Adoption Therapists in Washington, DC
My clinical areas of specialization and interests include, but are not limited to, adoption, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and grief and loss.
I look forward to working with you, or your children, in overcoming current obstacles and life challenges. In my experience in working with adults, children, and families, they have all the strengths and resources they need within themselves, and can reach their full potential within a safe, empathic therapeutic relationship.
My clinical areas of specialization and interests include, but are not limited to, adoption, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and grief and loss.
I look forward to working with you, or your children, in overcoming current obstacles and life challenges. In my experience in working with adults, children, and families, they have all the strengths and resources they need within themselves, and can reach their full potential within a safe, empathic therapeutic relationship.
I know that trying to find the right therapist is daunting process, so let me give you a sense of how I work. Most appreciate how engaged & active I am, We will explore not only the reasons for your difficulties, BUT more importantly, how stress affects your body; how you internalize thoughts of self & others. Thoughts lead to-> Beliefs -> Habits; automatic responses. I will give you tools to help with difficult emotions. I specialize in: 1) postpartum, 2) trauma/grief, 3) non-traditional family formation, 4) adoption, 5) ThirdCultureKid, 6) LGBTQ. I am open to explore non-traditional methods to assist you in the healing process.
I know that trying to find the right therapist is daunting process, so let me give you a sense of how I work. Most appreciate how engaged & active I am, We will explore not only the reasons for your difficulties, BUT more importantly, how stress affects your body; how you internalize thoughts of self & others. Thoughts lead to-> Beliefs -> Habits; automatic responses. I will give you tools to help with difficult emotions. I specialize in: 1) postpartum, 2) trauma/grief, 3) non-traditional family formation, 4) adoption, 5) ThirdCultureKid, 6) LGBTQ. I am open to explore non-traditional methods to assist you in the healing process.
Joanne Wolf Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20017
Forty years personal and professional experience uniquely qualifies me to understand the particular issues affecting individuals touched by adoption, infertility, kinship, attachment, and DNA search.
I believe we are all finally recognizing that a more holistic approach to treatment is needed. With over 40+ years of experience working in community mental health and private practice, I know the importance on our assessing and understanding all of the ways society impacts every individual. Everything around us matters, even beyond our personal relationships with our families, colleagues and friends. Speaking as a proud social worker, I know to effectively diagnose and treat a human problem needs a fully inclusive, psycho-social model of evaluation. I am here, tailored to help for your specific and unique needs.
Forty years personal and professional experience uniquely qualifies me to understand the particular issues affecting individuals touched by adoption, infertility, kinship, attachment, and DNA search.
I believe we are all finally recognizing that a more holistic approach to treatment is needed. With over 40+ years of experience working in community mental health and private practice, I know the importance on our assessing and understanding all of the ways society impacts every individual. Everything around us matters, even beyond our personal relationships with our families, colleagues and friends. Speaking as a proud social worker, I know to effectively diagnose and treat a human problem needs a fully inclusive, psycho-social model of evaluation. I am here, tailored to help for your specific and unique needs.
Christa Carlton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002 (Online Only)
My specialties include sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and adoption.
People come to me with the need for a non-judgmental space to explore their own lived experiences and express their thoughts and feelings. I specialize in supporting survivors of trauma and employ a client-centered, strengths-based approach. I help clients develop insight around factors influencing development, understand the mind-body connection, and explore individualized strategies for optimizing mental wellness. I have experience supporting clients around a variety of needs including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodiversity, complex-needs parenting, relationships, maladaptive behaviors, and substance use.
My specialties include sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and adoption.
People come to me with the need for a non-judgmental space to explore their own lived experiences and express their thoughts and feelings. I specialize in supporting survivors of trauma and employ a client-centered, strengths-based approach. I help clients develop insight around factors influencing development, understand the mind-body connection, and explore individualized strategies for optimizing mental wellness. I have experience supporting clients around a variety of needs including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodiversity, complex-needs parenting, relationships, maladaptive behaviors, and substance use.
The Barker Adoption Foundation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
Are you wondering if your child's current struggles are related to developmental challenges related to adoption or something else; struggling with decisions about how and when to share specific adoption information with your child; is your child ready for search/reunion; need assistance navigating an open adoption, behavioral challenges? Give me a call.
Touched by Adoption? The Barker Foundation recognizes that adoption is a lifelong journey, with normal developmental challenges and tasks. We will walk with you through and support you through your journey. Whether you are an adoptive parent with a child that is struggling emotionally or academically; a birth parent who is seeking understanding, reflection, or search and reunion; or an adoptee looking for support- we are here for you.
Are you wondering if your child's current struggles are related to developmental challenges related to adoption or something else; struggling with decisions about how and when to share specific adoption information with your child; is your child ready for search/reunion; need assistance navigating an open adoption, behavioral challenges? Give me a call.
Touched by Adoption? The Barker Foundation recognizes that adoption is a lifelong journey, with normal developmental challenges and tasks. We will walk with you through and support you through your journey. Whether you are an adoptive parent with a child that is struggling emotionally or academically; a birth parent who is seeking understanding, reflection, or search and reunion; or an adoptee looking for support- we are here for you.
Brenda Edmonds – Addictions, Anxiety, Depression
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
Brenda Edmonds is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC that specializes in Addiction, Adoption, Alcohol Use, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child & Parenting Needs, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Intellectual & Learning Disabilities, Medication Management, Self-Harming, Stress, Trauma & PTSD, Mental Health, Mood Disorders, and many other areas. Brenda’s 20 years of clinical experience has been widely dedicated to working with children and adults experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
Brenda Edmonds is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC that specializes in Addiction, Adoption, Alcohol Use, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child & Parenting Needs, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Intellectual & Learning Disabilities, Medication Management, Self-Harming, Stress, Trauma & PTSD, Mental Health, Mood Disorders, and many other areas. Brenda’s 20 years of clinical experience has been widely dedicated to working with children and adults experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
Are you seeking deeper attachment? I collaborate with couples and individuals to increase your inner awareness of self to share with others. I help clients process life-changing events including job growth and relocation, loss and grief, chronic health diagnoses, and adoption. I offer support for couples who want to strengthen their relationships and resolve issues preventing emotional and sexual intimacy. Where appropriate, I offer intensive therapy to bring clarity and begin the healing process of life experiences. I'm licensed in DC/MD/VA. My diverse background includes working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Main Street.
Are you seeking deeper attachment? I collaborate with couples and individuals to increase your inner awareness of self to share with others. I help clients process life-changing events including job growth and relocation, loss and grief, chronic health diagnoses, and adoption. I offer support for couples who want to strengthen their relationships and resolve issues preventing emotional and sexual intimacy. Where appropriate, I offer intensive therapy to bring clarity and begin the healing process of life experiences. I'm licensed in DC/MD/VA. My diverse background includes working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Main Street.
Dr. Jesse Walker
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001 (Online Only)
I’m a Black, multiracial, psychology associate in Washington, D.C., and I provide therapeutic services to adults of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and identities. While I work with all types of people, I have a particular interest in providing services to those who identify as multiracial, biracial, or mixed; BIPOC navigating predominantly white spaces; addressing issues of identity, family, relationships, and multicultural concerns. I also enjoy working with people in the midst of major life transitions - such as pregnancy, postpartum, adoption, marriage, break ups, loss, and career transitions.
I’m a Black, multiracial, psychology associate in Washington, D.C., and I provide therapeutic services to adults of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and identities. While I work with all types of people, I have a particular interest in providing services to those who identify as multiracial, biracial, or mixed; BIPOC navigating predominantly white spaces; addressing issues of identity, family, relationships, and multicultural concerns. I also enjoy working with people in the midst of major life transitions - such as pregnancy, postpartum, adoption, marriage, break ups, loss, and career transitions.
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I offer both medication management and psychotherapy, fitting best mental health needs. I work with adolescents, adults and couples. I can help with the effects of traumatic experiences, with troubles of everyday living, interpersonal difficulties, sexuality, or infertility/ adoption issues. I can help if you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief or with not reaching your goals. I assist couples in resolving painful, conflicted relationship issues. I also provide long-term therapy for self-exploration, and for changing complex personality patterns that make everyday life difficult.
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I offer both medication management and psychotherapy, fitting best mental health needs. I work with adolescents, adults and couples. I can help with the effects of traumatic experiences, with troubles of everyday living, interpersonal difficulties, sexuality, or infertility/ adoption issues. I can help if you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief or with not reaching your goals. I assist couples in resolving painful, conflicted relationship issues. I also provide long-term therapy for self-exploration, and for changing complex personality patterns that make everyday life difficult.
Raven E. Jenerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003 (Online Only)
My inclusive, holistic approach integrates trauma-informed, intersectional, cultural and creative practices into my healing work with folx navigating trauma, inner child wounds, low self-esteem, life after foster care or adoption, anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, triggers or flashbacks associated with intimate partner or sexual violence.
There are many layers and textures in each of our stories and individual healing journeys, that may make us believe that healing is impossible or that inner wellness after trauma is unattainable. You are worthy and capable of the healing you're envisioning. For many of us, a safe healing space is the first step in that journey back to self and is the support we’ve been searching for to become the next best version of ourselves. Together, we co-create the space you need to celebrate your innate wisdom; restore trust in your intuition and voice; and nurture your growth towards more healing and easeful living.
My inclusive, holistic approach integrates trauma-informed, intersectional, cultural and creative practices into my healing work with folx navigating trauma, inner child wounds, low self-esteem, life after foster care or adoption, anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, triggers or flashbacks associated with intimate partner or sexual violence.
There are many layers and textures in each of our stories and individual healing journeys, that may make us believe that healing is impossible or that inner wellness after trauma is unattainable. You are worthy and capable of the healing you're envisioning. For many of us, a safe healing space is the first step in that journey back to self and is the support we’ve been searching for to become the next best version of ourselves. Together, we co-create the space you need to celebrate your innate wisdom; restore trust in your intuition and voice; and nurture your growth towards more healing and easeful living.
Julia Rosenfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Welcome to my practice, conveniently located in the heart of Dupont Circle. I offer therapy for individuals of all backgrounds experiencing a range of concerns, including: anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity issues, relationship challenges, grief and loss, chronic health conditions, adoption-related concerns, and more. My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I will work with you to help you increase your insight, enhance your relationships, build on your strengths, develop new coping skills, and live a more fulfilling life.
Welcome to my practice, conveniently located in the heart of Dupont Circle. I offer therapy for individuals of all backgrounds experiencing a range of concerns, including: anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity issues, relationship challenges, grief and loss, chronic health conditions, adoption-related concerns, and more. My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I will work with you to help you increase your insight, enhance your relationships, build on your strengths, develop new coping skills, and live a more fulfilling life.
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I bring to my practice the experience of forty years of professional work with individuals and couples, as well as the wisdom and personal growth that I have gained from dealing with my own life challenges. I am particularly effective with clients as they deal with forming and maintaining intimate relationships, sorting through identity and career conflicts, coping with grief and loss, and managing life transitions. Infertility and adoption issues have long been an area of expertise. All these situations are filled with intense emotionality and anguish yet demand solid, clear thinking.
I bring to my practice the experience of forty years of professional work with individuals and couples, as well as the wisdom and personal growth that I have gained from dealing with my own life challenges. I am particularly effective with clients as they deal with forming and maintaining intimate relationships, sorting through identity and career conflicts, coping with grief and loss, and managing life transitions. Infertility and adoption issues have long been an area of expertise. All these situations are filled with intense emotionality and anguish yet demand solid, clear thinking.
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
Katherine Hannon: Fertility & Infertility Therapy
Counselor, LCPC, LPC, NCC, MA, BCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Waitlist for new clients
I am experienced working with: * explained/unexplained infertility * male/female factors * secondary Infertility * third-party options like donor egg, donor sperm, embryo adoption * surrogacy * adoption * miscarriage * infant loss * pregnancy and parenting after infertility * high-risk pregnancy * multiple gestation (twins, triplets) * pregnancy reductions * GLBT family building * single motherhood * living child-free.
Finding a therapist who is a great match is essential when you turn to counseling to help build or grow your family. You likely feel stressed, depressed, or isolated as you have encountered setbacks. I help individuals and couples experiencing infertility, coping with pregnancy loss, considering third-party reproduction or adoption, or deciding to live child-free. I have more than 20 years working with RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. We will work as a team as I teach you to make challenging decisions, manage stress, enhance your relationship, heal from loss, and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
I am experienced working with: * explained/unexplained infertility * male/female factors * secondary Infertility * third-party options like donor egg, donor sperm, embryo adoption * surrogacy * adoption * miscarriage * infant loss * pregnancy and parenting after infertility * high-risk pregnancy * multiple gestation (twins, triplets) * pregnancy reductions * GLBT family building * single motherhood * living child-free.
Finding a therapist who is a great match is essential when you turn to counseling to help build or grow your family. You likely feel stressed, depressed, or isolated as you have encountered setbacks. I help individuals and couples experiencing infertility, coping with pregnancy loss, considering third-party reproduction or adoption, or deciding to live child-free. I have more than 20 years working with RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. We will work as a team as I teach you to make challenging decisions, manage stress, enhance your relationship, heal from loss, and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Crystal Marcus August
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CGP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I have expertise in adoption, infertility, and the sometimes delayed residual experiences of trauma and abuse.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, often in transition or crisis. If we work together, you will become more fully self-aware and present as you improve and deepen your relationships with others. I am a warm and engaged participant in the psychotherapy and problem-solving process and as such, I am continually awed by each person's story and the unique reservoirs found to deal with life's difficulties.
I have expertise in adoption, infertility, and the sometimes delayed residual experiences of trauma and abuse.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, often in transition or crisis. If we work together, you will become more fully self-aware and present as you improve and deepen your relationships with others. I am a warm and engaged participant in the psychotherapy and problem-solving process and as such, I am continually awed by each person's story and the unique reservoirs found to deal with life's difficulties.
Isabella Stackl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001 (Online Only)
I work with adolescents , adults, couples and families. I enjoy working with clients from different cultures and backgrounds, and have supported many families who have experienced adoption. I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQI community and can help you through different challenges related to your sexual or gender identity, coming out, and transitioning.
I work with adolescents , adults, couples and families. I enjoy working with clients from different cultures and backgrounds, and have supported many families who have experienced adoption. I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQI community and can help you through different challenges related to your sexual or gender identity, coming out, and transitioning.
Autumnleaf Group, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
The desire to experience relief in your current situation has led you to this very moment. We are here to help you. We work with clients who are ready to disrupt old patterns that no longer serve them and are experiencing circumstances like trauma (stemming from past/recent events), relationship concerns, stress, grief/loss, anxiety, divorce, parenting, transitions in life/work, seeking intrapersonal growth, money relationship/behavior struggles, self-esteem, family conflict, adoption/attachment, anger management and adjustment difficulties.
The desire to experience relief in your current situation has led you to this very moment. We are here to help you. We work with clients who are ready to disrupt old patterns that no longer serve them and are experiencing circumstances like trauma (stemming from past/recent events), relationship concerns, stress, grief/loss, anxiety, divorce, parenting, transitions in life/work, seeking intrapersonal growth, money relationship/behavior struggles, self-esteem, family conflict, adoption/attachment, anger management and adjustment difficulties.
Karen L Hahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
My work with adults includes those with a trauma history, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, somatic symptoms with no medical explanation, feeling stuck or sensing that something is just “not right”, as well as healthcare providers & other first responders who have experienced increased stress during the COVID crisis. My experience with children includes those with a trauma history, adoption, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, divorce, school refusal, low self-esteem, difficult peer & family relationships, immigration, & cross-cultural adjustments.
My work with adults includes those with a trauma history, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, somatic symptoms with no medical explanation, feeling stuck or sensing that something is just “not right”, as well as healthcare providers & other first responders who have experienced increased stress during the COVID crisis. My experience with children includes those with a trauma history, adoption, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, divorce, school refusal, low self-esteem, difficult peer & family relationships, immigration, & cross-cultural adjustments.
Amanda Saoit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, EDMR, CBT, Trauma, DBT
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015 (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I'm grateful for your courage to take this step. Since 2012, I've been helping adults, youth, and families overcome many different challenges: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and major life transitions. I also offer therapeutic support to those who want to grow their family through adoption and/or foster care. I use CBT, DBT, mindfulness, substance use recovery methods, strengths-based approach and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). EMDR is scientifically proven as an effective form of treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression/anxiety and distressing events.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I'm grateful for your courage to take this step. Since 2012, I've been helping adults, youth, and families overcome many different challenges: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and major life transitions. I also offer therapeutic support to those who want to grow their family through adoption and/or foster care. I use CBT, DBT, mindfulness, substance use recovery methods, strengths-based approach and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). EMDR is scientifically proven as an effective form of treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression/anxiety and distressing events.
Warm Greetings! I'm Shola- therapist licensed in Maryland and Washington, D.C. I often treat clients who experience anxiety, depression, life transitions, career fatigue, substance use disorders, and living with chronic health conditions and life-threatening illnesses. Do you ever feel stuck? Do you ever feel misunderstood? Have you had moments when you feel out of control, sad or hard to breathe?
Warm Greetings! I'm Shola- therapist licensed in Maryland and Washington, D.C. I often treat clients who experience anxiety, depression, life transitions, career fatigue, substance use disorders, and living with chronic health conditions and life-threatening illnesses. Do you ever feel stuck? Do you ever feel misunderstood? Have you had moments when you feel out of control, sad or hard to breathe?
See more therapy options for Washington
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.