Adoption Therapists in Richmond Heights, MO
Maureen Mcgowan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAC, NCC, LPC
1 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Are you hurting? Have you tried everything you can think of to find peace ... answers ... freedom from the pain? I would like to help you. Help give you the knowledge and tools to free you from unhealthy and hurtful communication and relationship patterns. Help you to let go of the painful negative thoughts behind your depression and anxiety. Help you to learn and implement healthy boundaries in your intimate and professional relationships. Professional counseling is so much more than talking ... it is a unique and individualized collaboration between you and the counselor to work together toward your goals for yourself.
Are you hurting? Have you tried everything you can think of to find peace ... answers ... freedom from the pain? I would like to help you. Help give you the knowledge and tools to free you from unhealthy and hurtful communication and relationship patterns. Help you to let go of the painful negative thoughts behind your depression and anxiety. Help you to learn and implement healthy boundaries in your intimate and professional relationships. Professional counseling is so much more than talking ... it is a unique and individualized collaboration between you and the counselor to work together toward your goals for yourself.
Throughout our lives, we all have thresholds we must cross. Some of these are easier than others. When these thresholds become a sticking point or seem impossible to cross is when the therapeutic journey can be most impactful. As a polyamorous gay man that grew up in the South, I have often found myself at different thresholds trying to figure out how to move through them. Because of this, as your therapist, I will work to help you find the ability to push through your own thresholds.
Throughout our lives, we all have thresholds we must cross. Some of these are easier than others. When these thresholds become a sticking point or seem impossible to cross is when the therapeutic journey can be most impactful. As a polyamorous gay man that grew up in the South, I have often found myself at different thresholds trying to figure out how to move through them. Because of this, as your therapist, I will work to help you find the ability to push through your own thresholds.
Therapy is an experience where human beings learn to live differently. Differently is the key word. Different can look like less depression, more spontaneity, or deeper and more mutual relationships. Different can be learning to say "yes," "no," or "maybe." Different can be improved physical health, less anxiety, or sustained sobriety. When one begins treatment there's usually a percolating idea of what needs to be different. Helping you clarify the ways you'd like to live differently, what has gotten in your way up to this point, and how those changes can be made is psychotherapy.
Therapy is an experience where human beings learn to live differently. Differently is the key word. Different can look like less depression, more spontaneity, or deeper and more mutual relationships. Different can be learning to say "yes," "no," or "maybe." Different can be improved physical health, less anxiety, or sustained sobriety. When one begins treatment there's usually a percolating idea of what needs to be different. Helping you clarify the ways you'd like to live differently, what has gotten in your way up to this point, and how those changes can be made is psychotherapy.
I work with motivated women who feel that perfectionism, anxiety and/or pressure are constant companions. Perhaps you worry that you aren’t doing enough at home for your children, you don’t have enough time to put into your relationships or you can’t meet your own expectations at work. Balancing the roles that you play, while feeling fulfilled and content can be difficult to manage without frustration or burnout. The women I work with often put themselves second to other relationships and priorities and struggle to communicate and maintain boundaries.
I work with motivated women who feel that perfectionism, anxiety and/or pressure are constant companions. Perhaps you worry that you aren’t doing enough at home for your children, you don’t have enough time to put into your relationships or you can’t meet your own expectations at work. Balancing the roles that you play, while feeling fulfilled and content can be difficult to manage without frustration or burnout. The women I work with often put themselves second to other relationships and priorities and struggle to communicate and maintain boundaries.
Oftentimes a therapist needs a therapist, and I specialize in working with therapists. I am intimately familiar with the burnout and fatigue that accompanies a therapists’ job. Every therapist I have worked with is a deeply compassionate, selfless, and idealistic person, who is dedicated to their clients. I work to help therapists care for themselves so that they can continue to feel healthy as they work with their clients. While we can often successfully support our clients, this does not always extend to feeling supported in our own lives.
Oftentimes a therapist needs a therapist, and I specialize in working with therapists. I am intimately familiar with the burnout and fatigue that accompanies a therapists’ job. Every therapist I have worked with is a deeply compassionate, selfless, and idealistic person, who is dedicated to their clients. I work to help therapists care for themselves so that they can continue to feel healthy as they work with their clients. While we can often successfully support our clients, this does not always extend to feeling supported in our own lives.
I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.
I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.
Tanya D Perry, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Are you seeking a therapist who will truly listen, collaborate with you, and honor your lived experience? I'm Tanya, and I believe therapy should be a partnership—where you remain the expert of your life and I offer support, insight, and tools along the way.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Born and raised on the west side of St. Louis city, I bring a deep understanding of the community and culture I serve. My practice is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your unique story.
Are you seeking a therapist who will truly listen, collaborate with you, and honor your lived experience? I'm Tanya, and I believe therapy should be a partnership—where you remain the expert of your life and I offer support, insight, and tools along the way.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Born and raised on the west side of St. Louis city, I bring a deep understanding of the community and culture I serve. My practice is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your unique story.
Life can be unpredictable, with its highs and lows, ups and downs, beginnings, and endings. It's important to understand that these feelings are normal. I offer therapy for both children and adults in a supportive therapeutic environment. For children, I specialize in play therapy, EMDR, addressing school and behavioral problems, and helping them express themselves and process their feelings. For adults, I provide a range of therapies, including EMDR, CBT, and trauma-focused treatments, to help navigate emotional challenges, heal from past experiences, and promote overall well-being.
Life can be unpredictable, with its highs and lows, ups and downs, beginnings, and endings. It's important to understand that these feelings are normal. I offer therapy for both children and adults in a supportive therapeutic environment. For children, I specialize in play therapy, EMDR, addressing school and behavioral problems, and helping them express themselves and process their feelings. For adults, I provide a range of therapies, including EMDR, CBT, and trauma-focused treatments, to help navigate emotional challenges, heal from past experiences, and promote overall well-being.
Meg Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling stuck, alone, and overwhelmed? Looking for a safe space to share about your struggles and receive support? I would love to work with you towards your goals and towards building a life worth living. I greatly value creating a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. I specialize in helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, out-of-control feelings, and relationship difficulties. I love working with adults and older adolescents.
Are you feeling stuck, alone, and overwhelmed? Looking for a safe space to share about your struggles and receive support? I would love to work with you towards your goals and towards building a life worth living. I greatly value creating a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. I specialize in helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, out-of-control feelings, and relationship difficulties. I love working with adults and older adolescents.
More Therapists Nearby
My speciality is treating children and adults with attachment disturbances. Most of the children I see have been adopted, but many have had other medical and other relationship traumas that have contributed to their current acting out or anxiety issues. Many of the children I see have been previously diagnosed as having Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD, and Bi-Polar Disorders. I also see adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
My speciality is treating children and adults with attachment disturbances. Most of the children I see have been adopted, but many have had other medical and other relationship traumas that have contributed to their current acting out or anxiety issues. Many of the children I see have been previously diagnosed as having Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD, and Bi-Polar Disorders. I also see adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
Life is full of experiences that hold a lasting effect on us and can deter us from moving forward, but we also have a long list of personal strengths within our authentic “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to identify your authentic self while collectively working to understand your addiction. As a gay male living in recovery from alcohol, my life has prompted me to be the support for those with similar barriers in their life. In addition to my personal life experiences, I also teach an Addiction Counseling course at the graduate level.
Life is full of experiences that hold a lasting effect on us and can deter us from moving forward, but we also have a long list of personal strengths within our authentic “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to identify your authentic self while collectively working to understand your addiction. As a gay male living in recovery from alcohol, my life has prompted me to be the support for those with similar barriers in their life. In addition to my personal life experiences, I also teach an Addiction Counseling course at the graduate level.
You are worthy of delight, safety, and care. Through various trials and experiences, this inherent belief has been squashed, marred, or denied. Whether you are off-kilter internally, relationally, or with the world around you, my office is a steady space for you. Balance can be found again, and I hope to be a secure presence, navigating you through the imbalance you are experiencing. I see you. I know there is a blend of grief, pain, shame, strength, and joy all tangled up within you. Together, we can face these and move towards flourishing and wholeness.
You are worthy of delight, safety, and care. Through various trials and experiences, this inherent belief has been squashed, marred, or denied. Whether you are off-kilter internally, relationally, or with the world around you, my office is a steady space for you. Balance can be found again, and I hope to be a secure presence, navigating you through the imbalance you are experiencing. I see you. I know there is a blend of grief, pain, shame, strength, and joy all tangled up within you. Together, we can face these and move towards flourishing and wholeness.
We’re Bud to Bloom Play Therapy! We help St. Louis families heal and thrive through play therapy, play-based therapy and, engaging and effective approaches to support children’s emotional wellbeing. Is your child's behavior challenging or difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!
We’re Bud to Bloom Play Therapy! We help St. Louis families heal and thrive through play therapy, play-based therapy and, engaging and effective approaches to support children’s emotional wellbeing. Is your child's behavior challenging or difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!
I also specialize in areas related to adoption as an adoption counselor, consultant, search specialist, or mediator.
When I first walked into a therapist's office as a client, I was a ball of knotted yarn, twisted with emotion, anxiety, and confusion. I needed something...relief; to make sense of things once again; to understand myself; to identify and solve a problem. I needed someone to help me sort it out. I want to help you unknot that ball of yarn. I want my clients to feel accepted and understood, recognizing their inherent value and strength, through our interactions and exploration of themselves. You are the expert on you. I am the witness, reflection, and guide. I would be honored to help you work through whatever it is you need.
I also specialize in areas related to adoption as an adoption counselor, consultant, search specialist, or mediator.
When I first walked into a therapist's office as a client, I was a ball of knotted yarn, twisted with emotion, anxiety, and confusion. I needed something...relief; to make sense of things once again; to understand myself; to identify and solve a problem. I needed someone to help me sort it out. I want to help you unknot that ball of yarn. I want my clients to feel accepted and understood, recognizing their inherent value and strength, through our interactions and exploration of themselves. You are the expert on you. I am the witness, reflection, and guide. I would be honored to help you work through whatever it is you need.
Hello, I'm Ameerah specializing in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have been providing therapy to clients for over 15 years utilizing a variety of therapies including an eclectic approach to therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy in helping my clients to reach their goals.
Hello, I'm Ameerah specializing in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have been providing therapy to clients for over 15 years utilizing a variety of therapies including an eclectic approach to therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy in helping my clients to reach their goals.
Graduate of The Accredited Training for Adoption Competency 2023.
Throughout life we experience many seasons and sometimes life does not go as we have planned. Are you seeking additional support as you face a new season in your life? Counseling offers the opportunity to work through challenges and to move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Graduate of The Accredited Training for Adoption Competency 2023.
Throughout life we experience many seasons and sometimes life does not go as we have planned. Are you seeking additional support as you face a new season in your life? Counseling offers the opportunity to work through challenges and to move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I'm Cynthia, and I’m here to support you in navigating your challenges and achieving emotional and social fulfillment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I use an eclectic therapeutic approach, combining CBT, experiential therapy, and parent coaching to guide you toward positive change. Together, we’ll identify your unique needs, overcome obstacles, and empower you or your teen to live the life you desire. Let’s start your journey toward healing today.
Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I'm Cynthia, and I’m here to support you in navigating your challenges and achieving emotional and social fulfillment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I use an eclectic therapeutic approach, combining CBT, experiential therapy, and parent coaching to guide you toward positive change. Together, we’ll identify your unique needs, overcome obstacles, and empower you or your teen to live the life you desire. Let’s start your journey toward healing today.
I’m Ashley, a trauma-informed therapist in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for supporting individuals and families. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis’ George Warren Brown School of Social Work, where my concentration was children, youth and families. My therapeutic methods include Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I’m also working toward play therapy certification. I believe every human being has the power within to overcome fear, anxiety and other obstacles preventing us from reaching our full potential.
I’m Ashley, a trauma-informed therapist in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for supporting individuals and families. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis’ George Warren Brown School of Social Work, where my concentration was children, youth and families. My therapeutic methods include Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I’m also working toward play therapy certification. I believe every human being has the power within to overcome fear, anxiety and other obstacles preventing us from reaching our full potential.
Karen R Moist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
University City, MO 63130
Waitlist for new clients
Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse.
My objective is to help a child and family move from surviving to thriving by helping the child heal from trauma and the family system heal and change to support each individual.
Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse.
My objective is to help a child and family move from surviving to thriving by helping the child heal from trauma and the family system heal and change to support each individual.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
See more therapy options for Richmond Heights
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Richmond Heights
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Des Peres
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Saint Louis
- University City
- Webster Groves
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.