Adoption Therapists in Minneapolis, MN
Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle.
As a certified performance coach, I see you and your family as complete and capable while needing support, understanding, and options. Building on your strengths, I help you create strategies, develop unique skills, and establish clear goals so you can calm the chaos, reclaim your family...and yourself.
Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle.
As a certified performance coach, I see you and your family as complete and capable while needing support, understanding, and options. Building on your strengths, I help you create strategies, develop unique skills, and establish clear goals so you can calm the chaos, reclaim your family...and yourself.
I have experience in attachment/ adoption and autism in women.
Formerly a ballet director, I became exposed to Eating disorders, nutrition and body issues. But I use gender and race theory in this work. I’m trained and have personal experience in the area of attachment. I have years of professional and personal experience in areas of race and gender intersections. I center the people.
I have experience in attachment/ adoption and autism in women.
Formerly a ballet director, I became exposed to Eating disorders, nutrition and body issues. But I use gender and race theory in this work. I’m trained and have personal experience in the area of attachment. I have years of professional and personal experience in areas of race and gender intersections. I center the people.
Overwhelmed and feeling unsure? Worried about your child? Struggling with parenting? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unable to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Dealing with the stress of incarceration? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life! I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
Overwhelmed and feeling unsure? Worried about your child? Struggling with parenting? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unable to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Dealing with the stress of incarceration? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life! I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
My ideal client is someone raw and authentic, tired of hiding. They’re facing pain, uncertainty, and a longing to heal deeper wounds—not just surface fixes. They want clarity, growth, and connection, not just quick answers. They’re ready to dig deep, confront what’s truly holding them back, and find a path to genuine peace. They seek transformation because they know there’s more to life than just surviving—they want to thrive. I see you, and I’m here to walk beside you on that journey.
My ideal client is someone raw and authentic, tired of hiding. They’re facing pain, uncertainty, and a longing to heal deeper wounds—not just surface fixes. They want clarity, growth, and connection, not just quick answers. They’re ready to dig deep, confront what’s truly holding them back, and find a path to genuine peace. They seek transformation because they know there’s more to life than just surviving—they want to thrive. I see you, and I’m here to walk beside you on that journey.
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma and difficult relationship dynamics. Christianity can be integrated if you desire, but whatever your background, you will be welcomed and respected.
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma and difficult relationship dynamics. Christianity can be integrated if you desire, but whatever your background, you will be welcomed and respected.
Have you ever wondered about your adoption story?
You want someone who gets it. As a fellow adoptee and licensed therapist, I've dedicated my career to adoptee-specific support. I created the Adoption Literacy framework, authored "The Adoptee's Journey," and train other professionals. You'll gain practical tools for navigating adoption challenges while developing deeper understanding of your unique story.
Have you ever wondered about your adoption story?
You want someone who gets it. As a fellow adoptee and licensed therapist, I've dedicated my career to adoptee-specific support. I created the Adoption Literacy framework, authored "The Adoptee's Journey," and train other professionals. You'll gain practical tools for navigating adoption challenges while developing deeper understanding of your unique story.
Areas of interest include trauma, early developmental wounding, spirituality, mind-body, adoption, attachment and relational therapy.
I am passionate about healing and transformation, and engaging the inherent wisdom of the human heart, psyche, and spirit. Therapy can support the healing of past wounds and traumas while also helping us navigate present challenges with greater clarity, compassion, and intention. As we release limiting beliefs and unresolved hurts, we are better able to live from our authentic inner truth—benefiting ourselves as well as the relationships and communities we are part of. Committed to equity, I am interested in how our personal healing processes contribute to our collective wellness. As we heal, our relationships and communities heal.
Areas of interest include trauma, early developmental wounding, spirituality, mind-body, adoption, attachment and relational therapy.
I am passionate about healing and transformation, and engaging the inherent wisdom of the human heart, psyche, and spirit. Therapy can support the healing of past wounds and traumas while also helping us navigate present challenges with greater clarity, compassion, and intention. As we release limiting beliefs and unresolved hurts, we are better able to live from our authentic inner truth—benefiting ourselves as well as the relationships and communities we are part of. Committed to equity, I am interested in how our personal healing processes contribute to our collective wellness. As we heal, our relationships and communities heal.
I serve adults, families, and children (ages 4-18) with a variety of challenges. I help men and women handle breakups or relationship difficulties, cope with being single, navigate dating, create healthy relationships, manage anger/ frustration, deal with depression, explore adoptee issues, and adapt to change or loss. I serve families with children who are pushing boundaries, fighting with or blaming others, worrying excessively, yelling/talking back, lacking appropriate social skills or have poor self-esteem. I also work with adoptive families who are concerned about their adopted child's "problem" behaviors, difficulties adjusting, or challenges in connecting with others.
I serve adults, families, and children (ages 4-18) with a variety of challenges. I help men and women handle breakups or relationship difficulties, cope with being single, navigate dating, create healthy relationships, manage anger/ frustration, deal with depression, explore adoptee issues, and adapt to change or loss. I serve families with children who are pushing boundaries, fighting with or blaming others, worrying excessively, yelling/talking back, lacking appropriate social skills or have poor self-esteem. I also work with adoptive families who are concerned about their adopted child's "problem" behaviors, difficulties adjusting, or challenges in connecting with others.
Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Our providers are integrative in their approaches, including relational and attachment, client-centered, trauma-based (Somatic Experiencing and Brainspotting), culturally focused approaches, and mindfulness and spirituality.
Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Our providers are integrative in their approaches, including relational and attachment, client-centered, trauma-based (Somatic Experiencing and Brainspotting), culturally focused approaches, and mindfulness and spirituality.
Your unique story and life experiences make you who you are. When life throws difficult circumstances your way, you deserve support, community and a place to process change. Regardless of what you’re going through, I’m here to walk with you with warmth and openness. I believe we all have the capacity for growth and change when we feel safe and seen.
As a systemic therapist I honor your chosen family and community and welcome all parts of you into my space. We'll explore how race, class and culture affect you. I am kink, LGBTQIA+ and poly friendly and love to work with adoptive and foster parents.
Your unique story and life experiences make you who you are. When life throws difficult circumstances your way, you deserve support, community and a place to process change. Regardless of what you’re going through, I’m here to walk with you with warmth and openness. I believe we all have the capacity for growth and change when we feel safe and seen.
As a systemic therapist I honor your chosen family and community and welcome all parts of you into my space. We'll explore how race, class and culture affect you. I am kink, LGBTQIA+ and poly friendly and love to work with adoptive and foster parents.
I am licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and have experience working with families, individuals, parents, adolescents, couples, people in crisis and people within the adoption circle as well as foster care.
Are you an exhausted parent who puts everyone first and always seems to neglect yourself? Do you feel guilty taking time for yourself? It sounds so cliche, but it is true that you have to help yourself before you can help others. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Make the commitment to put yourself first by connecting with a therapist who can help support you in whatever goals you want for yourself.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand.
I am licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and have experience working with families, individuals, parents, adolescents, couples, people in crisis and people within the adoption circle as well as foster care.
Are you an exhausted parent who puts everyone first and always seems to neglect yourself? Do you feel guilty taking time for yourself? It sounds so cliche, but it is true that you have to help yourself before you can help others. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Make the commitment to put yourself first by connecting with a therapist who can help support you in whatever goals you want for yourself.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand.
Do you ever feel unseen, feeling weighed down in the depth of what you’ve been carrying? You're not alone, your resilience is remarkable, and you can reach lasting change. With over a decade of experience, I’ve helped many people, including adoptees and couples navigate those exact struggles. Together, we can transform pain into strength and create the space for real healing and joy.
Imagine waking up lighter, no longer defined by past pain. You move through your days with clarity, connection, and the freedom to truly enjoy life. Instead of pain holding you back, it has become the foundation of your strength.
Do you ever feel unseen, feeling weighed down in the depth of what you’ve been carrying? You're not alone, your resilience is remarkable, and you can reach lasting change. With over a decade of experience, I’ve helped many people, including adoptees and couples navigate those exact struggles. Together, we can transform pain into strength and create the space for real healing and joy.
Imagine waking up lighter, no longer defined by past pain. You move through your days with clarity, connection, and the freedom to truly enjoy life. Instead of pain holding you back, it has become the foundation of your strength.
As a transracial adoptee, I have a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the complex emotions that can come with adoption and family dynamics.
Throughout my career, I’ve supported individuals and families through times of crisis and transition, helping them find stability, strength, and hope. I create a safe and supportive space where clients feel seen and understood, and where we can work together to build on their strengths and move toward meaningful change.
As a transracial adoptee, I have a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the complex emotions that can come with adoption and family dynamics.
Throughout my career, I’ve supported individuals and families through times of crisis and transition, helping them find stability, strength, and hope. I create a safe and supportive space where clients feel seen and understood, and where we can work together to build on their strengths and move toward meaningful change.
I'm one of a small number of therapists completing certification in adoption competency through C
You've spent your whole life knowing your story — but never quite having a safe place to tell all of it. Maybe you're an adoptee who's tired of performing gratitude, or an adoptive parent who loves your child completely and still lies awake wondering if that's enough. Maybe life just shifted in a way that the old version of you can't handle anymore — a relationship, a loss, a season where everything that worked suddenly doesn't. I'm an adoptee myself, which means you won't spend half our time explaining your family before we get to the real work. We start where most therapy never gets.
I'm one of a small number of therapists completing certification in adoption competency through C
You've spent your whole life knowing your story — but never quite having a safe place to tell all of it. Maybe you're an adoptee who's tired of performing gratitude, or an adoptive parent who loves your child completely and still lies awake wondering if that's enough. Maybe life just shifted in a way that the old version of you can't handle anymore — a relationship, a loss, a season where everything that worked suddenly doesn't. I'm an adoptee myself, which means you won't spend half our time explaining your family before we get to the real work. We start where most therapy never gets.
Tarah Groettum At Bears Counseling PLLC (Autism)
Counselor, MSEd, LPCC, CAS, PACC, TFCBT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My primary areas of specialization include autism, group therapy, kinship care, adoption, and trauma.
As a professional, autistic individual, and parent of three autistic children, I bring both personal and professional insight to my work. With specialized training in autism, foster and kinship care, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), I offer empathetic, informed support. My lived experience allows me to connect authentically with clients and guide them to the resources they need to thrive. This insight allows me to not only relate authentically to my clients, but also to guide them toward the resources and referrals necessary to help them thrive.
My primary areas of specialization include autism, group therapy, kinship care, adoption, and trauma.
As a professional, autistic individual, and parent of three autistic children, I bring both personal and professional insight to my work. With specialized training in autism, foster and kinship care, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), I offer empathetic, informed support. My lived experience allows me to connect authentically with clients and guide them to the resources they need to thrive. This insight allows me to not only relate authentically to my clients, but also to guide them toward the resources and referrals necessary to help them thrive.
Trauma affects everyone differently, and I specialize in supporting women through their recovery. I focus on childhood trauma but am open to all types. Together, we'll identify your healing needs, empowering you to embrace your resilience because your survival is your superpower. As your therapist, I use nature and personalized strategies to facilitate healing in a unique way. If you're looking for an ally on your journey toward a brighter future, let’s connect and begin your transformative experience. Your path to healing starts here.
Trauma affects everyone differently, and I specialize in supporting women through their recovery. I focus on childhood trauma but am open to all types. Together, we'll identify your healing needs, empowering you to embrace your resilience because your survival is your superpower. As your therapist, I use nature and personalized strategies to facilitate healing in a unique way. If you're looking for an ally on your journey toward a brighter future, let’s connect and begin your transformative experience. Your path to healing starts here.
My personal journey of Adoption has fueled my passion to provide unconditional and authentic support for families and individuals with warmth & compassion.
I draw upon a strength based, resiliency building & collaborative style of therapy to empower families and individuals to find inner healing while providing tools to enhance their daily life functioning. I specialize in working with children ages 10 and older and love working with individuals & families navigating attachment and adoption related experiences
My personal journey of Adoption has fueled my passion to provide unconditional and authentic support for families and individuals with warmth & compassion.
I draw upon a strength based, resiliency building & collaborative style of therapy to empower families and individuals to find inner healing while providing tools to enhance their daily life functioning. I specialize in working with children ages 10 and older and love working with individuals & families navigating attachment and adoption related experiences
Jess is passionate about helping children, families, and adults navigate life’s challenges and reach their goals for mental wellbeing by merging science backed therapies with compassion and creativity. Jess earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Since 2009, she has been dedicated to working with children and families across the Twin Cities, offering innovative therapy for a wide range of mental and behavioral health concerns. Jess works with people throughout the lifespan – whether you’re 3 or 93, she’s here to help.
Jess is passionate about helping children, families, and adults navigate life’s challenges and reach their goals for mental wellbeing by merging science backed therapies with compassion and creativity. Jess earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Since 2009, she has been dedicated to working with children and families across the Twin Cities, offering innovative therapy for a wide range of mental and behavioral health concerns. Jess works with people throughout the lifespan – whether you’re 3 or 93, she’s here to help.
We specialize in recovery from life stressors and trauma as well as adoption/foster care related issues.
Please visit my website to see how I might best serve you and your family. I have a Ph.D. in Family Psychology, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Minnesota.
We specialize in recovery from life stressors and trauma as well as adoption/foster care related issues.
Please visit my website to see how I might best serve you and your family. I have a Ph.D. in Family Psychology, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Minnesota.
Anna is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years in neighborhood, residential, outpatient, and school settings. Anna specializes in working with neurodivergent (Autistic or ADHD) people of all ages from a neurodiversity-affirming lens, and is a PDA-informed provider. She also has extensive practice working with people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety and depression.
Anna is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years in neighborhood, residential, outpatient, and school settings. Anna specializes in working with neurodivergent (Autistic or ADHD) people of all ages from a neurodiversity-affirming lens, and is a PDA-informed provider. She also has extensive practice working with people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety and depression.
See more therapy options for Minneapolis
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Minneapolis
- Bloomington
- Brooklyn Park
- Edina
- Fridley
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minnetonka
- New Brighton
- New Hope
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Saint Louis Park
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.