Adoption Therapists in Chicago, IL
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
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.
Hello there! My name is Meaghan, and I use the pronouns they/them. I am a therapist based in Chicago, and I identify as queer and nonbinary.
Living with anxiety, worries, and fears can make every day feel like a struggle. Even activities that once brought joy can suddenly become stressful. It can be tough to feel confident and fulfilled when you don't feel supported in your school, workplace, or home.
I specialize in helping teenagers and adults build confidence in their identity, navigate interpersonal relationships, and make tough decisions.
Hello there! My name is Meaghan, and I use the pronouns they/them. I am a therapist based in Chicago, and I identify as queer and nonbinary.
Living with anxiety, worries, and fears can make every day feel like a struggle. Even activities that once brought joy can suddenly become stressful. It can be tough to feel confident and fulfilled when you don't feel supported in your school, workplace, or home.
I specialize in helping teenagers and adults build confidence in their identity, navigate interpersonal relationships, and make tough decisions.
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.
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.
My role as a co-navigator on your healing journey is rooted in observation, reflection and accountability. I believe in everyone's transformative capacity to learn, change and grow. I seek to provide the non-judgmental space to explore wherever that road leads.
My role as a co-navigator on your healing journey is rooted in observation, reflection and accountability. I believe in everyone's transformative capacity to learn, change and grow. I seek to provide the non-judgmental space to explore wherever that road leads.
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 specialize in adoption, parenting/infertility, and 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, and 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.
You’re a teen, college student, adult, or couple navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, or major life changes. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to cope. You want clarity, relief, and a therapist who will help you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface. You’re craving a safe space to process emotions, explore who you are, and finally feel like yourself again.
You’re a teen, college student, adult, or couple navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, or major life changes. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to cope. You want clarity, relief, and a therapist who will help you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface. You’re craving a safe space to process emotions, explore who you are, and finally feel like yourself again.
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.
I have a strong interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration, and I specialize in working with clients navigating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, adoption and foster care, and the experience of living with HIV/AIDS.
I offer a warm, nurturing, and collaborative space where you can safely explore your inner world & work toward greater emotional well-being. My goal is to support you in developing a healthier, more grounded sense of self.
With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I bring a deep understanding of clinical practice & a compassionate, personalized approach. My work integrates a range of evidence-based and experiential therapies, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, & Attachment-based therapies. I’m also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I have a strong interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration, and I specialize in working with clients navigating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, adoption and foster care, and the experience of living with HIV/AIDS.
I offer a warm, nurturing, and collaborative space where you can safely explore your inner world & work toward greater emotional well-being. My goal is to support you in developing a healthier, more grounded sense of self.
With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I bring a deep understanding of clinical practice & a compassionate, personalized approach. My work integrates a range of evidence-based and experiential therapies, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, & Attachment-based therapies. I’m also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I believe that every person can benefit from receiving counseling at some point in their lives. We all face struggles with achieving our goals, understanding and overcoming our past hurts, or resolving conflict with others. It can be extremely helpful to have a compassionate, objective person to talk to when these issues arise. I truly enjoy developing a caring, supportive relationship with each client. This connection can then be the foundation for facilitating understanding, growth, and positive change. I enjoy working with clients to identify their strengths and develop realistic, achievable goals.
I believe that every person can benefit from receiving counseling at some point in their lives. We all face struggles with achieving our goals, understanding and overcoming our past hurts, or resolving conflict with others. It can be extremely helpful to have a compassionate, objective person to talk to when these issues arise. I truly enjoy developing a caring, supportive relationship with each client. This connection can then be the foundation for facilitating understanding, growth, and positive change. I enjoy working with clients to identify their strengths and develop realistic, achievable goals.
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult, and it’s common to feel stuck at times. I take a solution-focused and systemic approach to counseling, collaborating with my clients to set meaningful and achievable goals that foster progress throughout their journey. I work with individuals aged 18 and older, with a special focus on those facing relationship issues, family-of-origin trauma, life and career transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. As a working-Mother myself, I have particularly empathized with many high-functioning women who struggle with issues of "Mom-guilt," overthinking, caregiving, and perfectionism.
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult, and it’s common to feel stuck at times. I take a solution-focused and systemic approach to counseling, collaborating with my clients to set meaningful and achievable goals that foster progress throughout their journey. I work with individuals aged 18 and older, with a special focus on those facing relationship issues, family-of-origin trauma, life and career transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. As a working-Mother myself, I have particularly empathized with many high-functioning women who struggle with issues of "Mom-guilt," overthinking, caregiving, and perfectionism.
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.
Hey, we can figure this out! I most often work with teens/20s, guardians/foster parents, gay men, POC, LGBTQ people, diagnosis, and couples. My clients have described me as "there for me the whole time" and "good memory, useful sessions." Many of my clients are working on trauma, difficult childhoods, suicide, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and identity. You'll learn to more effectively identify and communicate about emotions, and develop new patterns in how you think, act, feel, and relate to others, in a way that fits you.
Hey, we can figure this out! I most often work with teens/20s, guardians/foster parents, gay men, POC, LGBTQ people, diagnosis, and couples. My clients have described me as "there for me the whole time" and "good memory, useful sessions." Many of my clients are working on trauma, difficult childhoods, suicide, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and identity. You'll learn to more effectively identify and communicate about emotions, and develop new patterns in how you think, act, feel, and relate to others, in a way that fits you.
I enjoy working with adults and emerging adults on discovering and developing their individual identity. Often when we become ourselves, underlying traumas and other mental health issues are brought to light, so it is important to me to ensure that those issues are handled with care and compassion. Those that I work with strive to understand who they are in spite of the things that have happened to them so that they may live a truly happy life exactly as they were meant to, they just need a little assistance developing the skills to overcome current and future obstacles. For more info see my website empressclinicalservices.com
I enjoy working with adults and emerging adults on discovering and developing their individual identity. Often when we become ourselves, underlying traumas and other mental health issues are brought to light, so it is important to me to ensure that those issues are handled with care and compassion. Those that I work with strive to understand who they are in spite of the things that have happened to them so that they may live a truly happy life exactly as they were meant to, they just need a little assistance developing the skills to overcome current and future obstacles. For more info see my website empressclinicalservices.com
Perhaps you're struggling with limitations due to chronic health conditions (ME/CFS, LongCovid), disability, being a public figure, or a major life transition; with your history of trauma, loss, or adoption; your identity around race, ethnicity, multiculturalism, or immigration?
I create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space to explore how to integrate all the important parts of you and how to live making use of your uniqueness. I lead with curiosity and care to understand how you got here, what the challenge is, what's in the way, and how to create the life you want so YOU (not history or circumstances) determine your destiny.
Perhaps you're struggling with limitations due to chronic health conditions (ME/CFS, LongCovid), disability, being a public figure, or a major life transition; with your history of trauma, loss, or adoption; your identity around race, ethnicity, multiculturalism, or immigration?
I create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space to explore how to integrate all the important parts of you and how to live making use of your uniqueness. I lead with curiosity and care to understand how you got here, what the challenge is, what's in the way, and how to create the life you want so YOU (not history or circumstances) determine your destiny.
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.
Do you ever feel as though no matter what you do, you just aren’t truly happy? You've been through hell and back, but still can’t seem to escape your past experiences. Or perhaps you experienced something really scary and messed up which continues to impact your ability to make it through the day. Maybe you're the one taking care of others, but never have time for yourself. Your friends may describe you as uptight, paranoid, and irritable, and sometimes you secretly may agree. You know that you could be nicer, or calmer, or give people the benefit of a doubt, but you are simply too stressed to handle it all.
Do you ever feel as though no matter what you do, you just aren’t truly happy? You've been through hell and back, but still can’t seem to escape your past experiences. Or perhaps you experienced something really scary and messed up which continues to impact your ability to make it through the day. Maybe you're the one taking care of others, but never have time for yourself. Your friends may describe you as uptight, paranoid, and irritable, and sometimes you secretly may agree. You know that you could be nicer, or calmer, or give people the benefit of a doubt, but you are simply too stressed to handle it all.
One of my areas of expertise is in supporting individuals in the foster and adoption constellation.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I use a form of somatic psychotherapy called Brainspotting to address sources of pain that are lingering below your consciousness but that are negatively impacting your life. It gently taps into your body’s natural ability to heal and works to resolve these negative experiences— providing deep healing that traditional talk therapy alone often can’t reach.
One of my areas of expertise is in supporting individuals in the foster and adoption constellation.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I use a form of somatic psychotherapy called Brainspotting to address sources of pain that are lingering below your consciousness but that are negatively impacting your life. It gently taps into your body’s natural ability to heal and works to resolve these negative experiences— providing deep healing that traditional talk therapy alone often can’t reach.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Evergreen Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Norridge
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
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.