Adoption Therapists in Chicago, IL
See all therapists in Chicago
Sharon Steckler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Some specialized areas of interest are mood disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder,
adoption
, foster care, living with HIV/AIDS & Psychedelic Integration.
I provide a warm, nurturing, collaborative environment to foster healthy emotional functioning. My goal is to assist you in creating a healthier sense of self. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in psychodynamic clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including CBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma and other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, and relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories and relationships, trauma, and change negative beliefs about yourself.

Bridget Dietz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have completed Training for
Adoption
Competency and am knowledgeable of the unique issues presented in families where
adoption
has occurred.
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and/or families reclaim their lives by restoring their sense of hope. I strongly believe each individual has a set of strengths and capabilities that can assist with overcoming life's challenges, and I am mindful of the role that trauma plays on current functioning. I have worked with adolescents who have struggled with thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and I understand the stressors associated with being a teen in today's world.

Jenny White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
Verified
Showing up to therapy - wholeheartedly - takes serious courage. I meet my clients’ courage with warmth, energy, and openness. I work primarily with children, families, and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, single incident and developmental trauma, identity exploration, and relationship difficulties. I have advanced training in issues related to
adoption
and working with members of the
adoption
triad. I collaborate with each client to understand their unique context and to identify goals that promote clarity, healing, and deeper connection to self and others.
Waitlist for new clients

Kimberly Langrehr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I also have particular expertise helping individuals from the
adoption
community (e.
As a generalist clinician, I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of different reasons. I take a collaborative and relational approach to therapy and do my best to provide a supportive space for clients to feel heard, express themselves, and actively work toward change.

Faith Donohue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
During the course of my professional & personal life, I have gained an expertise in reproductive health & family building including fertility treatment, assisted & third party reproduction, and
adoption
& foster care.
Therapy is a very intimate experience. I strive for a personal connection with my clients from the get-go. Through that relationship, I am better able to understand the motivations, hidden struggles and impulses that drive my clients, and in turn, help them to utilize their own strengths and learned techniques to successfully address the difficult issues for which they sought therapy. I have assisted clients who are going through or preparing for a life transition, experiencing depression, anxiety or mood disorders, and recovering from trauma or loss.
Not accepting new clients

Nneka E. Onyezia
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified
Verified
In addition to the above conditions, I specialize in the assessment and treatment of trauma, especially trauma related to abuse or assault, and issues related to
adoption
, especially international and transracial adoptions.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have experience with a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression, behavioral problems and impulse control disorders, difficulties adjusting to major life changes and transitions, and issues related to identity and self esteem.

Dori Fujii
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
How we make sense of our life experiences and deal with life's challenges is important for all of us.
Adoption
adds a layer of complexity. Issues of attachment, trauma, loss, race/identity, behavioral regulation, self-esteem and the impact of difficult/unknown early history take on added significance as children grow and mature into young adults. At The Cradle Center for Lifelong Support, I work with all members of the
adoption
circle My expertise is in strengthening children and their families by improving attachment, communication and understanding through individual/family therapy, parent coaching and education.

Margaret Anne Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I treat addictions, abuse, relationship and
adoption
issues, .
Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.

Andrea Lea Bushala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT, SSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with families effected by attachment disruption including
adoption
, grief and divorce.
I am a practicing and licensed psychotherapist specializing in working with children ages 1-10 and their families. My focus is on understanding the strengths and challenges of each child and then developing a treatment protocol designed to best support the child in the context of their family and larger community. While working with children in therapy, I often work extensively with the parents so that they can understand the emotional challenges beneath their child's behaviors and be an active part of their child's healing long term.

Corinne Ferguson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in family planning (fertility loss,
adoption
, parenting) and working with those struggling with identity and life transitions due to career change, divorce, custody, legal and reunification challenges.
Warm wishes and kudos to you for reaching out in this time of such uncertainty. I know all too well how uncertainty in the future and loss of control can contribute to anxiety and feelings of defeat. I have over 10-yrs of experience supporting individuals and couples in the midst of crisis and loss of control. While each circumstance is unique and will vary, please be assured that you are not, and do not have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s loss of purpose, lack of direction or feeling an overall loss of control, I will partner with you to identify your goals and reach fulfillment while gaining a sense of relief along the way.

Nghia Le
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
More specifically, I have training and focused experience with individuals in the
adoption
constellation, from immigrant families, and/or immigrants themselves.
Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, identities, or values. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and life transitions. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out of it. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives.
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Tera Gurney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Have used multiple treatment modalities including Decision-making, Parenting, Trauma, Work/Stress, Life Transitions, Boundaries, Perinatal/Maternal, Self Esteem, Grief/Loss,
Adoption
.
Worked with people who are dealing with behaviors associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Direct Feedback, Trauma Informed Care, Skills Based Approach, Modeling and Skills Training, All Inclusive approach

Sara Forsythe Menna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
An area of professional interest is
adoption
, infertility, and relationship issues.
I believe that we all deserve to feel our best and experience joy in our relationships and lives. The therapeutic process can help develop a deeper understanding of our true selves and ourselves in relation to others. Through this understanding growth can occur.

Raquel Wu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I also specialize in working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse of all ages (3 - 60+), transgender folks,
adoption
, multi-cultural families and relationships, and more.
I am here to give support to those who have experienced racial and gender trauma, domestic and sexual abuse victims, exploration of self-identity in all aspects, and more. I practice cultural humility in order to be able to work with different cultures and intersectionality. I aim to provide a client-centered approach which I find important in maintaining this therapeutic relationship. We will work together to make this a safe and brave space for you so that you can embark on your journey to heal.
Not accepting new clients

Michele Grimes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, abuse/neglect, religion/spirituality, adolescent-parent relationships, and foster care/
adoption
.
My goal as your therapist is to provide a space where your thoughts, feelings, and ideas can be formed and expressed through supportive dialogue. Whether you are experiencing anxiety or depression, going through a difficult transition, processing a challenging relationship, or struggling to cope with trauma or loss, I can help you find meaning in your experiences and make changes at your pace. People often seek therapy when they experience a loss of power and choice in some aspect of their lives. Empowerment and conscious choice-making are primary themes throughout my work with clients.

Sarah Pekoc
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the ability to heal from difficult life experiences and move forward to live a fulfilling and joyful life. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through the healing process after they have been exposed to traumatic life events such as abuse/neglect,
adoption
, divorce, loss, attachment difficulties, and other life stressors. I have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumas, new parents experiencing peripartum/postpartum difficulties, early childhood populations, and parent-child relationship issues.

Nosh Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Our team works with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of constraints including issues with attachment, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, infidelity, divorce, blended families,
adoption
, gender/sexual identity exploration, trauma, grief and loss, phase-of-life, self-development, multiculturalism, and immigration.
As a therapist, I believe in the power of self-awareness in helping people overcome adversity. Trained in Systems Therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, my orientation is to use relationships to strengthen our understanding of one another, and of ourselves. I value the humanistic experience most of all, and strive to learn as much as possible about one's past motivations and ways of coping. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key ingredient in effecting change. I use compassion and acceptance as tools to help create space for that change.
Not accepting new clients

C Colleen Roney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My specialties also include working with issues related to parenting, pre/postpartum, fertility, and
adoption
.
Your gifts and strengths deserve to be honored and supported with compassion. My 26 plus years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families has shown me that there is great benefit in harnessing these gifts and strengths to help you move toward healing, self-empowerment, and growth. I will work with you to navigate life's challenges while helping you to create more inner balance and form deeper connections with yourself and others.
Not accepting new clients

Joanna Villacorta Griffin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
Hello! Thank you for taking this first step to seek support. I work with children (infants to teens) and their families and specialize in treating young children, practicing several types of play therapy. I provide support to both children and adults going through difficult life changes, such as divorce, grief,
adoption
, birth of a new child, and traumatic experiences. I also work with adults wishing to explore issues related to their families, including perinatal mood disorders, attachment, and parenting challenges (including couples).
Not accepting new clients

Amy Groessl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
My clinical expertise focuses on trauma, attachment, grief/loss, relationship dynamics, and working with those within the
adoption
triad.
Whether you wish to gain clarity about a life challenge or seek to resolve a deeper change from within, our work together will present an opportunity to rework the patterns that may be disrupting your relationships or preventing you from fulfilling your life goals. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, viewing our therapeutic relationship as central to the change process, while helping you to understand how conflicts from the past affect the way you feel in the present. I approach our work together from a genuine, empathetic stance with openness and curiosity. It is important that we are partners in your healing process.
See more therapy options for
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.