anxiety, depression or substance use? Experiencing pandemic-related stress bubbling to the surface? If so, let’s talk.
Olivia Stiles
Licensed Professional Counselor, CRC, LPC-IT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53711
Welcome! At the heart of my practice is a belief in the importance of feeling connected—to oneself and to others. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore and address any challenges you may be experiencing. As a neurodiverse clinician, I understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. I meet you where you are, honoring your individual needs and preferences. My approach is flexible and tailored, respecting that everyone experiences and processes their struggles uniquely. Clients of all ages are welcome including adults, adolescents, children, infants and their families.
Welcome! At the heart of my practice is a belief in the importance of feeling connected—to oneself and to others. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore and address any challenges you may be experiencing. As a neurodiverse clinician, I understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. I meet you where you are, honoring your individual needs and preferences. My approach is flexible and tailored, respecting that everyone experiences and processes their struggles uniquely. Clients of all ages are welcome including adults, adolescents, children, infants and their families.
Audrey Thompson Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Monona, WI 53713
I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in child and family therapy. I see children ages 0-18 and/or their caregivers. I love to work with parents and caregivers in supporting and better understanding their little one(s). I can also offer support during the precious, and most stressful perinatal period.
I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in child and family therapy. I see children ages 0-18 and/or their caregivers. I love to work with parents and caregivers in supporting and better understanding their little one(s). I can also offer support during the precious, and most stressful perinatal period.
Mary works with individuals, couples and children with goal of building coping skills, emotional intelligence and self empowerment. Her specialties include, grief and trauma counseling, divorce adjustment for adults and children. She is a trained mediator and offers collaborative divorce services. She is trained in EMDR,DBT and offers clinical supervision to therapists. Her training in spiritual traditions, mindfulness and walking meditation brings high levels of empathy and insight to her clients. She has been practicing for many years and is able to offer tele health sessions as we'll as in person.
Mary works with individuals, couples and children with goal of building coping skills, emotional intelligence and self empowerment. Her specialties include, grief and trauma counseling, divorce adjustment for adults and children. She is a trained mediator and offers collaborative divorce services. She is trained in EMDR,DBT and offers clinical supervision to therapists. Her training in spiritual traditions, mindfulness and walking meditation brings high levels of empathy and insight to her clients. She has been practicing for many years and is able to offer tele health sessions as we'll as in person.
See more therapy options for Dane County
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.