Adoption Therapists in California
Hello! My name is Kristen Fragoso, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients navigate the hardships of day-to-day life. I want my clients to, first and foremost, feel safe and comfortable talking with me about anything. I understand that building a relationship takes time and is the most important task in having successful sessions.
Hello! My name is Kristen Fragoso, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients navigate the hardships of day-to-day life. I want my clients to, first and foremost, feel safe and comfortable talking with me about anything. I understand that building a relationship takes time and is the most important task in having successful sessions.
I specialize in working with adopted adults and families formed by adoption.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in northern Novato. I work with individuals, couples and families. I treat a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and borderline personality disorder. I have considerable experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. My approach is character analytic which often helps clients get in touch with their feelings and increases their sense of aliveness and satisfaction with life.
I specialize in working with adopted adults and families formed by adoption.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in northern Novato. I work with individuals, couples and families. I treat a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and borderline personality disorder. I have considerable experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. My approach is character analytic which often helps clients get in touch with their feelings and increases their sense of aliveness and satisfaction with life.
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.
Have you observed challenging behaviors, or are you worried about
the effects of stressful events in your child's life? I help young children learn strategies and develop tools for managing their big feelings, and help parents make sense out of their child's behaviors.
Have you observed challenging behaviors, or are you worried about
the effects of stressful events in your child's life? I help young children learn strategies and develop tools for managing their big feelings, and help parents make sense out of their child's behaviors.
Hi, I’m Joanna Lovinger, MFT, a licensed therapist, specializing in mood disorders, trauma recovery, relationships, and identity exploration. I work with artists navigating the pressures of creative blocks and unpredictable careers. I also work with adoptees processing identity struggles.
I bring humor to my work as a therapist. I value creative expression, enriching relationships, and developing community. I stand for inclusivity, equity, and creating a shame-free space.
Hi, I’m Joanna Lovinger, MFT, a licensed therapist, specializing in mood disorders, trauma recovery, relationships, and identity exploration. I work with artists navigating the pressures of creative blocks and unpredictable careers. I also work with adoptees processing identity struggles.
I bring humor to my work as a therapist. I value creative expression, enriching relationships, and developing community. I stand for inclusivity, equity, and creating a shame-free space.
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.
If you would like a safe place to explore your own experience with being adopted, please contact me.
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.
If you would like a safe place to explore your own experience with being adopted, please contact me.
You really can have a life where you feel more connected, self assured, happier and at peace. You probably have been struggling for awhile and now you are ready to courageously face the difficulties that have kept you from living your best life. Your difficulties may stem from an unsatisfying relationship, unfulfilling job, or a history of trauma.
You really can have a life where you feel more connected, self assured, happier and at peace. You probably have been struggling for awhile and now you are ready to courageously face the difficulties that have kept you from living your best life. Your difficulties may stem from an unsatisfying relationship, unfulfilling job, or a history of trauma.
This is very much true when a child is born into your heart through adoption.
If you feel confused, stuck, unable to function and are constantly doubting yourself, lacking a sense of direction, you're in the right place.
Do you feel inadequate as a parent, a partner or unable to connect and build meaningful and mutually satisfying interpersonal relationships? Do you want to move forward and regain confidence in your profession, as a student, partner or family member? I am here to help. Licensed in California and having worked with families and individuals for more than 20 years, I can support you in identifying inherent, effective tools to help cope with life's ever present challenges. Reach out now.
This is very much true when a child is born into your heart through adoption.
If you feel confused, stuck, unable to function and are constantly doubting yourself, lacking a sense of direction, you're in the right place.
Do you feel inadequate as a parent, a partner or unable to connect and build meaningful and mutually satisfying interpersonal relationships? Do you want to move forward and regain confidence in your profession, as a student, partner or family member? I am here to help. Licensed in California and having worked with families and individuals for more than 20 years, I can support you in identifying inherent, effective tools to help cope with life's ever present challenges. Reach out now.
Do you find yourself overthinking everything? Constantly worried you will disappoint or upset someone? And if someone is upset, you might lose relationships? Do you walk on eggshells with your parents, partner(s) or friends due to their big reactions? Struggling with feelings that you just don't know what to do with, like resentment, guilt, anxiety? Maybe you learned feelings are dangerous. I specialize in attachment trauma and working with people pleasers, intellectualizers and those who don't feel fully safe to be authentic about their needs.
Do you find yourself overthinking everything? Constantly worried you will disappoint or upset someone? And if someone is upset, you might lose relationships? Do you walk on eggshells with your parents, partner(s) or friends due to their big reactions? Struggling with feelings that you just don't know what to do with, like resentment, guilt, anxiety? Maybe you learned feelings are dangerous. I specialize in attachment trauma and working with people pleasers, intellectualizers and those who don't feel fully safe to be authentic about their needs.
Translating your needs into answers by increasing your self-compassion, optimism and resilience. Together, by focusing on self-limiting beliefs, childhood trauma, even intergenerational addiction, I’ll help you address the conflicts you face, be they in intimate relationships, motivating yourself, parenting, work satisfaction, family relationships, or the unique difficulties and obstacles women must overcome. I can help you fashion the life you deserve. Let’s work together to turn your crisis into an opportunity for growth.
Translating your needs into answers by increasing your self-compassion, optimism and resilience. Together, by focusing on self-limiting beliefs, childhood trauma, even intergenerational addiction, I’ll help you address the conflicts you face, be they in intimate relationships, motivating yourself, parenting, work satisfaction, family relationships, or the unique difficulties and obstacles women must overcome. I can help you fashion the life you deserve. Let’s work together to turn your crisis into an opportunity for growth.
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families struggling with issues related to divorce, foster/ adoption, abuse, child misbehavior (acting out), bullying, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship problems.
My primary therapeutic approach is Client Centered Play Therapy, a scientifically-validated approach for treating child and adult clients. I also utilize EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT, which are evidence-based treatment approaches shown to help children and adults overcome trauma-related difficulties. With couples, I use the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy.
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families struggling with issues related to divorce, foster/ adoption, abuse, child misbehavior (acting out), bullying, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship problems.
My primary therapeutic approach is Client Centered Play Therapy, a scientifically-validated approach for treating child and adult clients. I also utilize EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT, which are evidence-based treatment approaches shown to help children and adults overcome trauma-related difficulties. With couples, I use the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy.
Taking care of yourself can feel overwhelming—especially when you're parenting, in a challenging relationship, or figuring out how to reconnect post-pandemic. You may feel burnt out or unsure of who you are. Reaching out is a strong first step. I offer conversational, compassionate therapy rooted in Humanistic approaches, drawing from IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness. Together, we’ll explore how to relate to your emotions in healthier ways, care for yourself more deeply, and reconnect with your authentic self.
Taking care of yourself can feel overwhelming—especially when you're parenting, in a challenging relationship, or figuring out how to reconnect post-pandemic. You may feel burnt out or unsure of who you are. Reaching out is a strong first step. I offer conversational, compassionate therapy rooted in Humanistic approaches, drawing from IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness. Together, we’ll explore how to relate to your emotions in healthier ways, care for yourself more deeply, and reconnect with your authentic self.
I believe that healing happens in the context of safe, attuned relationships—especially for children and families navigating stress, trauma, and developmental differences. My work is grounded in the understanding that behavior is communication, and that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported in ways that honor who they are.
I am a licensed psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families. I have extensive experience supporting young people who have experienced trauma, as well as those with sensory processing differences and neurodevelopmental
I believe that healing happens in the context of safe, attuned relationships—especially for children and families navigating stress, trauma, and developmental differences. My work is grounded in the understanding that behavior is communication, and that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported in ways that honor who they are.
I am a licensed psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families. I have extensive experience supporting young people who have experienced trauma, as well as those with sensory processing differences and neurodevelopmental
My areas of specialization include:
Anxiety and Depression,
Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Issues,
Relationship and Marriage Counseling,
Parenting Coaching and Adoption-Attachment Building for Healthy Families.
Supporting Families with Care and Insight.
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding and sometimes most challenging journeys. I provide practical, parenting coaching that helps families strengthen and flourish.
Supporting Couples for better relationships. Relationships need care and tune ups. Learn the skills that make for great relationships.
My areas of specialization include:
Anxiety and Depression,
Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Issues,
Relationship and Marriage Counseling,
Parenting Coaching and Adoption-Attachment Building for Healthy Families.
Supporting Families with Care and Insight.
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding and sometimes most challenging journeys. I provide practical, parenting coaching that helps families strengthen and flourish.
Supporting Couples for better relationships. Relationships need care and tune ups. Learn the skills that make for great relationships.
Hi, my name is Allison. I've been a therapist for thirty years working with individuals and teens who have experienced trauma. I specialize in Attachment and Complex Developmental Trauma . My clinical orientation in Attachment is specialized in complex family systems and relational (complex) trauma.
My training in attachment theory and the neurobiology of trauma helps address the deeper wounds that are embedded within the body, heart and mind. I believe the safety of the therapeutic relationship allows you to engage in meaningful exploration of the issues that are impacting your well-being.
Hi, my name is Allison. I've been a therapist for thirty years working with individuals and teens who have experienced trauma. I specialize in Attachment and Complex Developmental Trauma . My clinical orientation in Attachment is specialized in complex family systems and relational (complex) trauma.
My training in attachment theory and the neurobiology of trauma helps address the deeper wounds that are embedded within the body, heart and mind. I believe the safety of the therapeutic relationship allows you to engage in meaningful exploration of the issues that are impacting your well-being.
ATTENTION FAMILIES AND COUPLES: Are you and your partner struggling with communication? Do you find that you argue about things that are seemingly insignificant? Has your relationship evolved into a power struggle? There may be triggers in your relationships that create conflict that you simply are not aware. I can help to lower the reactivity and to help bring back the love and understanding you once had. Learn to disagree safely. Communication skills are my specialty.
My Passion are those couples that are from different backgrounds or from different countries, biracial or where there is a significant age difference.
ATTENTION FAMILIES AND COUPLES: Are you and your partner struggling with communication? Do you find that you argue about things that are seemingly insignificant? Has your relationship evolved into a power struggle? There may be triggers in your relationships that create conflict that you simply are not aware. I can help to lower the reactivity and to help bring back the love and understanding you once had. Learn to disagree safely. Communication skills are my specialty.
My Passion are those couples that are from different backgrounds or from different countries, biracial or where there is a significant age difference.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Many of the clients I see are seeking relief from daily stress or depression, and are longing to feel more genuinely connected in their relationships. If this resonates with you, please know you don't have to navigate this alone.
I’m Tim Hooey, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Restoration Therapist. I offer a safe, supportive environment where you can slow down, be truly heard, and begin the healing process. My approach is compassionate and down-to-earth, making sure you feel comfortable and accepted.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Many of the clients I see are seeking relief from daily stress or depression, and are longing to feel more genuinely connected in their relationships. If this resonates with you, please know you don't have to navigate this alone.
I’m Tim Hooey, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Restoration Therapist. I offer a safe, supportive environment where you can slow down, be truly heard, and begin the healing process. My approach is compassionate and down-to-earth, making sure you feel comfortable and accepted.
My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption.
I work closely with the LGBTQAI+ community on their family building journey. I perform assessments for surrogates, egg, sperm, & embryo donors, and intended parents. I also focus on helping people cope with universal, yet difficult parts of life including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, relational conflict, and life transitions.
My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption.
I work closely with the LGBTQAI+ community on their family building journey. I perform assessments for surrogates, egg, sperm, & embryo donors, and intended parents. I also focus on helping people cope with universal, yet difficult parts of life including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, relational conflict, and life transitions.
I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist passionate about supporting others with kindness, compassion, and respect. Using a person-centered approach, I focus on one part of your journey at a time, honoring your unique culture, values, beliefs, and traditions. Together, we’ll create a safe space for self-discovery, gently challenge unhelpful core beliefs, and explore new ways of thinking and living. My goal is to help you align your life with values you’re proud of, so you feel empowered, grounded, and supported.
I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist passionate about supporting others with kindness, compassion, and respect. Using a person-centered approach, I focus on one part of your journey at a time, honoring your unique culture, values, beliefs, and traditions. Together, we’ll create a safe space for self-discovery, gently challenge unhelpful core beliefs, and explore new ways of thinking and living. My goal is to help you align your life with values you’re proud of, so you feel empowered, grounded, and supported.
Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. With over 15 years of experience, I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is deeply passionate about helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive.
Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. With over 15 years of experience, I am a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is deeply passionate about helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive.
See more therapy options for California
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.