Adoption Therapists in Chicago, IL
Many of the issues that I have worked with residually effect your relationships, including transracial adoption, parent-child interactions, domestic violence, spirituality and faith, drug addiction, life-transition, developmental and complex trauma, codependency, and immigration and racial trauma.
I believe the quality of your relationships directly impacts the quality of your life. The therapeutic relationship can be an intimidating one but is able to enhance your unique relationships with yourself and those closest to you. I prioritize my relationship with you. I meet you where you are, ready to hear your story. Reaching out for therapy is often preceded by experiencing barriers to a relationship. I value your emotional safety and your human dignity by empathizing, accepting and supporting you along your life journey. No matter the challenges you face, I am ready to join with you in this current stage of your story.
Many of the issues that I have worked with residually effect your relationships, including transracial adoption, parent-child interactions, domestic violence, spirituality and faith, drug addiction, life-transition, developmental and complex trauma, codependency, and immigration and racial trauma.
I believe the quality of your relationships directly impacts the quality of your life. The therapeutic relationship can be an intimidating one but is able to enhance your unique relationships with yourself and those closest to you. I prioritize my relationship with you. I meet you where you are, ready to hear your story. Reaching out for therapy is often preceded by experiencing barriers to a relationship. I value your emotional safety and your human dignity by empathizing, accepting and supporting you along your life journey. No matter the challenges you face, I am ready to join with you in this current stage of your story.
I specialize in working with teens, college students, and young adults facing challenges related to adoption, attachment disruptions, anxiety, and trauma.
Life can feel chaotic, like you’re constantly trying to keep up without ever getting a break. You might be overwhelmed by school, work, relationships—or all three. Maybe anxiety is creeping in, past experiences are weighing heavy, or everything just feels off. The nonstop pressure to manage it all can leave you feeling drained and disconnected. You might be craving clarity, direction, or simply a space to breathe and sort through the noise. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Getting to know yourself more deeply can help you feel grounded, steady, and a little more in control of your own story.
I specialize in working with teens, college students, and young adults facing challenges related to adoption, attachment disruptions, anxiety, and trauma.
Life can feel chaotic, like you’re constantly trying to keep up without ever getting a break. You might be overwhelmed by school, work, relationships—or all three. Maybe anxiety is creeping in, past experiences are weighing heavy, or everything just feels off. The nonstop pressure to manage it all can leave you feeling drained and disconnected. You might be craving clarity, direction, or simply a space to breathe and sort through the noise. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Getting to know yourself more deeply can help you feel grounded, steady, and a little more in control of your own story.
I have provided gentle, person-centered, compassionate services and treatment most extensively to individuals who identify as women, people of color, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, criminal justice/prison, child welfare/ adoption, and athletes.
Life brings forth challenges and stressors each day. For individuals, families, and communities whose lives and histories meet at multiple intersections, managing everyday life while working toward healing and growth may present additional, unique layers and compounded difficulties. Whatever your dreams, goals, and aspirations for life and relationships are, making them a reality is possible. Healing from the past, self-love, spiritual peace, decolonization, and success are interconnected.
I have provided gentle, person-centered, compassionate services and treatment most extensively to individuals who identify as women, people of color, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, criminal justice/prison, child welfare/ adoption, and athletes.
Life brings forth challenges and stressors each day. For individuals, families, and communities whose lives and histories meet at multiple intersections, managing everyday life while working toward healing and growth may present additional, unique layers and compounded difficulties. Whatever your dreams, goals, and aspirations for life and relationships are, making them a reality is possible. Healing from the past, self-love, spiritual peace, decolonization, and success are interconnected.
Some specialized areas of interest are psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, 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 yrs. experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness, & Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma & other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, & relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories & relationships, trauma, & change negative beliefs about yourself.
Some specialized areas of interest are psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, 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 yrs. experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness, & Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma & other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, & relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories & relationships, trauma, & change negative beliefs about yourself.
I am also an international/transracial adoptee and enjoy working with other adoptees as they explore ways adoption has shaped their view of self, family, and relationships.
I am a caring professional who strives to see each person as their whole self – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I draw upon a deep understanding of how identity, difference, justice, and empowerment affect an individual’s mental and emotional health. I help clients learn how to manage symptoms of distress - anxiety, depression, panic - while exploring how these symptoms might be related to questions of identity, vocation, meaning, or trauma.
I am also an international/transracial adoptee and enjoy working with other adoptees as they explore ways adoption has shaped their view of self, family, and relationships.
I am a caring professional who strives to see each person as their whole self – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I draw upon a deep understanding of how identity, difference, justice, and empowerment affect an individual’s mental and emotional health. I help clients learn how to manage symptoms of distress - anxiety, depression, panic - while exploring how these symptoms might be related to questions of identity, vocation, meaning, or trauma.
Therapy Specialties:
Adoption
Anxiety
Child and adolescent concerns
Depression
Self-esteem
I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a safe and supportive space where every individual’s unique experiences are valued. Whether you’re dealing with adoption-related concerns, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, or other issues, I provide compassionate, tailored support to help you thrive.
Therapy Specialties:
Adoption
Anxiety
Child and adolescent concerns
Depression
Self-esteem
I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a safe and supportive space where every individual’s unique experiences are valued. Whether you’re dealing with adoption-related concerns, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, or other issues, I provide compassionate, tailored support to help you thrive.
I have worked extensively with children with attachment-related concerns, including those in families built through foster care and adoption.
I use what I have learned in my training and supervision to engage in developmentally-appropriate treatment, whether it be playing with miniatures in the sand tray, discussing strategies to combat anxiety, or collaborating on parenting strategies during parent coaching.
I have worked extensively with children with attachment-related concerns, including those in families built through foster care and adoption.
I use what I have learned in my training and supervision to engage in developmentally-appropriate treatment, whether it be playing with miniatures in the sand tray, discussing strategies to combat anxiety, or collaborating on parenting strategies during parent coaching.
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.
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.
I have advanced training that equips me to support women and couples in the perinatal period, and members of the adoption constellation in any stage of their journey.
I draw from a variety of modalities that are attachment-based, trauma-informed, and focus on the mind/body connection. I seek to understand clients' unique experiences and strengths in context, and work together to find personalized ways to engage their internal world so that they can be an active participant in their own healing in and outside of session.
I have advanced training that equips me to support women and couples in the perinatal period, and members of the adoption constellation in any stage of their journey.
I draw from a variety of modalities that are attachment-based, trauma-informed, and focus on the mind/body connection. I seek to understand clients' unique experiences and strengths in context, and work together to find personalized ways to engage their internal world so that they can be an active participant in their own healing in and outside of session.
I can help you with a variety of issues: infidelity (healing from an affair, rebuilding trust, helping you figure out why you are cheating), attachment and changing your attachment style, fighting about the same issues, escalated conflicts (high conflict couples), adoption, biracial and interracial relationships, multicultural issues, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
I use research-based education and tools to help my clients achieve their goals. Also, being transracially adopted is a significant part of my identity, deepening my understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences and perspectives.
I can help you with a variety of issues: infidelity (healing from an affair, rebuilding trust, helping you figure out why you are cheating), attachment and changing your attachment style, fighting about the same issues, escalated conflicts (high conflict couples), adoption, biracial and interracial relationships, multicultural issues, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
I use research-based education and tools to help my clients achieve their goals. Also, being transracially adopted is a significant part of my identity, deepening my understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences and perspectives.
Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges.
ACI offers individual, family and group therapy to anyone impacted by adoption. As an adoption agency, we possess a valuable understanding of the complete adoption process equipping us to provide a provide a holistic perspective. Our therapist Claire Dixon has training in adoption competent, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused therapy.
Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges.
ACI offers individual, family and group therapy to anyone impacted by adoption. As an adoption agency, we possess a valuable understanding of the complete adoption process equipping us to provide a provide a holistic perspective. Our therapist Claire Dixon has training in adoption competent, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused therapy.
Meet Our Adoption Therapists
I specialize in adoption, parenting/infertility, working with therapists and others in helping roles.
My approach is active and constructive, meaning I do more than just listen and allow for venting; therapy is also a place to peel back the layers of your experiences, develop insight into your patterns, and build new skills for moving forward. I offer solution-focused, practical tools combined with a patient and warm presence.
I specialize in adoption, parenting/infertility, working with therapists and others in helping roles.
My approach is active and constructive, meaning I do more than just listen and allow for venting; therapy is also a place to peel back the layers of your experiences, develop insight into your patterns, and build new skills for moving forward. I offer solution-focused, practical tools combined with a patient and warm presence.
I also have particular expertise helping individuals from the adoption community (e.g., adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents) explore and manage the unique implications of adoption in their lives.
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.
I also have particular expertise helping individuals from the adoption community (e.g., adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents) explore and manage the unique implications of adoption in their lives.
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.
Are you a parent seeking support for your young child struggling with anxiety, emotional challenges, or the complexities of adoption?
I focus on helping children navigate emotional challenges, using Somatic Experiencing and play therapy to promote self-regulation and resilience. My approach includes engaging families in the healing process, especially those dealing with adoption. By fostering a nurturing environment, I empower children and parents to build strong connections.
Are you a parent seeking support for your young child struggling with anxiety, emotional challenges, or the complexities of adoption?
I focus on helping children navigate emotional challenges, using Somatic Experiencing and play therapy to promote self-regulation and resilience. My approach includes engaging families in the healing process, especially those dealing with adoption. By fostering a nurturing environment, I empower children and parents to build strong connections.
While I have extensive experience working with clients with a wide spectrum of mental health and life adjustment issues (including depression, anxiety, and trauma), I also specialize in infertility issues, post-partum mental health, adoption home studies, and attachment challenges.
From infertility to post- adoption to blended, I am here to welcome you and your families to my practice. My specialties include child and adult mental health and family/couples therapy. I utilize an eclectic toolbox of therapeutic and compassionate modalities catered to you and your children.
While I have extensive experience working with clients with a wide spectrum of mental health and life adjustment issues (including depression, anxiety, and trauma), I also specialize in infertility issues, post-partum mental health, adoption home studies, and attachment challenges.
From infertility to post- adoption to blended, I am here to welcome you and your families to my practice. My specialties include child and adult mental health and family/couples therapy. I utilize an eclectic toolbox of therapeutic and compassionate modalities catered to you and your children.
Attachment Disorder Foster Care/ Adoption Issues Family support vs
I have 15 years of experience in private practice with families, individuals, children, and couples. I am known for my work with attachment disorder and families effected by that, adoptive and foster families included. I have worked with children with ADHD, bipolar disorder, etc., and with families dealing with situations. Enjoy working with individual adults and couples seeking to make changes in their lives. I have done work on my own, including a spiritual journey, and encourage and support others in their journey. I have other experience as a clinical supervisor in child welfare and elementary school counselor.
Attachment Disorder Foster Care/ Adoption Issues Family support vs
I have 15 years of experience in private practice with families, individuals, children, and couples. I am known for my work with attachment disorder and families effected by that, adoptive and foster families included. I have worked with children with ADHD, bipolar disorder, etc., and with families dealing with situations. Enjoy working with individual adults and couples seeking to make changes in their lives. I have done work on my own, including a spiritual journey, and encourage and support others in their journey. I have other experience as a clinical supervisor in child welfare and elementary school counselor.
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.
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.
Adoption adds a layer of complexity.
I have 30+ years experience working with children, teens, young adults and parents in child welfare, adoption and private practice settings. I have post graduate training in Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Therapy, TBRI and Circle of Security Since 1997, I have worked at The Cradle with international and domestic adoptive families.
Adoption adds a layer of complexity.
I have 30+ years experience working with children, teens, young adults and parents in child welfare, adoption and private practice settings. I have post graduate training in Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Therapy, TBRI and Circle of Security Since 1997, I have worked at The Cradle with international and domestic adoptive families.
I also feel a unique connection to those who have experienced adoption.
In our work together, relationships are central. I bring a trauma-informed approach to each session. I have a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and how intersecting aspects of ourselves can shape new layers of understanding. I’m often described as patient, a bit quirky, witty, and kind.
I also feel a unique connection to those who have experienced adoption.
In our work together, relationships are central. I bring a trauma-informed approach to each session. I have a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and how intersecting aspects of ourselves can shape new layers of understanding. I’m often described as patient, a bit quirky, witty, and kind.
My expertise includes working with those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family of origin issues, infertility, and adoption issues.
I am eclectic in style meaning that I use a variety of therapeutic techniques meant to encourage you to recognize that you may be reacting to a situation or a person in ways that are harmful to you. I will teach you skills to help you change your thinking, emotions, and behaviors.
My expertise includes working with those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family of origin issues, infertility, and adoption issues.
I am eclectic in style meaning that I use a variety of therapeutic techniques meant to encourage you to recognize that you may be reacting to a situation or a person in ways that are harmful to you. I will teach you skills to help you change your thinking, emotions, and behaviors.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Norridge
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.