Adoption Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
Imagine having new tools to deal with difficult feelings and difficult people. Imagine feeling ready and excited about what might come your way. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move forward in your life towards the goals and dreams that are most important to you. Informed by previous careers in theatre and film along with specialized trauma training (both TRM & EMDR) and my experience as an adoptive parent, I am uniquely positioned to engage challenging issues in the creative professions,trauma (both incident specific and developmental) and adoption along with the anxiety and depression that are too often part of making our way through life.
Imagine having new tools to deal with difficult feelings and difficult people. Imagine feeling ready and excited about what might come your way. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move forward in your life towards the goals and dreams that are most important to you. Informed by previous careers in theatre and film along with specialized trauma training (both TRM & EMDR) and my experience as an adoptive parent, I am uniquely positioned to engage challenging issues in the creative professions,trauma (both incident specific and developmental) and adoption along with the anxiety and depression that are too often part of making our way through life.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/ adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/ adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
My most unique feature is that I have so much experience, from a lab staff member with a renowned infertility practice, followed by my adoption agency experience, private consulting, coupled with my infertility experience, the adoption of our two children over 30 years ago, and the placement of our first grandchild into an open adoption.
I hav a unique combination of both professional and personal experience in adoption and infertility, so who better to guide you through your transition into adoption, adoption journey or adoptive parenting? If you have experienced infertility or secondary infertility, and/or are considering growing or expanding your family through adoption and don't know where to start, then I can help. If you are already a prospective adoptive parent, I can provide educational and supportive services. Are you an adoptive parent, adult adoptee or birthparent? I can help navigate post- adoption relationships, reunions or visits!
My most unique feature is that I have so much experience, from a lab staff member with a renowned infertility practice, followed by my adoption agency experience, private consulting, coupled with my infertility experience, the adoption of our two children over 30 years ago, and the placement of our first grandchild into an open adoption.
I hav a unique combination of both professional and personal experience in adoption and infertility, so who better to guide you through your transition into adoption, adoption journey or adoptive parenting? If you have experienced infertility or secondary infertility, and/or are considering growing or expanding your family through adoption and don't know where to start, then I can help. If you are already a prospective adoptive parent, I can provide educational and supportive services. Are you an adoptive parent, adult adoptee or birthparent? I can help navigate post- adoption relationships, reunions or visits!
Sara E Arpiarian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
My specialties and areas of focus include: Adults, teens, and children with symptoms of depression and anxiety/ Parents seeking support in building confidence in their skills and enhancing relationships with their children/ Individuals and families who have been impacted by adoption or the foster care system.
Sometimes, life's challenges can feel overwhelming and can begin to feel like too much to manage alone. The impact of one's past or current stressors can be difficult and complicated. If you or your child are struggling or are feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, you are not alone. I am here to listen and help build on your strengths to support you towards feeling in control of your life. It is possible to feel more freedom and joy in life and reaching out for help is the first step towards that.
My specialties and areas of focus include: Adults, teens, and children with symptoms of depression and anxiety/ Parents seeking support in building confidence in their skills and enhancing relationships with their children/ Individuals and families who have been impacted by adoption or the foster care system.
Sometimes, life's challenges can feel overwhelming and can begin to feel like too much to manage alone. The impact of one's past or current stressors can be difficult and complicated. If you or your child are struggling or are feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, you are not alone. I am here to listen and help build on your strengths to support you towards feeling in control of your life. It is possible to feel more freedom and joy in life and reaching out for help is the first step towards that.
Jessica Cowley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90042
My personal experience as an adoptive parent and former foster parent gives me unique insight into the complexities of adoption, and I am deeply invested in providing compassionate care to folks in the adoption constellation.
I work with adults, children, and couples using a strengths-based approach that helps create insight, foster resilience, and alleviate suffering. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and strive to create a sense of safety in the therapeutic space through warmth, humor, curiosity, and collaboration. I bring an intersectional perspective to therapy, exploring with clients the nuanced interplay between culture, society and mental health. My practice is trauma-informed and honors the profound connection between body and mind, employing somatic techniques to deepen awareness of emotions and facilitate healing.
My personal experience as an adoptive parent and former foster parent gives me unique insight into the complexities of adoption, and I am deeply invested in providing compassionate care to folks in the adoption constellation.
I work with adults, children, and couples using a strengths-based approach that helps create insight, foster resilience, and alleviate suffering. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and strive to create a sense of safety in the therapeutic space through warmth, humor, curiosity, and collaboration. I bring an intersectional perspective to therapy, exploring with clients the nuanced interplay between culture, society and mental health. My practice is trauma-informed and honors the profound connection between body and mind, employing somatic techniques to deepen awareness of emotions and facilitate healing.
My desire to become a child and adult therapist with a particular focus on adoption and foster care derived from my experience of being adopted at age seven and a half and moving through the foster care system.
Are you looking for expert support in adoption or foster care? I specialize in addressing unresolved childhood trauma, including shame, anxiety, grief, and loss, uniquely tied to adoption and foster care experiences. As an adoptee and former foster youth, I bring personal insight and professional expertise to every session. My team of skilled adoption and foster care therapists in Los Angeles provides compassionate, trauma-informed care for adoptees, foster youth, birth parents, foster parents, adoptive families. We are experienced in reunification, adoption trauma, open adoption, transitioning from foster care to adoption +reunions
My desire to become a child and adult therapist with a particular focus on adoption and foster care derived from my experience of being adopted at age seven and a half and moving through the foster care system.
Are you looking for expert support in adoption or foster care? I specialize in addressing unresolved childhood trauma, including shame, anxiety, grief, and loss, uniquely tied to adoption and foster care experiences. As an adoptee and former foster youth, I bring personal insight and professional expertise to every session. My team of skilled adoption and foster care therapists in Los Angeles provides compassionate, trauma-informed care for adoptees, foster youth, birth parents, foster parents, adoptive families. We are experienced in reunification, adoption trauma, open adoption, transitioning from foster care to adoption +reunions
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Debra Padmini Bergman Therapy For The Soul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
I work with hopeful parents to manage stress and anxiety throughout your family building process, whether it be through fertility treatments, third party reproduction, or adoption.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
I work with hopeful parents to manage stress and anxiety throughout your family building process, whether it be through fertility treatments, third party reproduction, or adoption.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
15 Second Videos
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
Robyn Joy Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90040
My practice is trauma informed & experienced in the treatment of foster care and adoption-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and perinatal mental health.
Together we can explore what it means to be human, to embody compassion towards oneself and others, to hold both joy and sorrow, to experience connection, to move away from internalized messages that no longer serve you, to bridge our past to our future and be present in our experiences and relationships.
My practice is trauma informed & experienced in the treatment of foster care and adoption-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and perinatal mental health.
Together we can explore what it means to be human, to embody compassion towards oneself and others, to hold both joy and sorrow, to experience connection, to move away from internalized messages that no longer serve you, to bridge our past to our future and be present in our experiences and relationships.
Julie Roberts Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Waitlist for new clients
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
Life can feel unbelievably challenging and overwhelming at times and you don't have to do it alone. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, are struggling to cope, or need someone to talk to, I can help and am here to support you. I have worked with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, loss, adoption, and other challenges. Trauma can impact many areas of our lives including our relationships, our ability to cope, how we function, and how we see and navigate the world. I am currently available for online appointments only.
Life can feel unbelievably challenging and overwhelming at times and you don't have to do it alone. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, are struggling to cope, or need someone to talk to, I can help and am here to support you. I have worked with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, loss, adoption, and other challenges. Trauma can impact many areas of our lives including our relationships, our ability to cope, how we function, and how we see and navigate the world. I am currently available for online appointments only.
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, we believe that it takes a village to raise a mama. Let Mavida be your village.
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, we believe that it takes a village to raise a mama. Let Mavida be your village.
Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I work with children of all ages, families, new mothers, and adoption.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
I work with children of all ages, families, new mothers, and adoption.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
My area of specialization includes family and relationship issues, trauma, mood disturbances, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and adoption.
My goal is to empower individuals to be their own change agents and gain the insight, support, and skills that they need to live their lives to their fullest potential. My approach is person-centered, solution-focused, collaborative, and strength-based. I believe in being flexible and catering my approach to each individual's unique needs. I often incorporate solution-focused, narrative, cognitive behavioral, and motivational therapy when working with my clients.
My area of specialization includes family and relationship issues, trauma, mood disturbances, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, and adoption.
My goal is to empower individuals to be their own change agents and gain the insight, support, and skills that they need to live their lives to their fullest potential. My approach is person-centered, solution-focused, collaborative, and strength-based. I believe in being flexible and catering my approach to each individual's unique needs. I often incorporate solution-focused, narrative, cognitive behavioral, and motivational therapy when working with my clients.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
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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.