Adoption Therapists in Irvine, CA
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Kristie Cain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT, RPT-S
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We specialize with children birth-12 & teens; highly trained play therapy for children, teens & adults; parenting; moms; couples;
adoption
; special needs; death; loss; illness; selective mutism; enuresis; encopresis & many other child and family struggles.
We are unique. We specialize with families. On your first visit, we ask the whole family come play in our specialized family playroom together. During this family assessment we watch, interact, play and get a feel for your family, personalities, struggles and dynamics. Our hope is for your family to have a place to see what is going on, get some information and collaborate to help your family be the family you envision. We tailor therapy to what you and your family need each week. Come play with us! www.ConnectedLife.Family

Karl Stenske
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MFT, Trainee
Verified
Verified
Working in the attachment,
adoption
and trauma field for over a decade has given me a broad insight and experience in helping families through a wide range of challenges.
I currently hold an MA in Adoptions Studies with a focus on trauma and attachment. I have been practicing in that field for over a decade. In an effort to broaden my ability to help my clients, I am now an MFT student trainee in my second year of an MFT program. No matter what you or your family are struggling with, help is available. It is my goal to get you out of pain and into health as quickly as possible.
Not accepting new clients

Sheree Bill
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with post doctoral certification in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Los Angeles Institute and Society of Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute. I have completed additional certification in gerontology and am a MEDICARE provider for those 65+ with a supplement. My post graduate study was in the area of attachment and
adoption
. I offer
adoption
consultations and psychotherapy for all involved in the
adoption
triad.
Not accepting new clients

Cynthia Elaine Roe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, She/Her
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treating clients with major depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting and relationship issues,
adoption
- and infertility-related concerns, and LGBTQ issues.
I am passionate about my work, because it allows me to help people become their best selves. For over thirty years, I have helped my clients to improve the quality of their lives by helping them to see that their struggles are not because there is something wrong with them, but because something wrong happened to them. My vision for my clients is that they learn how to practice self-compassion, to let go of debilitating shame, to live an authentic life, and to experience true joy.

Allison Davis Maxon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Hi, my name is Allison. I specialize in Attachment, Family Systems, Trauma and
Adoption
with over 25 years of clinical experience helping clients with concerns related to grief/loss, trauma, parenting, Attachment and intergenerational trauma. My orientation reflects clinical expertise in mental health, child/teen development and relational trauma. I'm the co-author of the Seven Core Issues in
Adoption
and Permanency: A Comprehensive Guide to Promoting Understanding and Healing in
Adoption
, Foster Care, Kinship Families and Third Party Reproduction. To learn more please visit 'read allison' on my website.

Theresa Dausch
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
While most families experience similar basic challenges, adoptive families can also face issues unique to
adoption
.
Successful at helping my clients reach their goals, I'm known among my colleagues and clients for my clinical excellence. I specialize in children, adolescents and adults, and consistently keep up with trainings in research-based, effective treatment approaches. Through a collaborative approach, I help my clients discover the tools they need to create a greater sense of well-being and satisfying relationships. I do this through EMDR, stress reduction with mindfulness techniques, and art therapy, as well as through more traditional individual and family therapy.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Nicole Murillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My passion is working with children, adolescents, and their families to help discover each person's unique strengths and challenges. I conduct assessments and evaluations on young children with developmental delays, school-aged children who may be experiencing difficulty in school or emotional and/or social difficulty, as well as adolescents who may be experiencing a variety of issues. I have extensive experience conducting evaluations for children with Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, behavioral issues, as well as emotional disturbances including anxiety and depression. I also have experience working with couples for psychological evaluations during the
adoption
or surrogacy process.

Kristen Howerton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
If you would like to have a free 15-minute consultation to see if I could be a fit for you, you can make an appointment at www.kristenhowertonlmft.com. I'm passionate about helping couples and families thrive. I enjoy working with clients who want to improve their relationships (even divorced couples who are coparenting.) I am experienced with working with autism spectrum, ADHD, infertility,
adoption
, multi-racial families, divorce mediation, and coparenting. I also have experience working with people struggling with addiction, and those who love them.

Elena Welsh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
In addition to offering evidence-based psychotherapy, I have specialized training in conducting psychological assessments for a range of referral questions, including court-ordered mental health evaluations,diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, pre-
adoption
screening, independent educational evaluations, immigration court or fitness-for-duty.
Each client has a unique set of goals, needs and resources and I hope to work alongside you as you get closer to the life you want. I utilize scientifically-based therapeutic tools in a manner that is caring and accessible. I have experience working with a wide range of anxiety, mood, and depressive disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also specialize in many issues specific to women, including fertility struggles, postpartum adjustment and depression. I am also here to help if you are facing a difficult life transition or are simply seeking a more meaningful way of living.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Amanda McDaniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My areas of clinical experience are
adoption
, grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, premarital/marital counseling, women's issues, divorce, ADHD & OCPD.
Are you struggling? I promise to be there for you every step of your journey, providing soul-care with warmth. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, & move forward to where you want to be in your life. The hope is awakening you to other perspectives that might create a more meaningful life & lessen your suffering.

Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified
Verified
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on NBC, KCAL, HLN, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-
adoption
psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.

Psychological Assessment Services
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified
Verified
With over 20 years experience providing comprehensive psychological assessments, Psychological Assessment Services specializes in assessing cognitive functioning and identifying Dyslexia, learning disabilities as well as attention and concentration difficulties (ADHD) that may result in behavioral or social issues. We provide testing accommodations where appropriate. We also perform pre-
adoption
evaluations, competency evaluations and pre-surgical evaluations including for surrogate and egg donor/sperm donors. We can provide expert court testimony, return to work, fitness for duty and workers comp evaluations.

Jennifer Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Jennifer's experience initially began in the field of Foster Care and
Adoption
.
Jennifer has experience working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children presenting with a wide variety of issues. She approaches her clients with a psychodynamic framework to gain understanding and build rapport based on creating a very warm, empathic, collaborative, and safe environment. Additionally, Jennifer integrates several treatment approaches such as CBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Solution Focused, and Systems Theory.
Not accepting new clients

Judithann Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR
Verified
Verified
I also am an adopted parent and have worked in the field of
adoption
for a number of years with children in the foster care system and those who have been adopted.
Trust is one of the most important reasons an individual chooses a therapist. Another reason is that the therapist's values do not conflict with the individual choosing to work with her. I would like to talk with you about both of these issues to help you make an informed choice about whether or not to work with me. My initial session is pro bono so we can talk about both. I am working on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday's. I welcome a call from you.

Van Thuy Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in depression,
adoption
related issues, grief, trauma and anxiety.
When we experience severe life stressors or trauma, it is normal for us to feel stuck, sad, angry, withdrawn, lonely and low self-esteem. As a result, we may not live fully to our highest potential. My passions are to help my clients, adults and children heal from traumas, strengthen their abilities to respond appropriately to current and future life demands and stressors, build healthy perceptions of themselves and the world they live in.
See more therapy options for Irvine
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.