Adoption Therapists in Ellicott City, MD
I have experience and interest in working with families impacted by attachment issues, adoption, foster care, trauma, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have received training in many trauma-informed interventions. I am currently a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Certified Practitioner, a Theraplay Certified Practitioner, a Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Therapist, and a Registered Circle of Security Parent Educator.
I have experience and interest in working with families impacted by attachment issues, adoption, foster care, trauma, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have received training in many trauma-informed interventions. I am currently a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Certified Practitioner, a Theraplay Certified Practitioner, a Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Therapist, and a Registered Circle of Security Parent Educator.
Do you feel you are not living your life at its full potential? Are you unsatisfied with the quality and direction of your life? Does self doubt, anxiety, sadness, anger or emotional eating interfere with your personal, professional or social life? Do you still feel the pain of past sexual or physical abuse, bullying, neglect, or feelings of being unloved? Do you cope by overeating? Has a military experience left you with unwanted intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable emotions? It is difficult to go through life with such overwhelming emotions, but there is hope and and I can help.
Do you feel you are not living your life at its full potential? Are you unsatisfied with the quality and direction of your life? Does self doubt, anxiety, sadness, anger or emotional eating interfere with your personal, professional or social life? Do you still feel the pain of past sexual or physical abuse, bullying, neglect, or feelings of being unloved? Do you cope by overeating? Has a military experience left you with unwanted intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable emotions? It is difficult to go through life with such overwhelming emotions, but there is hope and and I can help.
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.
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In my 15+ years of experience I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families to identify challenges and use their strengths and values to overcome them. I have experience working with clients who are having mental health or emotional challenges that affect work, school, home, and community relationships and success. I also have experience with athletes being a former professional athlete myself.
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In my 15+ years of experience I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families to identify challenges and use their strengths and values to overcome them. I have experience working with clients who are having mental health or emotional challenges that affect work, school, home, and community relationships and success. I also have experience with athletes being a former professional athlete myself.
Do you stay up at night worrying about your child? Have you tried everything you can think of to make things better? Are you thinking that it might be time to get some professional advice from an expert in child development and child behavior? My warm and playful interpersonal style goes a long way in developing a trusting relationship and in assisting your child in making positive changes. I am a PhD licensed psychologist with 23 years of experience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I specialize in treating children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, chronic illness.
Do you stay up at night worrying about your child? Have you tried everything you can think of to make things better? Are you thinking that it might be time to get some professional advice from an expert in child development and child behavior? My warm and playful interpersonal style goes a long way in developing a trusting relationship and in assisting your child in making positive changes. I am a PhD licensed psychologist with 23 years of experience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I specialize in treating children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, chronic illness.
Barbara van der
Art Therapist, MA, LCPAT, LCPC, ATR-BC
2 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome, and congratulations on taking this courageous step toward healing, self-discovery, and change. As a licensed art therapist, I help guide people through the transformative power of their own creativity. Art makes the invisible visible, and it communicates when words are insufficient, uncomfortable, or unsafe. I am here to help you tell your story through images and words, and to support your goals with empathy and non-judgment. Sometimes that involves art-making, sometimes conversation, often both. Wondering if art therapy might be a good fit for you or your family member? Let's chat.
Welcome, and congratulations on taking this courageous step toward healing, self-discovery, and change. As a licensed art therapist, I help guide people through the transformative power of their own creativity. Art makes the invisible visible, and it communicates when words are insufficient, uncomfortable, or unsafe. I am here to help you tell your story through images and words, and to support your goals with empathy and non-judgment. Sometimes that involves art-making, sometimes conversation, often both. Wondering if art therapy might be a good fit for you or your family member? Let's chat.
Occasionally, everyone experiences periods of emotional turmoil and stress. Do you have times when you feel in the dumps, depressed or just want to talk over issues that trouble you? Seeking outside help and support is important to helping you improve your mood, increase self-confidence and stabilize your life. During periods of emotional distress, it is important to have a trusted professional to talk to.
Occasionally, everyone experiences periods of emotional turmoil and stress. Do you have times when you feel in the dumps, depressed or just want to talk over issues that trouble you? Seeking outside help and support is important to helping you improve your mood, increase self-confidence and stabilize your life. During periods of emotional distress, it is important to have a trusted professional to talk to.
Finding a therapist with whom one can form a trusting working relationship is essential to a successful therapeutic experience, no matter what the issue.
I've been in private practice for over twenty years working with adults, adolescents and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I've also worked in community mental health and psychiatric hospitals, as well as medical and psychology training programs.
I enjoy working with a broad range of issues. With adults these may include long-standing difficulties with anxiety, depression, loss, chronic emotional or medical illness, as well as relationship issues.
Prior to becoming a psychologist I taught both elementary and high school. I've worked extensively with youngsters of all ages, as well as their parents, to address developmental, emotional and parenting challenges specific to these age groups.
My work is grounded in a psychdynamic understanding of the individual. This informs my choice of the particular treatment approach I might suggest. I have training and experience in insight oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and emotionally-focused treatment.
If you feel I might be helpful, please contact me.
Finding a therapist with whom one can form a trusting working relationship is essential to a successful therapeutic experience, no matter what the issue.
I've been in private practice for over twenty years working with adults, adolescents and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I've also worked in community mental health and psychiatric hospitals, as well as medical and psychology training programs.
I enjoy working with a broad range of issues. With adults these may include long-standing difficulties with anxiety, depression, loss, chronic emotional or medical illness, as well as relationship issues.
Prior to becoming a psychologist I taught both elementary and high school. I've worked extensively with youngsters of all ages, as well as their parents, to address developmental, emotional and parenting challenges specific to these age groups.
My work is grounded in a psychdynamic understanding of the individual. This informs my choice of the particular treatment approach I might suggest. I have training and experience in insight oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and emotionally-focused treatment.
If you feel I might be helpful, please contact me.
Tracey Lynne Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
I specialize in treating clients enduring the following symptoms: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, financial stress, career transitions, social injustice, relationship trauma, family transitions, family conflict, and parenting issues.
I specialize in treating clients enduring the following symptoms: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, financial stress, career transitions, social injustice, relationship trauma, family transitions, family conflict, and parenting issues.
Every stage in life, every situation we face, brings with it challenges, hardships and opportunities. The psychotherapeutic process brings focus and awareness to where we are now in our lives, where we've been, and the person we want to be. I see the therapeutic process as a journey that we take together. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or family, my goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental environment where you can explore relationship dynamics, patterns of behavior, identity, and opportunities for growth and change.
Every stage in life, every situation we face, brings with it challenges, hardships and opportunities. The psychotherapeutic process brings focus and awareness to where we are now in our lives, where we've been, and the person we want to be. I see the therapeutic process as a journey that we take together. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or family, my goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental environment where you can explore relationship dynamics, patterns of behavior, identity, and opportunities for growth and change.
Rebecca Behnke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
1 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Waitlist for new clients
I work with children and families on their path toward healing and with adults whose inner child is continuing or just beginning this journey. I consider the client to be an expert in their own experiences and feel that therapy works best when the client feels a sense of empowerment and agency within the therapeutic process. I often incorporate play, art, music and movement in my work with clients and enjoy finding creative, individualized and collaborative approaches to sustain clients’ growth and wellness.
I work with children and families on their path toward healing and with adults whose inner child is continuing or just beginning this journey. I consider the client to be an expert in their own experiences and feel that therapy works best when the client feels a sense of empowerment and agency within the therapeutic process. I often incorporate play, art, music and movement in my work with clients and enjoy finding creative, individualized and collaborative approaches to sustain clients’ growth and wellness.
You might feel stuck in relationship patterns, misunderstood by others, or overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to explain. Therapy can help you make sense of these experiences. I work with individuals and families across the lifespan to understand what’s beneath the surface and why certain patterns keep showing up.
My approach is relational and grounded in your personal history. I focus on building a trusting, genuine connection where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. I also pay close attention to how you experience and respond to me in the room, as this offers important insight into how you relate.
You might feel stuck in relationship patterns, misunderstood by others, or overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to explain. Therapy can help you make sense of these experiences. I work with individuals and families across the lifespan to understand what’s beneath the surface and why certain patterns keep showing up.
My approach is relational and grounded in your personal history. I focus on building a trusting, genuine connection where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. I also pay close attention to how you experience and respond to me in the room, as this offers important insight into how you relate.
Robin Brown, LCSW-C, received her BS in psychology from Towson University and her Master's in Social Work from University of MD, Baltimore in 1995. Robin specializes in using a mindfulness framework to assist clients in finding their strength to flourish while dealing with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, domestic abuse or neurodevelopmental related issues. Drawing from various modalities ranging from cognitive behavioral, to guided imagery and art therapy, Robin works with children and adults to help them find their path to healing in a safe space.
Robin Brown, LCSW-C, received her BS in psychology from Towson University and her Master's in Social Work from University of MD, Baltimore in 1995. Robin specializes in using a mindfulness framework to assist clients in finding their strength to flourish while dealing with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, domestic abuse or neurodevelopmental related issues. Drawing from various modalities ranging from cognitive behavioral, to guided imagery and art therapy, Robin works with children and adults to help them find their path to healing in a safe space.
Sometimes life becomes overwhelming. Relationships become difficult, or we simply find ourselves struggling to understand why we feel the way we do. Therapy can provide a place to slow down, feel heard and begin to make sense of our issues.
I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, work on financial stress or other life challenges.
My goal is to create a supportive comfortable environment where we can work together toward the changes you want to make, and the confidence and self awareness to improve your life.
Sometimes life becomes overwhelming. Relationships become difficult, or we simply find ourselves struggling to understand why we feel the way we do. Therapy can provide a place to slow down, feel heard and begin to make sense of our issues.
I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, work on financial stress or other life challenges.
My goal is to create a supportive comfortable environment where we can work together toward the changes you want to make, and the confidence and self awareness to improve your life.
Whether you're managing anxiety or depression, dealing with stress at work or home, navigating infertility or adoption, dealing with perinatal depression or anxiety, or trying to improve your family relationships, I can help.
As someone who experienced infertility, I can relate to people going through that painful chapter. Infertility is difficult, mentally and physically, and can be especially hard on marital/partner and other family relationships. Talking to someone who is aware of the issues that arise can help you to address the difficulties thoroughly and compassionately.
Whether you're managing anxiety or depression, dealing with stress at work or home, navigating infertility or adoption, dealing with perinatal depression or anxiety, or trying to improve your family relationships, I can help.
As someone who experienced infertility, I can relate to people going through that painful chapter. Infertility is difficult, mentally and physically, and can be especially hard on marital/partner and other family relationships. Talking to someone who is aware of the issues that arise can help you to address the difficulties thoroughly and compassionately.
It is important to have a safe space to express your true feelings and process your experiences in life. Therapy is a perfect space to do that without judgment and at your own pace. There are many different approaches to therapy for each client, and one size does not fit all. I like to use a client-centered approach as I believe in giving the client the agency to feel in control of their therapeutic experience. I use various approaches such as CBT and mindfulness, to create an environment and experience that is individualized and beneficial to the client’s goals and expectations.
It is important to have a safe space to express your true feelings and process your experiences in life. Therapy is a perfect space to do that without judgment and at your own pace. There are many different approaches to therapy for each client, and one size does not fit all. I like to use a client-centered approach as I believe in giving the client the agency to feel in control of their therapeutic experience. I use various approaches such as CBT and mindfulness, to create an environment and experience that is individualized and beneficial to the client’s goals and expectations.
Please see my website, laurarbrooks.com for more information. My office setting and theoretical approach offer a calm environment to support your clearest thinking about the problem and possibilities for addressing it. I believe that thinking about the problem in the context of the relationship system contributes to more objectivity for moving forward in a sustainable way.
Please see my website, laurarbrooks.com for more information. My office setting and theoretical approach offer a calm environment to support your clearest thinking about the problem and possibilities for addressing it. I believe that thinking about the problem in the context of the relationship system contributes to more objectivity for moving forward in a sustainable way.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship difficulties? I work with individuals and couples, helping people heal from painful experiences and develop healthier relationships. I have a special focus on interracial and Asian-mixed couples and partners affected by infidelity, out-of-control sexual behaviors, addiction, loss of trust, and other relational wounds. I also help couples facing emotional or sexual intimacy, communication, and recurring conflict. Together, we work to understand underlying wounds, heal, reconnect, and move forward.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship difficulties? I work with individuals and couples, helping people heal from painful experiences and develop healthier relationships. I have a special focus on interracial and Asian-mixed couples and partners affected by infidelity, out-of-control sexual behaviors, addiction, loss of trust, and other relational wounds. I also help couples facing emotional or sexual intimacy, communication, and recurring conflict. Together, we work to understand underlying wounds, heal, reconnect, and move forward.
Some of my experience includes dealing with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Traits, Parenting Issues, Adoption, Anxiety (including PTSD and OCD), Depression and other Mood Disorders, Marital/Couple Problems, Adult-Teen Developmental Issues and Conflicts, Problems of Early Childhood, Personality Disorders, Transitions in life such as Divorce or Loss, and formal Cognitive and Personality Assessments.
It takes a lot of courage to seek help, especially in a world that unfairly stigmatizes getting psychological services. Lack of understanding of what therapy is and how people can benefit from it prevents some from using professional services to know and understand themselves better, to improve relationships, and to live more meaningful, fulfilling lives regardless of their challenges. Sometimes people have troubling symptoms due to anxiety, depression, and other disorders and need help to address these symptoms and their causes. I use a variety of approaches to help clients. My goal is to empower clients through a healthy, therapeutic relationship.
Some of my experience includes dealing with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Traits, Parenting Issues, Adoption, Anxiety (including PTSD and OCD), Depression and other Mood Disorders, Marital/Couple Problems, Adult-Teen Developmental Issues and Conflicts, Problems of Early Childhood, Personality Disorders, Transitions in life such as Divorce or Loss, and formal Cognitive and Personality Assessments.
It takes a lot of courage to seek help, especially in a world that unfairly stigmatizes getting psychological services. Lack of understanding of what therapy is and how people can benefit from it prevents some from using professional services to know and understand themselves better, to improve relationships, and to live more meaningful, fulfilling lives regardless of their challenges. Sometimes people have troubling symptoms due to anxiety, depression, and other disorders and need help to address these symptoms and their causes. I use a variety of approaches to help clients. My goal is to empower clients through a healthy, therapeutic relationship.
Welcome to your village! You do not have to do this alone. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by your child's behavior problems, or fearful of your own life transition, you can count on my expertise to help guide you through your challenges. We will work together in a supportive, accepting environment to help you achieve your goals. You can learn new ways of managing stress and have hope for a more meaningful future. You can learn to conquer your fears and have a life that is not defined by your suffering.
Welcome to your village! You do not have to do this alone. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by your child's behavior problems, or fearful of your own life transition, you can count on my expertise to help guide you through your challenges. We will work together in a supportive, accepting environment to help you achieve your goals. You can learn new ways of managing stress and have hope for a more meaningful future. You can learn to conquer your fears and have a life that is not defined by your suffering.
See more therapy options for Ellicott City
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Ellicott City
- Baltimore
- Burtonsville
- Catonsville
- Clarksville
- Columbia
- Eldersburg
- Fulton
- Laurel
- Owings Mills
- Pikesville
- Sykesville
- Windsor Mill
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.