Adoption Therapists in Phoenix, AZ

I am specialized in trauma and adoption.
Hello, I am passionate about helping you reach a place of relief, recovery and hope. Seeking counseling can be intimidating yet the bravest step you'll take in beginning your journey. I have experience with a wide array of mental health challenges - anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, attachment difficulties, addiction, grief and loss. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocesssing), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Family Systems & Attachment Theory while always working from a Trauma Responsive Lens.
I am specialized in trauma and adoption.
Hello, I am passionate about helping you reach a place of relief, recovery and hope. Seeking counseling can be intimidating yet the bravest step you'll take in beginning your journey. I have experience with a wide array of mental health challenges - anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, attachment difficulties, addiction, grief and loss. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocesssing), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Family Systems & Attachment Theory while always working from a Trauma Responsive Lens.

I came to this work as a result of the adoption of my daughter through the foster care system in California. From the day I began work, I have devoted my work to the well-being of others. I specialize in: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trauma therapy, Gottman Method of couples therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, strengths-base therapies and more. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and assist people in finding their best selves. I truly have seen real growth and healing in people through positive guidance.
I came to this work as a result of the adoption of my daughter through the foster care system in California. From the day I began work, I have devoted my work to the well-being of others. I specialize in: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trauma therapy, Gottman Method of couples therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, strengths-base therapies and more. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and assist people in finding their best selves. I truly have seen real growth and healing in people through positive guidance.

I have worked with some of the more difficult needs that children and adolescents have with a specialty in attachment, trauma and adoption.
As a trauma, attachment and adoption specialist I have received years of specialized training. I can offer parent support and education as well as individual and family therapy to address improving relationships and reducing negative or at-risk behaviors. My interventions are based on my clients needs. They include play, art, sandtray, CBT and more.
I have worked with some of the more difficult needs that children and adolescents have with a specialty in attachment, trauma and adoption.
As a trauma, attachment and adoption specialist I have received years of specialized training. I can offer parent support and education as well as individual and family therapy to address improving relationships and reducing negative or at-risk behaviors. My interventions are based on my clients needs. They include play, art, sandtray, CBT and more.

My main specialty is adoption and attachment.
I value connection with the client and getting to the core of the issue. My style is direct yet compassionate. As someone who has suffered loss as an infant, I connect well with others who have experienced that same break in attachment either at birth or later on in life. I also have extensive experience in parent coaching.
My main specialty is adoption and attachment.
I value connection with the client and getting to the core of the issue. My style is direct yet compassionate. As someone who has suffered loss as an infant, I connect well with others who have experienced that same break in attachment either at birth or later on in life. I also have extensive experience in parent coaching.

John Lynch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85003
My name is John Lynch & I've provided professional counseling services in AZ & OR for over 15 years, during which I've been fortunate to help clients address relationship struggles, anxiety and stress, PTSD, trauma & abuse, grief & loss, anger & impulsivity, ADHD, addiction, parenting & foster- adoption issues, & more.
My therapy style is relational & client centered with a holistic view of wellness. I believe you’re the expert of your own experience & that you have unique strengths that can help you overcome what you're facing. I'm here to help by bringing my best clinical skill & authentic personhood to every appointment.
My name is John Lynch & I've provided professional counseling services in AZ & OR for over 15 years, during which I've been fortunate to help clients address relationship struggles, anxiety and stress, PTSD, trauma & abuse, grief & loss, anger & impulsivity, ADHD, addiction, parenting & foster- adoption issues, & more.
My therapy style is relational & client centered with a holistic view of wellness. I believe you’re the expert of your own experience & that you have unique strengths that can help you overcome what you're facing. I'm here to help by bringing my best clinical skill & authentic personhood to every appointment.

Amanda Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Maybe you're feeling less than confident in knowing how to best support your child with school issues, anxiety, anger issues, adoption, family conflict, working through trauma or other concerns.
I am here to provide a space for your child to learn and share in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. You’re child will find that in therapy with me, they are allowed to be themselves, all feelings are welcome, and they will be given space to express themselves through play, creativity and fun.
Maybe you're feeling less than confident in knowing how to best support your child with school issues, anxiety, anger issues, adoption, family conflict, working through trauma or other concerns.
I am here to provide a space for your child to learn and share in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. You’re child will find that in therapy with me, they are allowed to be themselves, all feelings are welcome, and they will be given space to express themselves through play, creativity and fun.

I provide psychological assessment and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (children and adults), parent/child relationship issues, abuse/trauma/neglect, and attachment/foster-care/ adoption issues.
I treat children in the context of the most important relationships - those with their caregivers. I believe that it is within the parent/child relationship that healing is truly possible, and involve parents or caregivers in all aspects of treatment. I provide individualized treatment based upon the needs of each patient.
I provide psychological assessment and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (children and adults), parent/child relationship issues, abuse/trauma/neglect, and attachment/foster-care/ adoption issues.
I treat children in the context of the most important relationships - those with their caregivers. I believe that it is within the parent/child relationship that healing is truly possible, and involve parents or caregivers in all aspects of treatment. I provide individualized treatment based upon the needs of each patient.

Tracy Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT, MSMFT, LLC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I work with people who are grieving, suffer with depression/anxiety, abuse, trauma, gender questioning, special needs, adoption, religious abuse, divorce, blended families, parents in of parental support, and ADHD.
Hello, my name is Tracy Elliott. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For more than 25 years I have worked in various helping positions. It is my passion to help people restore relationships and build stronger marriages and families. It can be difficult for some to find someone to trust or share your troubles with without fear of judgement or criticism. I make it a priority to provide that safe space to process your emotions, talk through your circumstances, your trauma, or even your past hurts to bring healing.
I work with people who are grieving, suffer with depression/anxiety, abuse, trauma, gender questioning, special needs, adoption, religious abuse, divorce, blended families, parents in of parental support, and ADHD.
Hello, my name is Tracy Elliott. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For more than 25 years I have worked in various helping positions. It is my passion to help people restore relationships and build stronger marriages and families. It can be difficult for some to find someone to trust or share your troubles with without fear of judgement or criticism. I make it a priority to provide that safe space to process your emotions, talk through your circumstances, your trauma, or even your past hurts to bring healing.

Janet Elizabeth Shannon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My favorite areas to delve into are family of origin trauma, grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety and depression and adoption issues.
Empower yourself! Help yourself and start the healing process now by clicking on my website. You are here because you are suffering from the stressors in your life and you need a centered helper to guide you. I have made my life's work helping my clients deal with the problems life has thrown at them. I have walked alongside my clients for over 20 years, to help them through their challenges. Grief, childhood trauma, challenging life transitions like divorce, and health issues, as well as anxiety and depression are issues I can help you with. We will develop a plan that will help you to find the spring in your step once again!
My favorite areas to delve into are family of origin trauma, grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety and depression and adoption issues.
Empower yourself! Help yourself and start the healing process now by clicking on my website. You are here because you are suffering from the stressors in your life and you need a centered helper to guide you. I have made my life's work helping my clients deal with the problems life has thrown at them. I have walked alongside my clients for over 20 years, to help them through their challenges. Grief, childhood trauma, challenging life transitions like divorce, and health issues, as well as anxiety and depression are issues I can help you with. We will develop a plan that will help you to find the spring in your step once again!

Whether you are seeking guidance with a chronic illness, foster/care adoption issues, trauma, or struggling anxiety, our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
When it comes to therapy, there are several theoretical approaches that I often employ to help individuals process and heal from their experiences. Each of these approaches can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.
Whether you are seeking guidance with a chronic illness, foster/care adoption issues, trauma, or struggling anxiety, our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
When it comes to therapy, there are several theoretical approaches that I often employ to help individuals process and heal from their experiences. Each of these approaches can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.

As an adoption-competent therapist, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by members of the adoption triad.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’ve been proudly serving individuals and families since 2001. As a native Phoenician, I’ve dedicated most of my career to supporting the vibrant communities in the greater Phoenix area. When we work together, my goal is to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve. I often use Solution-Focused and CBT methods to explore your current thought patterns and identify practical ways to create positive change. My experience includes working with adolescents, young adults, individuals, and couples who feel unsettled or unsure about their current life situations.
As an adoption-competent therapist, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by members of the adoption triad.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’ve been proudly serving individuals and families since 2001. As a native Phoenician, I’ve dedicated most of my career to supporting the vibrant communities in the greater Phoenix area. When we work together, my goal is to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve. I often use Solution-Focused and CBT methods to explore your current thought patterns and identify practical ways to create positive change. My experience includes working with adolescents, young adults, individuals, and couples who feel unsettled or unsure about their current life situations.
Meet Our Adoption Therapists

As an adoption-competent therapist, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by members of the adoption triad.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’ve been proudly serving individuals and families since 2001. As a native Phoenician, I’ve dedicated most of my career to supporting the vibrant communities in the greater Phoenix area. When we work together, my goal is to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve. I often use Solution-Focused and CBT methods to explore your current thought patterns and identify practical ways to create positive change. My experience includes working with adolescents, young adults, individuals, and couples who feel unsettled or unsure about their current life situations.
As an adoption-competent therapist, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by members of the adoption triad.
I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’ve been proudly serving individuals and families since 2001. As a native Phoenician, I’ve dedicated most of my career to supporting the vibrant communities in the greater Phoenix area. When we work together, my goal is to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve. I often use Solution-Focused and CBT methods to explore your current thought patterns and identify practical ways to create positive change. My experience includes working with adolescents, young adults, individuals, and couples who feel unsettled or unsure about their current life situations.

Whether you are seeking guidance with a chronic illness, foster/care adoption issues, trauma, or struggling anxiety, our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
When it comes to therapy, there are several theoretical approaches that I often employ to help individuals process and heal from their experiences. Each of these approaches can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.
Whether you are seeking guidance with a chronic illness, foster/care adoption issues, trauma, or struggling anxiety, our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
When it comes to therapy, there are several theoretical approaches that I often employ to help individuals process and heal from their experiences. Each of these approaches can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Anger management , Bipolar disorder , Depression , ADHD , Adoption and Foster Care , Attachment Issues , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Co-morbidity, Reunification,
I offer individual, child, family and group counseling. I will help you to address your mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution Focused, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, mindfulness among others. I offer a nonjudgmental environment which is genuine, positive, respectful, and safe. I will work collaboratively with you and your goals to determine your individual needs and to provide the best care possible.
Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Anger management , Bipolar disorder , Depression , ADHD , Adoption and Foster Care , Attachment Issues , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Co-morbidity, Reunification,
I offer individual, child, family and group counseling. I will help you to address your mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution Focused, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, mindfulness among others. I offer a nonjudgmental environment which is genuine, positive, respectful, and safe. I will work collaboratively with you and your goals to determine your individual needs and to provide the best care possible.

Adoption-related issues?
I have been been a Licensed Counselor for over twenty years, and have a Master's degree in Community Counseling. I have gained a broad range of experience working in the field of adoption, foster care, with intellectually challenged clients and in outpatient settings. I am a Certified Hypnotherapist.
Adoption-related issues?
I have been been a Licensed Counselor for over twenty years, and have a Master's degree in Community Counseling. I have gained a broad range of experience working in the field of adoption, foster care, with intellectually challenged clients and in outpatient settings. I am a Certified Hypnotherapist.

I have expertise in trauma, depression, anxiety as well as the foster care system and adoption.
Do you want to become the empowered version of yourself you've always wanted to be? Do you want to take back control of your life? Healing is about facing our past and gaining insight and tools to face challenges and overcome them. It is my hope to create a safe and comfortable space for you to feel validated and to know that your feelings and thoughts matter.
I have expertise in trauma, depression, anxiety as well as the foster care system and adoption.
Do you want to become the empowered version of yourself you've always wanted to be? Do you want to take back control of your life? Healing is about facing our past and gaining insight and tools to face challenges and overcome them. It is my hope to create a safe and comfortable space for you to feel validated and to know that your feelings and thoughts matter.

I work with adults experiencing OCD, phobias, anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, grief and loss, trauma, and individuals touched by adoption.
Are life’s stressors impacting your sense of joy, your family life, or other relationships? Are you struggling with worry or sadness that seems to keep you down? Do you feel as though you are alone in handling some of the challenges that life has put in front of you? Anxiety and depression can immobilize us, leaving us feeling a loss of control and sometimes we just can't make things better on our own. My training and 20+ years of experience prepared me to work with people of all cultures, ethnic backgrounds. I want to understand not only who you are as a person, but also how your background and experiences shape your life.
I work with adults experiencing OCD, phobias, anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, grief and loss, trauma, and individuals touched by adoption.
Are life’s stressors impacting your sense of joy, your family life, or other relationships? Are you struggling with worry or sadness that seems to keep you down? Do you feel as though you are alone in handling some of the challenges that life has put in front of you? Anxiety and depression can immobilize us, leaving us feeling a loss of control and sometimes we just can't make things better on our own. My training and 20+ years of experience prepared me to work with people of all cultures, ethnic backgrounds. I want to understand not only who you are as a person, but also how your background and experiences shape your life.

Additional areas of focus: Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Additional areas of focus: Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

I have also helped families and caretakers navigate the emotional complexities of foster care and adoption.
I believe in helping my clients become more self aware of their mind and body connections and inner child work. To heal, play, discover, accept, and forgive. I learned that my experiences with children are beneficial for any age in regards to Attachment Theory, processing trauma, and self identity (often affecting relationships, self esteem, and careers).
I have also helped families and caretakers navigate the emotional complexities of foster care and adoption.
I believe in helping my clients become more self aware of their mind and body connections and inner child work. To heal, play, discover, accept, and forgive. I learned that my experiences with children are beneficial for any age in regards to Attachment Theory, processing trauma, and self identity (often affecting relationships, self esteem, and careers).

I respect the bravery of my clients as they come into my office, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can openly discuss the challenges you’re facing like anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, infertility issues, adoption and special needs parenting- all deeply emotional struggles that require understanding.
My approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based strategies, customized to your unique needs, to help you achieve your goals. By integrating elements of CBT, EFT, SFT, and a Person-Centered approach, I aim to empower you with the tools and skills necessary to overcome life’s challenges, foster personal growth, and heal.
I respect the bravery of my clients as they come into my office, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can openly discuss the challenges you’re facing like anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, infertility issues, adoption and special needs parenting- all deeply emotional struggles that require understanding.
My approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based strategies, customized to your unique needs, to help you achieve your goals. By integrating elements of CBT, EFT, SFT, and a Person-Centered approach, I aim to empower you with the tools and skills necessary to overcome life’s challenges, foster personal growth, and heal.
See more therapy options for Phoenix
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Phoenix
- Avondale
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Tempe
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.