Adoption Therapists in Florida
See all therapists in Florida 
Latino Leadership Behavioral Health
Counselor, LMHC, CRT, ACT
Verified
Verified
Are team specializes in ADHD in children and adults, addiction issues, anxiety, depression, trauma,
adoption
specialist just to name a few.
I am the Clinical Director of Latino Leadership. At Latino Leadership the we are proud to announce the services in Mental Health Services, ABA Analyses, Santiago and Friends (Family Center for Autism), Free Clinic, Free Medications, Special Education School and Community Outreach services for all ages. For more than 17 years Latino Leadership staff have been committed to the advancement of the Central Florida Latino community and serving individuals of all cultures who live in our community.

Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CBHCM
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our interventions include play and Art Therapy, Gardening, Essential Oils, Mindfulness, Yoga, and Therapeutic Urban Chickens! Clinical passions include work with: Advocates, Allies, Survivors, Professionals in high-stress jobs, LGBTQIA+ Community, Education,
Adoption
, Foster Care, Advocacy, Compassion Fatigue.
This is an affirming, no hate, no judgment space. Growing up in the foster care system gave me a unique perspective on the key elements of resiliency and processing trauma. We offer a Therapeutic After School program M-F, as well as In-Person and Telehealth Services. I chronicle my journey as a foster child turned foster and adoptive parent in my New York Times Bestselling book, “Three Little Words” and sequel, “Three More Words.” Though it may be hard to see this now, your hardships and diversity are what make you that much more capable of tremendous success. Let's see how our comprehensive team can help you or your family!

Carrie And Matt Ellis
Counselor, LMHC, MS
Verified
Verified
Are you navigating post-
adoption
issues, trauma, anxiety, depression and stress from life transitions and relationship issues? As a team, our counseling focus is assisting families formed through
adoption
. We also work with biological families experiencing internal strife and adults struggling with unresolved childhood trauma and couples in distress seeking a closer relationship. Areas of Specialty: PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), Attachment, Trauma, Preadoption Assessments, Emotional dysregulation and Behavioral Concerns.

Perry Huff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I've worked extensively with adolescents in foster care and
adoption
.
Hi, my name is Perry, and my approach to therapy involves helping clients to: gain new perspectives, relate differently to their identified problems, and discover more in their stories. I encourage my clients to challenge, explore and reimagine the narratives that they have formed or were formed about themselves. I apply several counseling techniques to therapy like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and more. Ultimately, I aim to provide support and practical feedback to my clients as they embark on the path towards self-love, gratitude, belonging, and healing.

Tara Griffith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My specialties include anxiety, depression, irritability, inattention,
adoption
, trauma related to
adoption
, maternal mental health, and infertility struggles.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience working with families, children, adults, and geriatrics. Clients that I work with come to me for help processing through anxiety, depression, irritability, inattention and trauma to lead happier and healthier lives.

Shenise Baker
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Through this work I have acquired specific interests in counseling individuals who have experienced complex trauma, adolescents/young adults transitioning to adulthood, couples therapy and
adoption
counseling for families.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or not good enough? Are you having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares? What about the way you are relating to others; do you find you are angry, tense, defensive, withdrawn or isolating? I am here for you and here to let you to know it will be okay. Finding peace in a world that can be overstimulating at times is possible. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, family conflicts, relationship issues or needing to address unprocessed trauma, I am here.

Patricia Rausch
Marriage & Family Therapist, ARNP, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years, and also as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner for over 30. This dual licensure has given me a unique perspective in assisting clients who have health related issues that may be impacting their ability to deal with anxieties, relationships, and other personal challenges. I also have extensive experience working with families facing issues such as addiction,
adoption
, and marriage therapy. Group therapy is also currently available based upon appropriate referral.
Not accepting new clients

Kelly K Hutchinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am an
Adoption
Competency Certified therapist.
Is your child having trouble managing behavior in school, struggling with peer relationships, overwhelmed with stress, trying to cope with ADHD? Is your teenager struggling with anxiety or depression, having trouble sleeping, making poor decisions, overwhelmed with school work and life in general? Are you a college student struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, roommate stress or feeling lost about your future? Life is hard. If you are having trouble managing relationships and coping with life, it can leave you feeling alone, isolated and struggling to cope. Please call me for an appointment so we can work together.

Dainery M. Fuentes Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Specialties include young child work,
adoption
, learning disorders, bilingual and cultural issues, diagnoses across the spectrum.
Dr. Dainery Fuentes is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and their parents. In addition, she also treats individual adults. She assists in the process of exploring and building the inner strength to allow for the growth that is necessary to transition successfully through the stages of life. Dr. Fuentes completed her Ph.D. at Yeshiva University, NYC. During her 35 years of practice, she has additionally trained in a number of areas including psychoanalytic therapy at the Cincinnati Institute. She has directed numerous psychiatric facilities and doctoral training programs.

Tara McDonnell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Founder of Rising Lotus Therapy Center, I provide developmentally-appropriate and trauma-sensitive therapy services for children under 10. My specialties include interventions that address infant and early childhood mental health, social-emotional difficulties, trauma, and issues related to LGBTQ children, teens, and adults, as well as families connected to
adoption
.

Brianna Edwards
Counselor, MS, LMHC, RPT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I am a Registered Play Therapist, TBRI Practitioner and Florida
Adoption
Competent Therapist.
If you are reading this, chances are you have a child or teenager in need of counseling. Maybe you feel worn out by parenting challenges you never anticipated... or perhaps your precious child was exposed to hurts that you were not there to control. If you can relate, I am so glad you are here. I specialize with children and teens, ages 3-18, who have a history of trauma or attachment wounding. You might notice your child experiencing intense anger outbursts, aggression, shut downs, anxiety, depression, & more. These are just clues to a deeper root.
15 Second Videos
Shenise Baker
Macy Oosthuizen (Pronounced Wist-Hay-Zen)
Sarah Zhukov
Teena Scott
Tammy M Austin
Hope of Heartland, Inc
Tiffany Cross
Connected Counseling Orlando
Amy Davis
Tisheila Justice
Mosaic Creative Counseling
Janice Sandefur
Krista Manganiello
Rosana Marzullo-Dove
Julie Jakobi
Amy R. Shore
Rebecca Ann Anderson Bright
Piaget Griffin
Susan Mullins
Merlyn Asencio
Megan Cherry
Ana Cristina Uribe
Maria Trimble
Gwen Marlatt Vela
Dominique Boschetti
Kada Stull
Elisabeth Ansel Edwards
Laya F. Seghi, LCSW Psychotherapy
Danielle Luz Matias
Alison Solomon
Leisha Tompkins
Nattalie Wolff-Tseng- Sex Therapist
New Insight 2 Life Faith-based Coaching, Mentoring
Thomas Buonomo
Nu Day Therapy Services, LLC
Marla Ruth Starnes
Susan V Block
Thrive Therapy - Naples, FL and Fort Myers, FL
Michelle Kistler
Kristen Staron-La Cagnina
Dr. Judi Bloom
Jessica Conaway
Denisha Smith
Audra Coons
Ashley Wise
The Child and Family Institute
Kian F Jacobs
Claudia Higgins
Kerry Conca
Marla Berger

Aaron Warren
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'm
adoption
competency trained, which gives me the extra skills and perspectives needed to help with unique challenges adoptive families and adoptees face.
Overwhelmed? At a loss? Just need an ear? Welcome, You're not alone. I'm Aaron, a Marriage and Family Therapist here in the Sunshine State who makes it my personal mission to be open, inclusive, and supportive of all. I'm trained in diverse relationships, lifestyles and challenges. While I have a wide range of experience working with various ages and diagnoses, I currently specialize in relational counseling (couples, pods, open, monogamy, etc.), LGBTQIA+, religious trauma, spirituality, and adoptive families. My goal is to come alongside you and work with you, so you can grow personally, relationally and live a thriving life.

Deirdre Guilloton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, QS-FL
Verified
Verified
I am a certified trainer for
Adoption
Competency Counseling, and hold additional training certificates in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I strive to assist clients of all ages struggling with self esteem, anxiety or depression to improve their lives through strength based services. I am skilled in behavior modification, and love to help families to increase their attachment and connection.

Stephanie Strahlman
Counselor, LMHC, RPT
Verified
Verified
Looking for an experienced and helpful child therapist? If you are wrestling with family power struggles, postpartum depression, disruptive behavior at school; or seeing your child consumed with excessive worry, eating problems, fearfulness, or sadness; I can help you imagine a more joyful, fulfilling and less stressful family life. I am a licensed counselor specializing in early childhood and parent-child relationships. As a Registered Play Therapist, my specialties include Trauma,
Adoption
, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Parent/Child Relationships, Sibling Rivalry, Body Image, Death, Divorce/Blended Families, Self-Esteem,& School Issues.

Michelle Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAP
Verified
Verified
The focus of my practice is working with people who suffer from depression, anxiety, grief and loss,
adoption
, and substance abuse.
"I am an ethical professional in practice for over 25 years. I recognize there are multiple factors that influence your life, and will help you achieve inner happiness and serenity. Helping people has always been important to me and through my training and experience, that is what I do best. I will work with you to overcome your day to day stress, and achieve the happiness you seek.

Amanda Dumas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My approach to therapy is that every client is different and has unique experiences and needs. Sometimes current life experiences such as school, work, and family dynamics can be stressful. Sometimes it is traumatic experiences from the past that impact people in the present. I can help people of all ages (children, teens, and adults) develop an understanding of their experiences and learn coping skills for the present. I work with people who have experienced trauma and loss including challenges regarding divorce,
adoption
, and abuse.

Kathleen M Conrad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am EMDR trained, a child parent psychotherapist, Florida state competent
adoption
trainer and therapist, trauma trained therapist and trainer, parent court coordinator and social investigator for circuit 7, and Advanced Infant Mental Health therapist.
I have been specializing in child/family therapy for over 25 years. I have worked with child of all ages, specializing in the Dependency realm. I have dealt with child who have been sexually and physically abused, and seen parental drug use and domestic violence. I have worked with child who are ADHD and with other mental health disorders. I also work with parents and families in providing therapy. I also provide therapy for adults who believe they would beneift from therapy.

Hope in Healing, LLC
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have worked with the child welfare system for almost 20 years and have a great deal of experience in trauma, anxiety, family relation, and
adoption
related issues.
My name is Miranda Johns with Hope in Healing, LLC. I am licensed in mental health counseling and my focus is often cognitive behavioral and solution focused treatment. With that being said, my goal is to meet clients where they are and adapt to what treatment works best for them. I help clients view their past as where they have been but help them understand that they don’t have to stay there. While we can’t change our past, we can always create a new future.

Lindsey Epstein Webster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EdS
Verified
Verified
I am a certified
adoption
specialist trained at Rutgers University and also have training in DBT and CBT.
Are you someone looking to fix things in your life that aren't working? Would you like support to make changes that will be lasting and impactful? I may just be the Therapist for you.. My practice is based on the idea that a good therapeutic relationship along with practical strategies can help you look at what’s working and not working in your life and learn to make meaningful choices that will help you live the life you want.

Erin Saintil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCBA
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I now have adopted and am an
Adoption
Competent therapist.
I work in partnership with my clients to create the life they desire. I help clients understand their behaviors and teach techniques on how to change behavior. What I have seen is reduced stress, healthier boundaries, and more enjoyment in life. My goal is to equip you with additional tools to handle what life brings in the next phase of your life. For couples counseling I pull from my Gottman Level I & II Training and Behavior Analysis. When you understand why people behave as they do, and how to effectively communicate your needs, the speed bumps in life smooth out.
See more therapy options for Florida
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.