Adoption Therapists in Shaw, Washington, DC

Photo of Gina Rothermel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Gina Rothermel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and uncover their truest selves. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, those taking or considering a GLP-1 metabolic medication and processing the complicated emotions that arise through these choices and the changes that happen.
One of my specialty areas is working with individuals in families formed through foster care, adoption, blended families, and through reproductive medicine.
I find a lot of joy in helping teens and adults discover and uncover their truest selves. If you are someone who wants to increase self-compassion, heal from trauma, challenge long held beliefs about yourself or the world, strengthen relationships, process grief and loss, and/or find the inner strength and resources to make desired changes in your life, I might be a good fit for you. I also find it very meaningful to work with people unlearning and healing from diet culture, those taking or considering a GLP-1 metabolic medication and processing the complicated emotions that arise through these choices and the changes that happen.
(215) 392-6879 View (215) 392-6879
Photo of Alesia Turner Jerrels, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Alesia Turner Jerrels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Online Only
My name is Alesia. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with Adults, Children, Youth and Families. I obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University in May 1990. I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to providing the tools necessary to help you overcome obstacles and barriers that are keeping you from living your authentic life.
My name is Alesia. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with Adults, Children, Youth and Families. I obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University in May 1990. I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to providing the tools necessary to help you overcome obstacles and barriers that are keeping you from living your authentic life.
(301) 690-9372 View (301) 690-9372
Photo of Elysia Oudemans-Tilley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Elysia Oudemans-Tilley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Perhaps you carry the weight of trauma or complexities around adoption, which impacts how you relate to yourself and others.
In our work together, you’ll find a compassionate space to heal, grow, and reconnect with what matters most. I offer warmth, authenticity, and even some humor, helping women and couples rediscover themselves, heal from burnout, find clarity, and rebuild communication and emotional connection. You don't have to do this alone.
Perhaps you carry the weight of trauma or complexities around adoption, which impacts how you relate to yourself and others.
In our work together, you’ll find a compassionate space to heal, grow, and reconnect with what matters most. I offer warmth, authenticity, and even some humor, helping women and couples rediscover themselves, heal from burnout, find clarity, and rebuild communication and emotional connection. You don't have to do this alone.
(410) 936-6616 View (410) 936-6616
Photo of Barbara Donesky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LICSW-C
Barbara Donesky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LICSW-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My areas of expertise are grief/loss, substance abuse, adoption, and infertility.
I have had more than 20 years of experience providing individual counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling. My style is interactional, holistic, and strengths-based. I see couples and individuals from all backgrounds, orientations (gay, trans, or straight), ages (18 and up), and at all developmental stages. I work with couples and individuals healing from infidelity, sexual or emotional, childhood trauma, and those motivated toward a future of sustained growth and commitment.
My areas of expertise are grief/loss, substance abuse, adoption, and infertility.
I have had more than 20 years of experience providing individual counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling. My style is interactional, holistic, and strengths-based. I see couples and individuals from all backgrounds, orientations (gay, trans, or straight), ages (18 and up), and at all developmental stages. I work with couples and individuals healing from infidelity, sexual or emotional, childhood trauma, and those motivated toward a future of sustained growth and commitment.
(240) 237-9471 View (240) 237-9471
Photo of Livia Freier - Dr. Livia Freier, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Livia Freier
Psychologist, PhD
Shaw, Washington, DC 20005
Most of my clients are already working hard on their own lives. They've read the books, downloaded the apps, tried to white-knuckle through anxiety, ADHD, or a stuck relationship, and still feel caught in patterns they can name but cannot seem to change. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist based on the East Side of Providence, steps from Brown University and RISD. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and the particular weight that high-achieving professionals often carry.
Most of my clients are already working hard on their own lives. They've read the books, downloaded the apps, tried to white-knuckle through anxiety, ADHD, or a stuck relationship, and still feel caught in patterns they can name but cannot seem to change. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist based on the East Side of Providence, steps from Brown University and RISD. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and the particular weight that high-achieving professionals often carry.
(401) 340-2630 View (401) 340-2630
Photo of Laurinda Cameron - Cameron & Company, Inc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Cameron & Company, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with families, individuals, couples, groups around the following issues: Stage of Life Adjustments; Depression; Anxiety; Elder Care Management; Military Family Life; Active Duty Issues;PTSD;Traumatic Brain Issues;Employee Assistance;Child and Family Issues; Family Conflicts;Adolescent Adjustments as well as Veteran and Retirement Concerns.
I work with families, individuals, couples, groups around the following issues: Stage of Life Adjustments; Depression; Anxiety; Elder Care Management; Military Family Life; Active Duty Issues;PTSD;Traumatic Brain Issues;Employee Assistance;Child and Family Issues; Family Conflicts;Adolescent Adjustments as well as Veteran and Retirement Concerns.
(757) 353-4117 View (757) 353-4117
Photo of Shayna Yvonne Rudd, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd
Shayna Yvonne Rudd
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd
Serves Area
Our Ideal clients are everyday Legends that desire not only to heal themselves, but thru their healing, desire to change the very trajectory of their families and Legacies. The Legends House Counseling Center desires to serve as a safe space for clients that may not have clear goals for life, but know for sure that the goal is to deal with the most pressing issues in their life which are impacting their mental well-being. Our clients want safety and strategies for self-care and freedom.
Our Ideal clients are everyday Legends that desire not only to heal themselves, but thru their healing, desire to change the very trajectory of their families and Legacies. The Legends House Counseling Center desires to serve as a safe space for clients that may not have clear goals for life, but know for sure that the goal is to deal with the most pressing issues in their life which are impacting their mental well-being. Our clients want safety and strategies for self-care and freedom.
(484) 207-5144 View (484) 207-5144
Photo of Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DrPH, MA, MSEd, MSW, LMSW
Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DrPH, MA, MSEd, MSW, LMSW
Serves Area
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
(223) 217-2766 View (223) 217-2766
Photo of Jillian Meinhardt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Jillian Meinhardt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Serves Area
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
(202) 875-6450 View (202) 875-6450
Photo of Michael Radkowsky, Psychologist, PsyD
Michael Radkowsky
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I help individuals and couples build resilience, overcome anxiety, get unstuck, break free of depression, and create loving, committed relationships.
I help individuals and couples build resilience, overcome anxiety, get unstuck, break free of depression, and create loving, committed relationships.
(202) 234-3278 View (202) 234-3278
Photo of Jessie Wedell, Licensed Professional Counselor, LGPC
Jessie Wedell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LGPC
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
(202) 998-5891 View (202) 998-5891
Photo of Laurette Eileen Harvey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MEd
Laurette Eileen Harvey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MEd
Serves Area
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
(301) 804-6306 View (301) 804-6306
Photo of Melissa Melendez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Melissa Melendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Serves Area
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
(301) 769-7528 View (301) 769-7528
Photo of Dcg Dubry - Dubry Counseling Group, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Dubry Counseling Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Serves Area
Dubry Counseling Group offers thoughtful, structured therapy that prioritizes clarity, emotional regulation, and practical change. We provide a grounded, affirming space to slow things down, understand patterns, and work through anxiety, mood concerns, relationship stress, and life transitions. Our approach blends insight with real-world tools, helping clients build stability, improve communication, and make decisions that align with their values and circumstances.
Dubry Counseling Group offers thoughtful, structured therapy that prioritizes clarity, emotional regulation, and practical change. We provide a grounded, affirming space to slow things down, understand patterns, and work through anxiety, mood concerns, relationship stress, and life transitions. Our approach blends insight with real-world tools, helping clients build stability, improve communication, and make decisions that align with their values and circumstances.
(202) 816-4304 View (202) 816-4304
Photo of Shamyla Tareen - Shamyla Tareen, LCSW-C, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSSW
Shamyla Tareen, LCSW-C, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSSW
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
The right therapist can make all of the difference in one's journey to healing. A well matched therapist provides confidential, non-judgmental guidance, comfort and a sense of safety to their clients. I believe that every person holds their own answers to attaining their best life, and therapy is a way of unlocking, processing and experiencing those answers to create positive change. It is a relationship that helps you grow in a comfortable way. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have over 15 years of experience empowering adults from diverse backgrounds to make desired changes for a better, richer, more fulfilled life.
The right therapist can make all of the difference in one's journey to healing. A well matched therapist provides confidential, non-judgmental guidance, comfort and a sense of safety to their clients. I believe that every person holds their own answers to attaining their best life, and therapy is a way of unlocking, processing and experiencing those answers to create positive change. It is a relationship that helps you grow in a comfortable way. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I have over 15 years of experience empowering adults from diverse backgrounds to make desired changes for a better, richer, more fulfilled life.
(240) 979-0702 View (240) 979-0702
Photo of Dr. Kim Manuel, Psychologist, PhD, MA, MEd
Dr. Kim Manuel
Psychologist, PhD, MA, MEd
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My clients come to therapy with a desire to better understand themselves, their patterns, and the implicit beliefs they hold about themselves and the world. They are deep thinkers and feelers with a great appreciation for humor as part of the therapeutic process. They are often striving to become (and befriend) the best version of themselves. Together, we balance insights and perspectives with tools that guide transformation and growth.
My clients come to therapy with a desire to better understand themselves, their patterns, and the implicit beliefs they hold about themselves and the world. They are deep thinkers and feelers with a great appreciation for humor as part of the therapeutic process. They are often striving to become (and befriend) the best version of themselves. Together, we balance insights and perspectives with tools that guide transformation and growth.
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Photo of Dr. Traci Williams, Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP, CFT-I
Dr. Traci Williams
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP, CFT-I
Serves Area
I support busy professionals and their families by providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space. Featured in The New York Times, Parents, Forbes and more, I help kids, teens, and adults move from surviving to thriving. As a professional with a family of my own, I understand the challenges of juggling life’s many demands. Whether you hope to address a specific issue, or you just want to improve the quality of your family’s lives, you're in the right place.
I support busy professionals and their families by providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space. Featured in The New York Times, Parents, Forbes and more, I help kids, teens, and adults move from surviving to thriving. As a professional with a family of my own, I understand the challenges of juggling life’s many demands. Whether you hope to address a specific issue, or you just want to improve the quality of your family’s lives, you're in the right place.
(404) 476-7951 View (404) 476-7951
Photo of Nicole Avallone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Nicole Avallone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Facing a new challenge, dealing with past hurt, or just trying to figure out the source of your distress? People seek therapy for a host of reasons, but at the root, we are often looking to live more fully, freely, and joyfully in a world that doesn’t always make space for us. I provide an affirming, anti-oppressive space where you can be heard, gain insight, and work toward meaningful, lasting change on your own terms. As a queer woman committed to liberatory healing, my work is informed by over two decades of experience in community-based mental health, harm reduction, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Facing a new challenge, dealing with past hurt, or just trying to figure out the source of your distress? People seek therapy for a host of reasons, but at the root, we are often looking to live more fully, freely, and joyfully in a world that doesn’t always make space for us. I provide an affirming, anti-oppressive space where you can be heard, gain insight, and work toward meaningful, lasting change on your own terms. As a queer woman committed to liberatory healing, my work is informed by over two decades of experience in community-based mental health, harm reduction, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
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Photo of Dr. Nicole Rollins-Lamar, Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC, LPC
Dr. Nicole Rollins-Lamar
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC, LPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Clinical Psychology, with a Masters and Doctorate degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I have more than 20 years of professional experience in university, hospital, forensic, and private practice settings, all of which have increased my knowledge and skillset. I speacialize in seeing adults, with relationship and family issues, stresses of all origins, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, developmental trauma, identity issues, adult ADHD, grief, parenting challenges, diversity issues, and women’s issues.
I am trained in Clinical Psychology, with a Masters and Doctorate degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I have more than 20 years of professional experience in university, hospital, forensic, and private practice settings, all of which have increased my knowledge and skillset. I speacialize in seeing adults, with relationship and family issues, stresses of all origins, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, developmental trauma, identity issues, adult ADHD, grief, parenting challenges, diversity issues, and women’s issues.
(202) 759-6134 View (202) 759-6134
Photo of Temple Jackson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Temple Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hello and Welcome. I am Temple Jackson, MSW, LICSW. I am the 4th Generation of Clinical Social Workers in my family. Indeed it is a calling! I offer 25 years of confident, professional Clinical Counseling and Crisis Management services. The research regarding the benefits of Mental Health Counseling, is solid. Professional counseling can exponentially improve Your health and Your daily life. Including, your physical, mental and spiritual health. I offer 25 years of confident, professional Clinical Counseling and Crisis Management services.
Hello and Welcome. I am Temple Jackson, MSW, LICSW. I am the 4th Generation of Clinical Social Workers in my family. Indeed it is a calling! I offer 25 years of confident, professional Clinical Counseling and Crisis Management services. The research regarding the benefits of Mental Health Counseling, is solid. Professional counseling can exponentially improve Your health and Your daily life. Including, your physical, mental and spiritual health. I offer 25 years of confident, professional Clinical Counseling and Crisis Management services.
(855) 779-0476 View (855) 779-0476

See more therapy options for Shaw, Washington

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.