Adoption Therapists in Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA

Photo of Karisa L Barrow, PsyD, Psychologist
Karisa L Barrow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives. Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives. Please don't hesitate to call for help.
(510) 962-9394 View (510) 962-9394
Photo of Adriana N Taranta, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adriana N Taranta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
(510) 661-3529 View (510) 661-3529
Photo of Sarah McCartney, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah McCartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
(510) 246-3475 View (510) 246-3475
Photo of Westley Rutter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Westley Rutter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
(415) 737-6154 View (415) 737-6154
Photo of Marie Sarte, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Sarte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, my practice specializes in working with people who struggle with depression, unresolved trauma, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and life transitions. Effective therapy starts with a trusting relationship. In a safe space where you feel understood and accepted, we will work toward your goals so that you feel empowered to change and can begin to make positive changes in your life. Practice specialties: Teens, Young Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship and Family Issues, Stress, Life Transitions, Trauma, and Substance Use.
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, my practice specializes in working with people who struggle with depression, unresolved trauma, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and life transitions. Effective therapy starts with a trusting relationship. In a safe space where you feel understood and accepted, we will work toward your goals so that you feel empowered to change and can begin to make positive changes in your life. Practice specialties: Teens, Young Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship and Family Issues, Stress, Life Transitions, Trauma, and Substance Use.
(510) 401-3186 View (510) 401-3186
Photo of Dina Altshuler, PsyD, Psychologist
Dina Altshuler
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
I know that coming to therapy can be challenging and I am committed to creating a warm, empathic, and safe space for our time together. I tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs and goals. My priority is to meet you where you are in order to help you on your journey to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I have an integrative style, drawing on psychodynamic, systems, and attachment theories which allows us to look at the root of issues that you may be struggling with. I also draw on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and meditation practices to help deal with symptoms by improving coping and self-care.
I know that coming to therapy can be challenging and I am committed to creating a warm, empathic, and safe space for our time together. I tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs and goals. My priority is to meet you where you are in order to help you on your journey to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I have an integrative style, drawing on psychodynamic, systems, and attachment theories which allows us to look at the root of issues that you may be struggling with. I also draw on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness and meditation practices to help deal with symptoms by improving coping and self-care.
(510) 756-4517 View (510) 756-4517
Photo of Marla R Rosen, MEd, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marla R Rosen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
(510) 399-0473 View (510) 399-0473
Photo of Megan Parker, PsyD, Psychologist
Megan Parker
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As our world re-opens, many people are experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress due to recent social isolation and the unpredictability of the future. It can be a highly stressful time for people re-entering the world and for parents and teens. I provide individual adult therapy, teen/young adult therapy, and parent coaching. I am knowledgeable with non-traditional family structures (single parent, multiple caregiver, polyamorous, & LGBT families), transgender adolescent/child issues, anxiety, and neurodiversity . I’ve also begun working with the emotional effects of long Covid and chronic fatigue.
As our world re-opens, many people are experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress due to recent social isolation and the unpredictability of the future. It can be a highly stressful time for people re-entering the world and for parents and teens. I provide individual adult therapy, teen/young adult therapy, and parent coaching. I am knowledgeable with non-traditional family structures (single parent, multiple caregiver, polyamorous, & LGBT families), transgender adolescent/child issues, anxiety, and neurodiversity . I’ve also begun working with the emotional effects of long Covid and chronic fatigue.
(415) 347-8868 View (415) 347-8868
Photo of Tonia Herrero - East Bay Art Therapy, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS, Art Therapist
East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
(510) 350-3061 View (510) 350-3061
Photo of Joelle Ehre, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joelle Ehre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
I help people build strong, connected intimate relationships. I particularly enjoy supporting families created through donor conception at all stages of their journey from pre-conception decision-making to supporting families with a donor conceived teen or young adult.
I help people build strong, connected intimate relationships. I particularly enjoy supporting families created through donor conception at all stages of their journey from pre-conception decision-making to supporting families with a donor conceived teen or young adult.
(510) 296-6507 View (510) 296-6507
Photo of Loduskia Dusky Pierce, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Loduskia Dusky Pierce
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Whatever challenge or emotional pain has you considering therapy, our sessions will be tailored to your unique needs. Mind/body approaches such as EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique and the newer Flash Technique are scientifically proven methods that can help resolve trauma or deep emotional wounds. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or low self esteem, we might explore your judgmental self-talk or consider your limiting beliefs. If you are feeling troubled or stuck in a personal relationship or at work, we could look at ways to communicate that increase understanding and reduce conflict.
Whatever challenge or emotional pain has you considering therapy, our sessions will be tailored to your unique needs. Mind/body approaches such as EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique and the newer Flash Technique are scientifically proven methods that can help resolve trauma or deep emotional wounds. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or low self esteem, we might explore your judgmental self-talk or consider your limiting beliefs. If you are feeling troubled or stuck in a personal relationship or at work, we could look at ways to communicate that increase understanding and reduce conflict.
(510) 470-5947 View (510) 470-5947

Online Therapists

Photo of Laura S. Anderson, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura S. Anderson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Specialized areas of interest include: supporting those in the adoption triad; transracial adoption; issues related to gender identity/expression; "third culture" children and families; women's health; diagnosing autism spectrum disorders; and parenting support in general.
Are you hoping to have more energy? Would you like to be a calmer parent or partner? Are you hoping for stronger or smoother relationships with important people in your life? Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner? I provide detailed assessments, and individual, group and family therapy to help kids, families and adults build on their strengths. Together we will figure out how to help you, and/or your children, feel better, function better, and live a life with less friction and more fulfillment.
Specialized areas of interest include: supporting those in the adoption triad; transracial adoption; issues related to gender identity/expression; "third culture" children and families; women's health; diagnosing autism spectrum disorders; and parenting support in general.
Are you hoping to have more energy? Would you like to be a calmer parent or partner? Are you hoping for stronger or smoother relationships with important people in your life? Do you worry about how your child is doing in school, or how they feel about themselves as a learner? I provide detailed assessments, and individual, group and family therapy to help kids, families and adults build on their strengths. Together we will figure out how to help you, and/or your children, feel better, function better, and live a life with less friction and more fulfillment.
(808) 445-6369 View (808) 445-6369
Photo of Patrick D. Chrisman, BA, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Patrick D. Chrisman
Psychologist, BA, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Areas I specialize in: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting support, family relationships and communication, trauma/abuse, loss/grief, attachment, interpersonal difficulties, adoption and divorce and self-growth.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
Areas I specialize in: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting support, family relationships and communication, trauma/abuse, loss/grief, attachment, interpersonal difficulties, adoption and divorce and self-growth.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
(415) 570-8936 View (415) 570-8936
Photo of Nathan Greene, PsyD, Psychologist
Nathan Greene
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
(949) 577-6606 View (949) 577-6606
Photo of Tim Tisdell, PsyD, Psychologist
Tim Tisdell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My particular areas of focus include: individual child, adolescent and adult therapy, adoption, and working with LGBTQQIA2S youth, adults, and families.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
My particular areas of focus include: individual child, adolescent and adult therapy, adoption, and working with LGBTQQIA2S youth, adults, and families.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
(510) 358-4819 View (510) 358-4819
Photo of Tim Smyth, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tim Smyth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I actively address thinking errors such as cognitive distortions and work towards the adoption of more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving with the belief that this can also result in changes in feelings.
I am Tim Smyth. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am a seasoned practitioner of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with 35 years of experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and their families across various mental health and community settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders. I work with nearly all ages; primarily between ages 10 and 80. I typically work with people from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic strata. I have been under a wide range of conditions but tend to avoid dealing with court referrals.
I actively address thinking errors such as cognitive distortions and work towards the adoption of more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving with the belief that this can also result in changes in feelings.
I am Tim Smyth. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am a seasoned practitioner of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with 35 years of experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and their families across various mental health and community settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders. I work with nearly all ages; primarily between ages 10 and 80. I typically work with people from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic strata. I have been under a wide range of conditions but tend to avoid dealing with court referrals.
(951) 357-0550 View (951) 357-0550
Photo of Kathryn Orfirer, PhD, Psychologist
Kathryn Orfirer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
(510) 692-9736 View (510) 692-9736
Photo of Laura Frame, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Frame
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I specialize in relationship difficulties, developmental concerns and life transitions, parenting, adoption, foster and kinship care, trauma, attachment-related challenges and disruptions, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
I specialize in relationship difficulties, developmental concerns and life transitions, parenting, adoption, foster and kinship care, trauma, attachment-related challenges and disruptions, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
(510) 399-2147 View (510) 399-2147
Photo of Caitlin Finnell, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
(415) 630-6595 View (415) 630-6595
Carrie F Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! At this point in my career, my primary passion and focus is working with people who have been adopted. Whether your adoption was open or closed, whether you have searched for your biological/first parents or not, whether you are in reunion or not, whether you felt loved and supported by your adoptive parents or not, adoption is complex and has lifelong impacts that are not thoroughly understood or acknowledged. The “win/win” narrative of adoption is being challenged and there is increased awareness of adoption as a trauma, but there is still much to learn about how this affects everyone in the constellation.
Hello and welcome! At this point in my career, my primary passion and focus is working with people who have been adopted. Whether your adoption was open or closed, whether you have searched for your biological/first parents or not, whether you are in reunion or not, whether you felt loved and supported by your adoptive parents or not, adoption is complex and has lifelong impacts that are not thoroughly understood or acknowledged. The “win/win” narrative of adoption is being challenged and there is increased awareness of adoption as a trauma, but there is still much to learn about how this affects everyone in the constellation.
(510) 606-9945 View (510) 606-9945

See more therapy options for Piedmont Ave, Oakland

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.