Adoption Therapists in Solana Beach, CA

Dr. Nikoo Z Sadatrafiei
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, LADAC, CalGETS
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I'm specialized in treating behavioral and mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families which arise from life transitions, conflicts in relationships, parenting, child/adolescence behavioral issues, and mental illnesses. I have extensive experience on treating trauma, grief, domestic violence, and communication. As a Licensed Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LAADC) I help individuals with their dual diagnosis. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocess (EMDR) and hypnotherapy to facilitate change in perception. I'm certified in Gambling Disorder from the Office of Problem Gambling (CalGETS).
I'm specialized in treating behavioral and mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families which arise from life transitions, conflicts in relationships, parenting, child/adolescence behavioral issues, and mental illnesses. I have extensive experience on treating trauma, grief, domestic violence, and communication. As a Licensed Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LAADC) I help individuals with their dual diagnosis. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocess (EMDR) and hypnotherapy to facilitate change in perception. I'm certified in Gambling Disorder from the Office of Problem Gambling (CalGETS).
(858) 707-7602 View (858) 707-7602
David Rosen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
The strongest person is the one who asks for help when they are stuck or overwhelmed. Working together we can find the steps and strategies to overcome life's challenges and live our most successful, best lives.
The strongest person is the one who asks for help when they are stuck or overwhelmed. Working together we can find the steps and strategies to overcome life's challenges and live our most successful, best lives.
(858) 988-7568 View (858) 988-7568
Preston Sims
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
(619) 304-9224 View (619) 304-9224
Mallory Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
My passion is for people and their relationships. Eastern thought teaches us that pain is inevitable, suffering is optional; life and relationships have the ability to create struggles in everyday life that creates pain, but it is through our attitudes, behaviors, and meaning that we place ourselves in situations where we create our own suffering. By helping people find the tools to cultivate their unique skills, I believe we can find the hope and fulfillment to overcome our suffering. My focus is on individuals and couples as they search for connection, intimacy, love and success.
My passion is for people and their relationships. Eastern thought teaches us that pain is inevitable, suffering is optional; life and relationships have the ability to create struggles in everyday life that creates pain, but it is through our attitudes, behaviors, and meaning that we place ourselves in situations where we create our own suffering. By helping people find the tools to cultivate their unique skills, I believe we can find the hope and fulfillment to overcome our suffering. My focus is on individuals and couples as they search for connection, intimacy, love and success.
(858) 946-4981 View (858) 946-4981
Cami Larsen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a powerful step toward change. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, men’s mental health, identity exploration, life transitions, cultural expectations, and the pressures of high-demand environments; including healthcare, athletics, the corporate world, and the military.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a powerful step toward change. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, men’s mental health, identity exploration, life transitions, cultural expectations, and the pressures of high-demand environments; including healthcare, athletics, the corporate world, and the military.
(619) 853-5972 View (619) 853-5972
Kim Ajlouny
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Connection with others is crucial for life. This can be elusive for those who don't know themselves or love themselves, leading to negative relationship or behavioral patterns. By helping you become more relational with yourself, you will develop more positive self-worth, have healthier boundaries with others, and have a more satisying and productive life. Let's get you "unstuck" and help you move toward greater happiness.
Connection with others is crucial for life. This can be elusive for those who don't know themselves or love themselves, leading to negative relationship or behavioral patterns. By helping you become more relational with yourself, you will develop more positive self-worth, have healthier boundaries with others, and have a more satisying and productive life. Let's get you "unstuck" and help you move toward greater happiness.
(858) 736-9269 View (858) 736-9269
Crystal Duncan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel disconnected, reactive, or unsure of themselves despite managing daily life. Individuals may struggle to tolerate emotions, feel grounded in who they are, or experience shame, numbness, or a lack of meaning. Couples may feel stuck in cycles of conflict or distance, with emotional or sexual intimacy feeling strained or unsafe. These clients want more than coping strategies, they want to build emotional capacity, develop a stronger sense of self, and experience deeper, more authentic connection within themselves and their relationships.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel disconnected, reactive, or unsure of themselves despite managing daily life. Individuals may struggle to tolerate emotions, feel grounded in who they are, or experience shame, numbness, or a lack of meaning. Couples may feel stuck in cycles of conflict or distance, with emotional or sexual intimacy feeling strained or unsafe. These clients want more than coping strategies, they want to build emotional capacity, develop a stronger sense of self, and experience deeper, more authentic connection within themselves and their relationships.
(760) 313-3630 View (760) 313-3630
Gordon Caras
Psychologist, PhD
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Each person has specific needs and goals towards which they aspire fulfilling. Emotional/psychological struggles interfere adversely in actualizing these pursuits. It can be a complicated web to disentangle but well worth the effort, a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Whether it be depression, anxiety, low self-confidence/esteem, relationship turmoils, directionless, internal emptiness, impulsiveness, etc., many things can paralyze you, but help is possible. For all this comes under a close, skilled exploration mutually taken by us to unravel and resolve the unremitting knots and enduring knocks that presently bind you.
Each person has specific needs and goals towards which they aspire fulfilling. Emotional/psychological struggles interfere adversely in actualizing these pursuits. It can be a complicated web to disentangle but well worth the effort, a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Whether it be depression, anxiety, low self-confidence/esteem, relationship turmoils, directionless, internal emptiness, impulsiveness, etc., many things can paralyze you, but help is possible. For all this comes under a close, skilled exploration mutually taken by us to unravel and resolve the unremitting knots and enduring knocks that presently bind you.
(858) 808-1712 View (858) 808-1712
Arthur Lawida
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Solana Beach, CA 92075
The main focus of my practice is working with people that have experienced trauma with the goal of reducing or eliminating the negative impact of past trauma on their current and future lives. With advances in therapy, it is possible to quickly resolve PTSD for most clients and help them heal their trauma and PTSD. My ideal client is one that wants to resolve the negative impacts of past trauma on their daily lives so they can live happier and more fulfilling days. My focus is the rapid resolution of these issues.
The main focus of my practice is working with people that have experienced trauma with the goal of reducing or eliminating the negative impact of past trauma on their current and future lives. With advances in therapy, it is possible to quickly resolve PTSD for most clients and help them heal their trauma and PTSD. My ideal client is one that wants to resolve the negative impacts of past trauma on their daily lives so they can live happier and more fulfilling days. My focus is the rapid resolution of these issues.
(442) 217-4176 View (442) 217-4176
Aliza Ostrosky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT
Online Only
Finding a therapist can be daunting, but remember, you made it this far, and it takes courage and vulnerability to seek support. Whether it’s work-life balance, stress and burnout, fertility or trying to conceive struggles, pregnancy and postpartum stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, anxiety, self-esteem or other emotional health issues, you are not ALONE. Life can be difficult to navigate but I have hope that together we can achieve your goals, identify your strengths and get to a point where you are living authentically and fully. BILINGUAL: Spanish & English
Finding a therapist can be daunting, but remember, you made it this far, and it takes courage and vulnerability to seek support. Whether it’s work-life balance, stress and burnout, fertility or trying to conceive struggles, pregnancy and postpartum stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, anxiety, self-esteem or other emotional health issues, you are not ALONE. Life can be difficult to navigate but I have hope that together we can achieve your goals, identify your strengths and get to a point where you are living authentically and fully. BILINGUAL: Spanish & English
(858) 240-1196 View (858) 240-1196
Ed Lowery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I specialize in two areas: (1) Reducing anxiety and depression in adults and children; (2) Reducing problem behaviors in children and teens. I am a child and adult psychoanalyst and use this advanced training with many of my patients to gain a more in-depth understanding of issues that have lingered in a painful manner for many years.
I specialize in two areas: (1) Reducing anxiety and depression in adults and children; (2) Reducing problem behaviors in children and teens. I am a child and adult psychoanalyst and use this advanced training with many of my patients to gain a more in-depth understanding of issues that have lingered in a painful manner for many years.
(760) 994-4516 View (760) 994-4516
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
(619) 452-1994 View (619) 452-1994
Michael E Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
My philosophy of therapy is holistic, meaning that I believe people are made up of many parts: body, soul (mind, emotions, will), and spirit. These parts must function in a balanced relationship in order for us to thrive. How we feel about ourselves and how we view the world affects the quality of our relationships. When we can balance a positive identity with our role in the world while also remaining connected to others, we feel whole. Brokenness can occur if any of these relationships are out of balance. In therapy, I help my clients assess the lack of balance so they can figure out how to get whole again.
My philosophy of therapy is holistic, meaning that I believe people are made up of many parts: body, soul (mind, emotions, will), and spirit. These parts must function in a balanced relationship in order for us to thrive. How we feel about ourselves and how we view the world affects the quality of our relationships. When we can balance a positive identity with our role in the world while also remaining connected to others, we feel whole. Brokenness can occur if any of these relationships are out of balance. In therapy, I help my clients assess the lack of balance so they can figure out how to get whole again.
(858) 293-8732 View (858) 293-8732
Azmaira H Maker
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians and I provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, expressive arts therapy, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve challenges, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians and I provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, expressive arts therapy, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve challenges, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
(858) 367-0931 View (858) 367-0931
Dr. Danielle Parker
Psychologist, PsyD
Serves Area
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
(760) 407-3102 View (760) 407-3102
Bex Chinisie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience working with adults, families, and children. As a whole-hearted and professionally committed mental health therapist, I take pride in being a person-centered clinician by meeting my clients where they are in their therapeutic journey. Whether it may be your first therapy session or whether you've experienced therapy services in the past, as a mental health professional, it is of utmost importance to me that you feel safe and validated while sharing your narrative with me and other mental health professionals.
Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience working with adults, families, and children. As a whole-hearted and professionally committed mental health therapist, I take pride in being a person-centered clinician by meeting my clients where they are in their therapeutic journey. Whether it may be your first therapy session or whether you've experienced therapy services in the past, as a mental health professional, it is of utmost importance to me that you feel safe and validated while sharing your narrative with me and other mental health professionals.
(323) 312-3544 View (323) 312-3544
Steven T Griggs
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment. I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment. I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
(760) 746-8355 View (760) 746-8355
Megan Koraly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, PPSC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Seaworthy Therapy, I specialize in therapy for overwhelmed moms, professionals, and high-achieving adults who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel burnt out, anxious, or stretched thin beneath the surface. You may be carrying the mental load for everyone around you while struggling with perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, or the pressure to keep it all together. My approach is collaborative and grounded in nervous system regulation, helping you strengthen self-trust, build practical coping tools, and create lasting change so you can feel more balanced, connected, and aligned with what matters most.
At Seaworthy Therapy, I specialize in therapy for overwhelmed moms, professionals, and high-achieving adults who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel burnt out, anxious, or stretched thin beneath the surface. You may be carrying the mental load for everyone around you while struggling with perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, or the pressure to keep it all together. My approach is collaborative and grounded in nervous system regulation, helping you strengthen self-trust, build practical coping tools, and create lasting change so you can feel more balanced, connected, and aligned with what matters most.
(760) 933-5965 View (760) 933-5965
Bertha Reeves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Hi there, I'm Bertha! Welcome. Therapy is a journey we walk together. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm bilingual in English y hablo español, so you can choose the language that feels most comfortable for you. I work with individuals and families to explore emotions, build resilience, and find balance in a safe, supportive space. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on helping you build awareness, emotional balance, and resilience. Together, we'll explore your experiences and work toward your goals, creating a safe space where you feel seen, steady, and empowered.
Hi there, I'm Bertha! Welcome. Therapy is a journey we walk together. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm bilingual in English y hablo español, so you can choose the language that feels most comfortable for you. I work with individuals and families to explore emotions, build resilience, and find balance in a safe, supportive space. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on helping you build awareness, emotional balance, and resilience. Together, we'll explore your experiences and work toward your goals, creating a safe space where you feel seen, steady, and empowered.
(337) 492-0211 View (337) 492-0211
Amanda Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
This framework is vital for couples dealing with the challenges of adoption and navigating the path through grief together.
In my practice, I specialize in assisting couples navigating the emotional complexities of intimate relationships. These experiences, unique in their impact and intensity, require a sensitive and nuanced approach. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I strive to create a supportive space where couples can explore their feelings, strengthen their connection, and develop resilience. These evidence-based methods not only help in understanding and processing emotions but also in building a deeper, more meaningful bond, paving the way for healing and growth.
This framework is vital for couples dealing with the challenges of adoption and navigating the path through grief together.
In my practice, I specialize in assisting couples navigating the emotional complexities of intimate relationships. These experiences, unique in their impact and intensity, require a sensitive and nuanced approach. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I strive to create a supportive space where couples can explore their feelings, strengthen their connection, and develop resilience. These evidence-based methods not only help in understanding and processing emotions but also in building a deeper, more meaningful bond, paving the way for healing and growth.
(858) 264-3384 View (858) 264-3384

See more therapy options for Solana Beach

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.