Adoption Therapists in Columbus, OH
I specialize in working with individuals and families with experiences related to adoption, foster care, and kinship care.
Life offers many challenges, especially for those with early parental separation, or trauma. Deciding to start therapy can be difficult, and finding a therapist who understands our unique history can make a significant difference. Whether you are working through past hardships and trauma or current relationship difficulties, you don't need to do this alone.
I specialize in working with individuals and families with experiences related to adoption, foster care, and kinship care.
Life offers many challenges, especially for those with early parental separation, or trauma. Deciding to start therapy can be difficult, and finding a therapist who understands our unique history can make a significant difference. Whether you are working through past hardships and trauma or current relationship difficulties, you don't need to do this alone.
Adoption and blended family problems are also close to my heart and I enjoy helping others in these areas.
I became passionate about helping those with eating disorders during my internship. I've gained additional training through the Center for Balanced Living and the Renfrew Center. In addition, I have training in Prolonged Exposure and Written Exposure Therapy (WET), which helps individuals recover from trauma and PTSD.
Adoption and blended family problems are also close to my heart and I enjoy helping others in these areas.
I became passionate about helping those with eating disorders during my internship. I've gained additional training through the Center for Balanced Living and the Renfrew Center. In addition, I have training in Prolonged Exposure and Written Exposure Therapy (WET), which helps individuals recover from trauma and PTSD.
I complete rigorous training, research, and consultation related to attachment injury, interpersonal neurobiology, developmental trauma, adoption and donor conception.
I offer support for children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with those exploring the impact of unique family-building and/or parental separation and loss. This might mean deciding how to share information, understanding behavior through a trauma-focused lens, processing grief and loss, reshaping identity, or navigating reunion. With a relational and attachment-focused approach, I work collaboratively and gently. I don’t think you need fixing - you might just want tools, new perspectives, and another person to carry your story alongside you.
I complete rigorous training, research, and consultation related to attachment injury, interpersonal neurobiology, developmental trauma, adoption and donor conception.
I offer support for children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with those exploring the impact of unique family-building and/or parental separation and loss. This might mean deciding how to share information, understanding behavior through a trauma-focused lens, processing grief and loss, reshaping identity, or navigating reunion. With a relational and attachment-focused approach, I work collaboratively and gently. I don’t think you need fixing - you might just want tools, new perspectives, and another person to carry your story alongside you.
Areas of Focus: First Responders, Adoption, Foster Care, Blended Families, Trauma, Sexualized Behavior, Neurodivergent Behaviors, and Chemical Dependency.
I provide compassionate support to help clients navigate anxiety, grief, parenting, and life transitions by creating personalized healing paths, using approaches like Animal-Assisted Therapy to foster connection, resilience, and growth in a safe, supportive space.
Areas of Focus: First Responders, Adoption, Foster Care, Blended Families, Trauma, Sexualized Behavior, Neurodivergent Behaviors, and Chemical Dependency.
I provide compassionate support to help clients navigate anxiety, grief, parenting, and life transitions by creating personalized healing paths, using approaches like Animal-Assisted Therapy to foster connection, resilience, and growth in a safe, supportive space.
Issues such as infertility, postpartum depression or anxiety and adoption can make what should be a joyful time into one of the most difficult times of one's life instead.
My therapeutic approach focuses on helping you develop the support network you need to thrive and deal with any emotional difficulties that may be standing in the way. I use a blend of CBT, EMDR and talk-therapy, and we work together to set goals for what you would like to achieve during therapy. I love to provide additional resources as necessary.
Issues such as infertility, postpartum depression or anxiety and adoption can make what should be a joyful time into one of the most difficult times of one's life instead.
My therapeutic approach focuses on helping you develop the support network you need to thrive and deal with any emotional difficulties that may be standing in the way. I use a blend of CBT, EMDR and talk-therapy, and we work together to set goals for what you would like to achieve during therapy. I love to provide additional resources as necessary.
I also am a certified Adoption Assessor through ODJFS and a Certified Human Resources Professional through SHRM.
Are you grappling with depression? Are you noticing life is difficult to cope with because of family issues? Dealing with marital issues or divorce? Is running around trying to fix things, prevent things, or cover for things driving you insane? Are you preparing to make a major life change or one happened to you unexpectedly? Are you struggling with your racial identity along with soul searching? Are things spiraling out of control in your life? Have you been ostracized by family/religious groups?
I also am a certified Adoption Assessor through ODJFS and a Certified Human Resources Professional through SHRM.
Are you grappling with depression? Are you noticing life is difficult to cope with because of family issues? Dealing with marital issues or divorce? Is running around trying to fix things, prevent things, or cover for things driving you insane? Are you preparing to make a major life change or one happened to you unexpectedly? Are you struggling with your racial identity along with soul searching? Are things spiraling out of control in your life? Have you been ostracized by family/religious groups?
There are many other notes of expertise that set me apart from other therapists such as adoption and women's issues.
I welcome clients of all backgrounds including all body sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, and religions. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with issues related to food, body image, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-compassion, and self-worth.
There are many other notes of expertise that set me apart from other therapists such as adoption and women's issues.
I welcome clients of all backgrounds including all body sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, and religions. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with issues related to food, body image, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-compassion, and self-worth.
My approach works closely with adults (mental health, adjustment disorders, life transitions, problem-solving, grief, etc.) teens (12-18), parents and children (including adoption), and couples.
HI! My name is Melanie Genova. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I approach therapy from an attachment theory and a Cognitive Behavioral approach. I have worked in social services with individuals and families since 1995. I have served through outpatient counseling since 2010. I specialize in counseling of individuals, couples, and families. I practice Christian faith-integrated counseling for those who are seeking to incorporate their faith into their therapeutic work.
My approach works closely with adults (mental health, adjustment disorders, life transitions, problem-solving, grief, etc.) teens (12-18), parents and children (including adoption), and couples.
HI! My name is Melanie Genova. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I approach therapy from an attachment theory and a Cognitive Behavioral approach. I have worked in social services with individuals and families since 1995. I have served through outpatient counseling since 2010. I specialize in counseling of individuals, couples, and families. I practice Christian faith-integrated counseling for those who are seeking to incorporate their faith into their therapeutic work.
She has special expertise in depression, anxiety, child and adolescent issues, the LGBTQ+ community, adoption and foster care, and behavior management or other parenting concerns.
Dr. Salmen's approach to therapy is one that places great value on the therapeutic relationship. When a strong and trusting working relationship is built, clients are able to feel safe to express themselves, share their fears, celebrate their successes, and set important and attainable goals. Dr. Salmen's therapeutic style is a blend of techniques, which can be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. These techniques include psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and interpersonal and relational approaches.
She has special expertise in depression, anxiety, child and adolescent issues, the LGBTQ+ community, adoption and foster care, and behavior management or other parenting concerns.
Dr. Salmen's approach to therapy is one that places great value on the therapeutic relationship. When a strong and trusting working relationship is built, clients are able to feel safe to express themselves, share their fears, celebrate their successes, and set important and attainable goals. Dr. Salmen's therapeutic style is a blend of techniques, which can be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. These techniques include psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and interpersonal and relational approaches.
I work with those dealing with past or current trauma, family issues, youth, emotional hardships, life transitions, divorce, parenting challenges, depression, anxiety, addiction, adoption, and behavior issues just to name a few.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist and Art Therapist, my experience is in helping those in need to deal with life's challenges. My love for art and the creative process can help aid you in further making sense of your inner world, finding new ways to cope and express yourself, work through challenging experiences and emotions, and develop resilience.
I work with those dealing with past or current trauma, family issues, youth, emotional hardships, life transitions, divorce, parenting challenges, depression, anxiety, addiction, adoption, and behavior issues just to name a few.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist and Art Therapist, my experience is in helping those in need to deal with life's challenges. My love for art and the creative process can help aid you in further making sense of your inner world, finding new ways to cope and express yourself, work through challenging experiences and emotions, and develop resilience.
My journey began as a trauma specialist working with children in Treatment Foster Care and adoption in inner-city Columbus.
These experiences sparked a deep commitment to working with women to identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and step fully into their potential. I find so much joy in connecting with people from all walks of life, and I've had the privilege of working in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
My journey began as a trauma specialist working with children in Treatment Foster Care and adoption in inner-city Columbus.
These experiences sparked a deep commitment to working with women to identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and step fully into their potential. I find so much joy in connecting with people from all walks of life, and I've had the privilege of working in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
I am certified as adoption competent and military blue star therapist with experience working in hospitals, law enforcement, domestic violence / victim services, community mental health & substance use services as well as child protection.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we need a space to be truly seen and heard. I specialize in working with adults and older teens navigating life’s challenges, including grief, anxiety, relationship struggles, and overwhelming emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential environment where you can explore your experiences and begin to heal.
In our first sessions, we will work together to understand your story, clarify your goals, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to what works best for you.
I am certified as adoption competent and military blue star therapist with experience working in hospitals, law enforcement, domestic violence / victim services, community mental health & substance use services as well as child protection.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we need a space to be truly seen and heard. I specialize in working with adults and older teens navigating life’s challenges, including grief, anxiety, relationship struggles, and overwhelming emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential environment where you can explore your experiences and begin to heal.
In our first sessions, we will work together to understand your story, clarify your goals, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to what works best for you.
I believe in families and helping support them through any struggles, whether it's divorce, blended families, separation anxiety, school refusal, defiance, ADHD, OCD, autism, adoption, communication difficulties, conflict, or trauma.
With years of education and lived experience, I bring a versatile approach to addressing these issues. Through many therapy approaches, I work well with a variety of clients with an open mind. I am passionate about working with couples and individuals in fostering stronger, healthier connections. I employ ACT, IFS, client-centered and values based care.
I believe in families and helping support them through any struggles, whether it's divorce, blended families, separation anxiety, school refusal, defiance, ADHD, OCD, autism, adoption, communication difficulties, conflict, or trauma.
With years of education and lived experience, I bring a versatile approach to addressing these issues. Through many therapy approaches, I work well with a variety of clients with an open mind. I am passionate about working with couples and individuals in fostering stronger, healthier connections. I employ ACT, IFS, client-centered and values based care.
I am trained as a Functional Family Therapist and have a certification in adoption issues from Rutgers University.
I enjoy working with people in all stages of life and have a broad range of treatment approaches depending on individual need. I believe that relationships with others and one’s own physical well-being are vital considerations when helping people reach the highest level of satisfaction with life.
I am trained as a Functional Family Therapist and have a certification in adoption issues from Rutgers University.
I enjoy working with people in all stages of life and have a broad range of treatment approaches depending on individual need. I believe that relationships with others and one’s own physical well-being are vital considerations when helping people reach the highest level of satisfaction with life.
Making the decision to talk to someone about things that you may be struggling with is a huge, positive step! As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for 24 years, I take pride in my ability to engage with clients and join with them in their journey to conquer whatever challenges they may be struggling with. I can help you explore your feelings and we will work together to learn new coping skills, positive ways to adapt, and manage stressors that are normal part of our ever-changing lives. I look forward to working with you through your journey!
Making the decision to talk to someone about things that you may be struggling with is a huge, positive step! As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for 24 years, I take pride in my ability to engage with clients and join with them in their journey to conquer whatever challenges they may be struggling with. I can help you explore your feelings and we will work together to learn new coping skills, positive ways to adapt, and manage stressors that are normal part of our ever-changing lives. I look forward to working with you through your journey!
I have been an active member of my community for most of my life. I began caring for others at age 15 by working as a nursing assistant in a local nursing home. I have volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician and was a foster parent for nearly 100 children over a 13 year time span. I am passionate about helping people of all ages reach their personal or professional goals. I specialize in EMDR however; I utilize many types of therapy that is tailored to each individual client.Please make an appointment so we can discuss how I can help you and your family.
I have been an active member of my community for most of my life. I began caring for others at age 15 by working as a nursing assistant in a local nursing home. I have volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician and was a foster parent for nearly 100 children over a 13 year time span. I am passionate about helping people of all ages reach their personal or professional goals. I specialize in EMDR however; I utilize many types of therapy that is tailored to each individual client.Please make an appointment so we can discuss how I can help you and your family.
Depression, anxiety, and the weight of daily stress can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, or disconnected—from yourself or your partner. These feelings often show up in subtle but painful ways, affecting communication, parenting, intimacy, trust, and stealing our motivation to embrace the things or people we used to love. Whether you’re facing challenges as a couple or on your own, it doesn’t mean you are broken. These struggles are part of the human experience. With the right support, it’s possible to feel heard, understood, and reconnected—to yourself and to those you love.
Depression, anxiety, and the weight of daily stress can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, or disconnected—from yourself or your partner. These feelings often show up in subtle but painful ways, affecting communication, parenting, intimacy, trust, and stealing our motivation to embrace the things or people we used to love. Whether you’re facing challenges as a couple or on your own, it doesn’t mean you are broken. These struggles are part of the human experience. With the right support, it’s possible to feel heard, understood, and reconnected—to yourself and to those you love.
The clients I connect with most are often feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck—whether it's from past trauma, daily stress, or challenges that seem hard to name. Some are navigating school systems that don’t always feel supportive, while others are managing emotions that feel too big or too heavy to carry alone. What they really want is to feel like themselves again—or maybe to discover who that even is. They’re looking for understanding, tools that actually help, and a space where they don’t have to have it all figured out to begin healing.
The clients I connect with most are often feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck—whether it's from past trauma, daily stress, or challenges that seem hard to name. Some are navigating school systems that don’t always feel supportive, while others are managing emotions that feel too big or too heavy to carry alone. What they really want is to feel like themselves again—or maybe to discover who that even is. They’re looking for understanding, tools that actually help, and a space where they don’t have to have it all figured out to begin healing.
I am a socially responsible practitioner, who respects and celebrates human diversity and difference. Trained as a generalist, I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in working with emerging adults, ages 15-25, and individuals coping with various life transitions, self-harming behaviors, anxiety symptoms, disordered eating habits, self-esteem concerns, and women's issues. Additionally, areas of interest include grief/trauma counseling, depression, LGBTQ related topics, and eliminating self-defeating behaviors.
I am a socially responsible practitioner, who respects and celebrates human diversity and difference. Trained as a generalist, I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in working with emerging adults, ages 15-25, and individuals coping with various life transitions, self-harming behaviors, anxiety symptoms, disordered eating habits, self-esteem concerns, and women's issues. Additionally, areas of interest include grief/trauma counseling, depression, LGBTQ related topics, and eliminating self-defeating behaviors.
Hello thank you for reaching out! Whether you are just thinking about counseling, wondering if it could help you, or ready to take the next step in your mental health wellness. I would love to work with you and get to know you. I believe so many of us are not experiencing relationships where we feel heard and supported, whether that is our family, our spouses or our friends. Many times anxiety, depression and other pervasive mental health concerns has lead us to engage in coping skills that are just not working for us. I am here to tell you that life can be different.
Hello thank you for reaching out! Whether you are just thinking about counseling, wondering if it could help you, or ready to take the next step in your mental health wellness. I would love to work with you and get to know you. I believe so many of us are not experiencing relationships where we feel heard and supported, whether that is our family, our spouses or our friends. Many times anxiety, depression and other pervasive mental health concerns has lead us to engage in coping skills that are just not working for us. I am here to tell you that life can be different.
See more therapy options for Columbus
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Columbus
- Blacklick
- Dublin
- Gahanna
- Grove City
- Hilliard
- New Albany
- Pickerington
- Powell
- Reynoldsburg
- Upper Arlington
- Westerville
- Worthington
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.