Adoption Therapists in Pasadena, CA

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.

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 of shame, to feel liberation, to bridge our past to our future and be present in our experiences and relationships.

I have extensive experience working with families who are currently fostering a child or have built their family through adoption . I use a trauma informed and neurodevelopmental lens in all of my work, and understand how in utero and early developmental trauma affect children in many areas of their life. As a former foster parent and now an adoptive mom, I further understands how close relationships are created through a sense of safety and trust.

Therapy is about finding the right fit with someone you trust. I recognize the importance of beginning where you are at through collaboration, empathy, and guided self-examination. If you are feeling stuck in your life or healing from old wounds, I will help you develop new coping skills, healthy boundaries, and turn insight into action. The most courageous moments provide the greatest growth. Collectively, we can add more tools to your toolbox. Through introspection, depth work, and a strong working relationship, I will listen to each important detail of your life story and build upon your strengths and abilities.

Therapy is a delicate art and a science. Finding the right therapist is important. The connection by an understanding, intuitive professional, someone with wisdom and effectiveness, who also respects the time and the cost of your investment is valuable. I use an attachment-focused orientation, and tools from EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, 12-step recovery model, and other modalities. I have enjoyed a rich 25-year career as a trauma informed specialist. I have supervised and directed programs in public and non-profit sectors. Adoption is my specialty, as well as work with teens, young adults and families.

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 clients who are creative and want to use their talent to make a difference. I also specialize in individuals and couples who have not received the necessary support, love, limits, and validation needed during childhood. I see adults who are cautious regarding a romantic commitment because they've experienced parental abuse, addiction or divorce in childhood. I'm an adoptive mother, with a specialty in adoption . I work with birth parent grief, adoptive parent child management, adoptee resolved issues, within the context of open, closed or reunion adoptions.

I specialize in trauma and all the symptoms that stem from it. These symptoms vary person to person, but often look like anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms (headaches, stomachaches), an inability to make decisions, relational difficulties (codependency, people pleasing, inability to connect), dissociation, sleep disturbance, and an inability to get ahold of your emotions in times of high stress. I also work with those suffering with identity struggles (gender, race, culture, sexuality), family conflict and/or relational wounds, adoption , infertility, parenting complexities, and LGBTQIA discrimination.

Stress and anxiety can drain emotional and physical energy, making even the smallest life obstacles seem impossible to overcome. When we are anxious or stressed, we have trouble sleeping, feel exhausted from worrying, and have difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Anxiety and stress can also make people socially avoidant, risk aversive, or hypervigilant, as if something catastrophic is just about to happen. If you are often worried, tense, or keyed up, or have frequent panic attacks, know that anxiety can be treated successfully.

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.

Dr. Quiana M. Daniel is a Psychological Assistant working under the supervision of Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Andrea Forbes, PSY23101. In regards to her clinical practice, Dr. Daniel has had extensive training in parent-child interactions, trauma focused therapy, parenting skills, and interpersonal relationships. In addition, she has a history of working with families who are engaged with the foster care system, adopting, or considering adoption . Dr. Daniel aspires to work with individuals, couples, and families within a safe environment to help them navigate their personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Do you want to make changes in your life? Do you want to make healthy choices that will enable you to reach your full potential? Psychotherapy provides a healing relationship - a second chance at discovering our capacity to grow, to love, to reflect and to change how we react to the world around us. Through the connection of the therapeutic relationship, one is able to transform patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Today you are one step closer to creating positive changes in your life. It would be an honor and a privilege to join you on this journey!

For 23+ years I've specialized in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families to help them live with more confidence, connection, and aliveness. I bring extensive experience in therapy, supervision, consulting, and research in the areas of child, teen, & family life, social and emotional development, and building solid and nurturing relationships. I work with clients in a talk therapy approach that is warm, interactive, and active, but that is also flexible in including support for new behaviors, creative expression, and practical help in developing new skills for living.

Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.

My practice has primarily derived from an education in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, emphasizing close attention to your developmental history, relational patterns, inhibiting defenses and the neglected power of your inner life. I understand the vulnerability it takes to open yourself up to a therapist, and I promise to join you with patience, strength, and hope on your path to self-understanding. With collaborative and creative intention, I can help you widen your point of view, increase your tolerance for variegated emotions, integrate fragmented parts of yourself, and discover the uncharted material within you.

Everyone has challenging times and hurts in their life they want to move past. Many need someone to accompany them to move through these times. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is key to helping people overcome trauma, grief, and disappointments to move toward the goals you want in your life. I have over 25 years of experience with children, youth and families who have experienced trauma, conflict, behavioral challenges, and life transitions including moving toward independence, exploring sexuality, and managing disabilities. I have seen the healing and growth that happen. Give yourself the chance.

With over 20 years of experience in 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 also perform pre- adoption evaluations, competency evaluations and pre-surgical evaluations. Psychodiagnostic testing can distinguish the psychological contributions to behavior that may confound accurate diagnosis and treatment. I can provide expert court testimony and workers comp evaluations.