Adoption Therapists in San Francisco, CA
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
Is one or more of your kids on the Spectrum or have the ASD/ADD/OCD triad? In your relationship, is one of you on the spectrum and one not and is that causing misunderstandings and problems? Are you on the spectrum and having trouble understanding the non-spectrum people and world around you? I can help you bridge differences and deal with conflicts and meltdowns in an empathetic and constructive way. Also, I work for with LGBTQ people and couples with a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It's hard growing up different from your peers. It can cause low self esteem, crippling self doubt and anger.
Having difficulties sleeping? Lacking the energy to perform at your best? As a Stanford trained sleep psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, I provide evidenced-based treatment for individuals coping with a wide range of concerns including trouble sleeping, anxiety and performance. I am passionate about helping people optimize their physical, mental and emotional health and take a collaborative and practical approach. I am committed to making sure we are a good fit, so please feel free to call me for a complimentary phone consultation.
Having difficulties sleeping? Lacking the energy to perform at your best? As a Stanford trained sleep psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, I provide evidenced-based treatment for individuals coping with a wide range of concerns including trouble sleeping, anxiety and performance. I am passionate about helping people optimize their physical, mental and emotional health and take a collaborative and practical approach. I am committed to making sure we are a good fit, so please feel free to call me for a complimentary phone consultation.
My "ideal" patient is ready to make changes s/he has long wanted and feels able to explore the barriers to emotional well-being in partnership with an experienced therapist. Building a healthy relationship in therapy is not only essential to immediate goals, but is a skill that patients take away for use with on-going problem-solving.
My "ideal" patient is ready to make changes s/he has long wanted and feels able to explore the barriers to emotional well-being in partnership with an experienced therapist. Building a healthy relationship in therapy is not only essential to immediate goals, but is a skill that patients take away for use with on-going problem-solving.
Do you or your family have extra challenges because of adoption and pre- adoption history, insecure attachment, trauma, loss, or other complications?
I specialize in treating adults, teens, and children struggling with anxiety, depression, out-of-control behavior, high reactivity, dissociation, and the after-effects of traumatic events, including early childhood trauma. Therapy can help put the past in the past, restore hope, regulate stress, build resilience, and increase well-being.
Do you or your family have extra challenges because of adoption and pre- adoption history, insecure attachment, trauma, loss, or other complications?
I specialize in treating adults, teens, and children struggling with anxiety, depression, out-of-control behavior, high reactivity, dissociation, and the after-effects of traumatic events, including early childhood trauma. Therapy can help put the past in the past, restore hope, regulate stress, build resilience, and increase well-being.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions.
I have extensive experience with couples and can help bring a sense of intimacy and depth back into your relationship. I work to break the cycle of blame that can become a pattern with conflict, increase clear communication for better understanding and increase the capacity for compassion towards one another.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions.
I have extensive experience with couples and can help bring a sense of intimacy and depth back into your relationship. I work to break the cycle of blame that can become a pattern with conflict, increase clear communication for better understanding and increase the capacity for compassion towards one another.
From the outside, things may look okay, yet inside you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or caught in patterns that are hard to change in your relationships, parenting, or work. Family wounds, high-pressure decisions, or conflict with your child may bring up deeper emotions and old experiences you thought you had moved past. In therapy, we slow things down to gently understand these patterns with curiosity and compassion, helping you reconnect with yourself, make sense of your experiences, and create more balance and clarity in your life.
From the outside, things may look okay, yet inside you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or caught in patterns that are hard to change in your relationships, parenting, or work. Family wounds, high-pressure decisions, or conflict with your child may bring up deeper emotions and old experiences you thought you had moved past. In therapy, we slow things down to gently understand these patterns with curiosity and compassion, helping you reconnect with yourself, make sense of your experiences, and create more balance and clarity in your life.
If you are considering adopting or placing your child for adoption, navigating infertility, building your family, or adjusting to life after adoption, you don't have to do it alone.
Specialties include:
- Adoption counseling across the lifespan
- Infertility and family-building
- Open adoption relationships
- Birth parent counseling/support
- Adoptive parent support
- Adult adoptee counseling
- Adoption reunion
- Adoption Mediation and Post- Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs)
- Stepparent and second-parent adoption Investations
If you are considering adopting or placing your child for adoption, navigating infertility, building your family, or adjusting to life after adoption, you don't have to do it alone.
Specialties include:
- Adoption counseling across the lifespan
- Infertility and family-building
- Open adoption relationships
- Birth parent counseling/support
- Adoptive parent support
- Adult adoptee counseling
- Adoption reunion
- Adoption Mediation and Post- Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs)
- Stepparent and second-parent adoption Investations
I am also specialized in the area of adoption, for adult adoptees as well as children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
I am also specialized in the area of adoption, for adult adoptees as well as children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
The ambiguous grief and loss inherent to adoption is often overlooked or not acknowledged making it hard to speak truth or find healing.
What I offer is a safe, empathetic, curious, and nurturing space for you to explore, repair, grow, and thrive. A space to be courageous and ask the questions, begin to formulate new narratives that feel authentic and true to you and your (child's/partner's) experience(s), and rebuild the concept of self from a more realized perspective - allowing connection.
The ambiguous grief and loss inherent to adoption is often overlooked or not acknowledged making it hard to speak truth or find healing.
What I offer is a safe, empathetic, curious, and nurturing space for you to explore, repair, grow, and thrive. A space to be courageous and ask the questions, begin to formulate new narratives that feel authentic and true to you and your (child's/partner's) experience(s), and rebuild the concept of self from a more realized perspective - allowing connection.
Hi! My name is Analyn Abad, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Life transitions, family dynamics, and emotional overwhelm can leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from yourself and others. I work with teens, young adults, new parents, and adoptees navigating relationship challenges, communication difficulties, boundary-setting, and major life transitions.
Hi! My name is Analyn Abad, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Life transitions, family dynamics, and emotional overwhelm can leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from yourself and others. I work with teens, young adults, new parents, and adoptees navigating relationship challenges, communication difficulties, boundary-setting, and major life transitions.
I understand that adoption can hold both deep connection and real complexity.
Helping teens feel understood, connected, and more at ease in themselves is at the heart of my work. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families in San Francisco. I offer a supportive, down-to-earth space where teens can show up as they are—whether they’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or trying to make sense of who they are. Together, we move at a pace that feels comfortable, building insight, coping skills, and a stronger sense of self. I have a particular focus on working with teens who have been adopted—domestic and international.
I understand that adoption can hold both deep connection and real complexity.
Helping teens feel understood, connected, and more at ease in themselves is at the heart of my work. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families in San Francisco. I offer a supportive, down-to-earth space where teens can show up as they are—whether they’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or trying to make sense of who they are. Together, we move at a pace that feels comfortable, building insight, coping skills, and a stronger sense of self. I have a particular focus on working with teens who have been adopted—domestic and international.
RESET Trauma & Family Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
There are seasons in life that are very unpredictable, 2020 for example! If you are finding that the last few months, weeks, maybe even years have been full of overwhelming amounts of change, transition and uncertainty, your are not alone. I understand the uncertainty of life can cause depression, anxiety, and unresolved traumas to arise. My goal is to assist you with getting to the heart of the issues you are enduring, while embracing the resiliency and strength it took for you to make it this far. Emotional healing and relief is near.
There are seasons in life that are very unpredictable, 2020 for example! If you are finding that the last few months, weeks, maybe even years have been full of overwhelming amounts of change, transition and uncertainty, your are not alone. I understand the uncertainty of life can cause depression, anxiety, and unresolved traumas to arise. My goal is to assist you with getting to the heart of the issues you are enduring, while embracing the resiliency and strength it took for you to make it this far. Emotional healing and relief is near.
I am currently taking on new insurance clients in California. My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
I am currently taking on new insurance clients in California. My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
She also works with individuals navigating experiences related to transracial adoption.
Dr. Pixley completed her post-doctoral internship at California College of the Arts Counseling center. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at West Coast Children’s Clinic. Prior to her doctorate, Dr. Pixley completed a Masters at University College London in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology. She holds a Bachelors degree from Columbia University.
She also works with individuals navigating experiences related to transracial adoption.
Dr. Pixley completed her post-doctoral internship at California College of the Arts Counseling center. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at West Coast Children’s Clinic. Prior to her doctorate, Dr. Pixley completed a Masters at University College London in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology. She holds a Bachelors degree from Columbia University.
My approach is practical and supportive. We’ll work together to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, reduce the intensity of what you’re experiencing, and develop clear, realistic steps forward. The goal is not just insight, but the ability to think more clearly, feel more grounded, and move ahead with confidence.
I work with individuals experiencing: • Stress, anxiety, and burnout
• Trauma and high-impact life experiences
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Life transitions and decision-making
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or under pressure, I provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore you
My approach is practical and supportive. We’ll work together to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, reduce the intensity of what you’re experiencing, and develop clear, realistic steps forward. The goal is not just insight, but the ability to think more clearly, feel more grounded, and move ahead with confidence.
I work with individuals experiencing: • Stress, anxiety, and burnout
• Trauma and high-impact life experiences
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Life transitions and decision-making
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or under pressure, I provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore you
As a therapist I believe in collaborating with clients to help them find their happiness and true self while conquering their mental health in a safe space. My specialties include adoptees, parents of foster/adoptees, early childhood trauma, trauma, depression and anxiety. I use eclectic interventions best suited for you.
As a therapist I believe in collaborating with clients to help them find their happiness and true self while conquering their mental health in a safe space. My specialties include adoptees, parents of foster/adoptees, early childhood trauma, trauma, depression and anxiety. I use eclectic interventions best suited for you.
Adoption, grief, identity, family relationships, trauma, or experiences that began before memory can continue to shape how you feel in your body, relationships, and sense of self.
I work with adults navigating adoption, identity, grief, trauma, and relationships. As an LMFT and Board Certified Art Therapist, I integrate conversation with art-making, somatic attention, and EMDR when useful. Sessions are collaborative and paced with attention to consent; you never have to make art.
Adoption, grief, identity, family relationships, trauma, or experiences that began before memory can continue to shape how you feel in your body, relationships, and sense of self.
I work with adults navigating adoption, identity, grief, trauma, and relationships. As an LMFT and Board Certified Art Therapist, I integrate conversation with art-making, somatic attention, and EMDR when useful. Sessions are collaborative and paced with attention to consent; you never have to make art.
My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 15 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My approach is one of respect, warmth, and attention to the dignity of every person. I utilize a humanistic and person-centered perspective, and maintain a psychodynamic framework for understanding my clients' emotional and therapeutic needs, to help you learn coping skills, and help you explore your options towards recovering a stronger sense of self, identity, spirituality, and balance.
My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 15 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My approach is one of respect, warmth, and attention to the dignity of every person. I utilize a humanistic and person-centered perspective, and maintain a psychodynamic framework for understanding my clients' emotional and therapeutic needs, to help you learn coping skills, and help you explore your options towards recovering a stronger sense of self, identity, spirituality, and balance.
Adoption and Foster Care.
Is it time to take a step towards changing those old Self limiting patterns? Those preoccupying thoughts; those intense feelings; those annoying behaviours. Do you want to learn something new about yourself? Depression; anxiety; traumatic stress reactions, whether you are a child, parent, couple or individual, limit the capacity to enjoy Life. Within a therapeutic relationship of compassion, kind attention and patient nudging to risk change, you can create space for yourself, to develop and cultivate new skills. To develop the fortitude of resilience and a more fulfilling Life. Wishing you well.
Adoption and Foster Care.
Is it time to take a step towards changing those old Self limiting patterns? Those preoccupying thoughts; those intense feelings; those annoying behaviours. Do you want to learn something new about yourself? Depression; anxiety; traumatic stress reactions, whether you are a child, parent, couple or individual, limit the capacity to enjoy Life. Within a therapeutic relationship of compassion, kind attention and patient nudging to risk change, you can create space for yourself, to develop and cultivate new skills. To develop the fortitude of resilience and a more fulfilling Life. Wishing you well.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
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.