Adoption Therapists in Portland, OR
Dayna Leslie Sanders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is an invitation to return home to yourself — to the body’s wisdom, to tender parts of yourself, and to your innate sense of vitality and aliveness.
I support individuals healing from developmental (childhood) and intergenerational trauma, drawing from Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and relational approaches that honor both mind and body. Together, we create a space where all parts of you are welcome — where you can move toward safety, connection, and self-compassion at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy is an invitation to return home to yourself — to the body’s wisdom, to tender parts of yourself, and to your innate sense of vitality and aliveness.
I support individuals healing from developmental (childhood) and intergenerational trauma, drawing from Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and relational approaches that honor both mind and body. Together, we create a space where all parts of you are welcome — where you can move toward safety, connection, and self-compassion at a pace that feels right for you.
I once saw the term "Survival of the Attached"- indeed, no person is an island, we all live in realtionship to others and our partner/spouse/co-parent can be the one person who is most upsetting to us and the one we can experience the deepest healing with. You deserve a secure, thriving, joyful relationship, one were you know exactly how to care for each other! I welcome folks from all walks of life and social locations. I specialize in transnationals: expats, mixed- citizenship status couples/families, "home" seekers, and those straddling many cultures.
I once saw the term "Survival of the Attached"- indeed, no person is an island, we all live in realtionship to others and our partner/spouse/co-parent can be the one person who is most upsetting to us and the one we can experience the deepest healing with. You deserve a secure, thriving, joyful relationship, one were you know exactly how to care for each other! I welcome folks from all walks of life and social locations. I specialize in transnationals: expats, mixed- citizenship status couples/families, "home" seekers, and those straddling many cultures.
Arbor Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217
I am trained in providing support specific to foster care and adoption.
Have you struggled during pregnancy or postpartum? Do you love parenting but find that anxiety, depression, and/or shame get in the way of truly enjoying your children? Are you struggling to co-parent effectively and peacefully with your co-parent(s)? In the process of becoming a parent and wanting to identify and explore what raising a child means to you? Let's sit down and explore these big things together.
I am trained in providing support specific to foster care and adoption.
Have you struggled during pregnancy or postpartum? Do you love parenting but find that anxiety, depression, and/or shame get in the way of truly enjoying your children? Are you struggling to co-parent effectively and peacefully with your co-parent(s)? In the process of becoming a parent and wanting to identify and explore what raising a child means to you? Let's sit down and explore these big things together.
I work with individuals who have experienced relational trauma, are living with neurodivergence, or any other kind of sensitive nervous system, and are looking to heal through nurturing, safe, and supportive relationships.
I also enjoy coaching caregivers of children with sensitive nervous systems, in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.
Working with foster and adoptive parents/caregivers is another specialty of mine that I relate to personally, as a former foster and current adoptive parent. I believe that caregivers first need to feel heard, understood, and supported, before meaningful change can happen at home.
I work with individuals who have experienced relational trauma, are living with neurodivergence, or any other kind of sensitive nervous system, and are looking to heal through nurturing, safe, and supportive relationships.
I also enjoy coaching caregivers of children with sensitive nervous systems, in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.
Working with foster and adoptive parents/caregivers is another specialty of mine that I relate to personally, as a former foster and current adoptive parent. I believe that caregivers first need to feel heard, understood, and supported, before meaningful change can happen at home.
Together, we’ll trade perfection for presence. You’ll learn to listen to your body again, find humor in the chaos, and build relationships that actually feel like you.
I am informal, goofy, sometimes loud, curious, imperfect, and you get all that and more when we start working together. Therapy with me commonly looks like laughing together, sometimes until we cry; actually crying together; laying on the ground; understanding that dark humor is often a necessary coping strategy for whatever life throws at us; talking with my hands; and my facial expressions being apart of the conversation (aka having real reactions to real shit).
Together, we’ll trade perfection for presence. You’ll learn to listen to your body again, find humor in the chaos, and build relationships that actually feel like you.
I am informal, goofy, sometimes loud, curious, imperfect, and you get all that and more when we start working together. Therapy with me commonly looks like laughing together, sometimes until we cry; actually crying together; laying on the ground; understanding that dark humor is often a necessary coping strategy for whatever life throws at us; talking with my hands; and my facial expressions being apart of the conversation (aka having real reactions to real shit).
They have experience working with children, adolescents and families in school-based mental health services and foster care/ adoption settings.
June is experienced providing individual and family counseling to support you with: Anxiety Adoption, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Depression, Mindfulness, and Relationship Issues
They have experience working with children, adolescents and families in school-based mental health services and foster care/ adoption settings.
June is experienced providing individual and family counseling to support you with: Anxiety Adoption, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Depression, Mindfulness, and Relationship Issues
Do you find parenting to be overwhelming, exhausting, or full of anxiety?
Are you realizing your own history and experiences are showing up in your parenting and relationships in ways you didn’t expect or want? I’m here to help you grow confidence, heal your own wounds, and find calm so you can show up in your life as you want to be.
I have a deep understanding of parenting children who are neurodivergent, adopted, or spent time in foster care. Your parenting experience is unique, and together, we can build lasting tools for connection, confidence, and resilience.
Do you find parenting to be overwhelming, exhausting, or full of anxiety?
Are you realizing your own history and experiences are showing up in your parenting and relationships in ways you didn’t expect or want? I’m here to help you grow confidence, heal your own wounds, and find calm so you can show up in your life as you want to be.
I have a deep understanding of parenting children who are neurodivergent, adopted, or spent time in foster care. Your parenting experience is unique, and together, we can build lasting tools for connection, confidence, and resilience.
I have been a social worker for more than two decades working extensively in the adoption and foster care community, as well as child welfare, and therefore have expertise supporting a variety of families in a variety of forms.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal no matter where they might have started or what they are currently facing. My aim is to help you uncover the truths you already know and become the best version of yourself. My approach is to learn about and validate your lived experience, recognize and harness your strengths, and use evidenced-based practices, as well as humor along the way (when appropriate), to help you recognize you are safe, therapy can be fun, and we are in this together.
I specialize in working with children and families and my approach is compassionate, strengths-based, non-judgmental, and client-led.
I have been a social worker for more than two decades working extensively in the adoption and foster care community, as well as child welfare, and therefore have expertise supporting a variety of families in a variety of forms.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal no matter where they might have started or what they are currently facing. My aim is to help you uncover the truths you already know and become the best version of yourself. My approach is to learn about and validate your lived experience, recognize and harness your strengths, and use evidenced-based practices, as well as humor along the way (when appropriate), to help you recognize you are safe, therapy can be fun, and we are in this together.
I specialize in working with children and families and my approach is compassionate, strengths-based, non-judgmental, and client-led.
Supporting teens, adults and families with certifications in adoption studies, fostering trauma resilience, crisis counseling and serving LGBTQ populations.
You want to appear like you’re happy, calm and confident, but deep down you feel like life is passing you by and you can’t keep u. You may be fed up with feeling disconnected from yourself, burned out, or like you can’t enjoy life. You might not even remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. One thing is for sure: you’re ready to feel relief. You’re ready to feel like yourself again. You’re ready to find fulfillment, understanding and safety in relationships. Most of all you’re ready to stop feeling detached and anxious and start feeling, calm, connected and engaged with life.
Supporting teens, adults and families with certifications in adoption studies, fostering trauma resilience, crisis counseling and serving LGBTQ populations.
You want to appear like you’re happy, calm and confident, but deep down you feel like life is passing you by and you can’t keep u. You may be fed up with feeling disconnected from yourself, burned out, or like you can’t enjoy life. You might not even remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. One thing is for sure: you’re ready to feel relief. You’re ready to feel like yourself again. You’re ready to find fulfillment, understanding and safety in relationships. Most of all you’re ready to stop feeling detached and anxious and start feeling, calm, connected and engaged with life.
I’m passionate about supporting adoptees, adoptive families, teens, adults, couples, and families as they navigate unique challenges. My aim is to offer a safe, inclusive space where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. I also have experience working with couples and blended families, and I believe strong relationships are built on positive, effective communication and genuine connection. I help couples strengthen their bond, work through conflicts, and deepen their understanding of each other.
I’m passionate about supporting adoptees, adoptive families, teens, adults, couples, and families as they navigate unique challenges. My aim is to offer a safe, inclusive space where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. I also have experience working with couples and blended families, and I believe strong relationships are built on positive, effective communication and genuine connection. I help couples strengthen their bond, work through conflicts, and deepen their understanding of each other.
I am experienced helping people with eating disorders, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), veterans, trauma, and PTSD. Blended family and military family problems are also close to my heart and I enjoy helping others in these areas. I am partnered with The Headstrong Project, which helps Veterans and their families when the Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD. I work with those aged 16 and older. If you need someone who will really listen to you and help you figure out how to change your life for the better, I can help you.
I am experienced helping people with eating disorders, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), veterans, trauma, and PTSD. Blended family and military family problems are also close to my heart and I enjoy helping others in these areas. I am partnered with The Headstrong Project, which helps Veterans and their families when the Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD. I work with those aged 16 and older. If you need someone who will really listen to you and help you figure out how to change your life for the better, I can help you.
I'm passionate about helping those with significant trauma and abuse stories to overcome and thrive after trauma. I'm a trauma survivor myself, I know what it takes day-in and day-out to find your peace, and awaken your higher self. I've been down this road many times, and I'm happy to carry the lantern as you find your path to healing.
I'm passionate about helping those with significant trauma and abuse stories to overcome and thrive after trauma. I'm a trauma survivor myself, I know what it takes day-in and day-out to find your peace, and awaken your higher self. I've been down this road many times, and I'm happy to carry the lantern as you find your path to healing.
You’ve done the work—read the books, listened to the podcasts, and shown up to therapy—but something still isn’t shifting. Between sessions, it can feel like you’re just getting through the week. Your relationships are impacted. You feel triggered by things you thought you had already worked through. And despite your insight, the same patterns, reactions, and negative self-talk keep resurfacing. This is where a different approach can help. I specialize in Brainspotting Intensives—a focused, neuroscience-based method designed to access and process trauma at a deeper, subcortical level.
You’ve done the work—read the books, listened to the podcasts, and shown up to therapy—but something still isn’t shifting. Between sessions, it can feel like you’re just getting through the week. Your relationships are impacted. You feel triggered by things you thought you had already worked through. And despite your insight, the same patterns, reactions, and negative self-talk keep resurfacing. This is where a different approach can help. I specialize in Brainspotting Intensives—a focused, neuroscience-based method designed to access and process trauma at a deeper, subcortical level.
Pretending is tiring but vulnerability can be terrifying. I work with clients carrying the weight of relentless expectations, systemic pressures, and painful experiences, including BIPOC individuals, neurodivergent clients, adoptees, and over-achieving perfectionists. I also support those navigating burnout, anxiety, depression, and the general overwhelm of life.
Pretending is tiring but vulnerability can be terrifying. I work with clients carrying the weight of relentless expectations, systemic pressures, and painful experiences, including BIPOC individuals, neurodivergent clients, adoptees, and over-achieving perfectionists. I also support those navigating burnout, anxiety, depression, and the general overwhelm of life.
I believe that individuals and families of any age and at any stage in life have the capacity inside them to build resilience, explore their complex stories, and heal from past traumas. With this core belief as the foundation, I provide services at my practice, Storytellers Child and Family Therapy, in downtown Beaverton. I see a wide range of individuals and families, including infants, children, teens, and parents. I also see individual adults who are seeking an experiential approach to therapy. Please see our website for more information.
I believe that individuals and families of any age and at any stage in life have the capacity inside them to build resilience, explore their complex stories, and heal from past traumas. With this core belief as the foundation, I provide services at my practice, Storytellers Child and Family Therapy, in downtown Beaverton. I see a wide range of individuals and families, including infants, children, teens, and parents. I also see individual adults who are seeking an experiential approach to therapy. Please see our website for more information.
I specialize in adoption, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
Everybody at some point can benefit from therapy! Whether its just needing to talk over some relational issues or something more serious like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse or other traumas, therapy can make the difference. When people feel stuck in thought patterns or can't seem to get any peace or find joy in life, it is very discouraging. I find that my clients come in and want some tools to get out of their rut and find relief from their difficult life issues.
I specialize in adoption, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
Everybody at some point can benefit from therapy! Whether its just needing to talk over some relational issues or something more serious like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse or other traumas, therapy can make the difference. When people feel stuck in thought patterns or can't seem to get any peace or find joy in life, it is very discouraging. I find that my clients come in and want some tools to get out of their rut and find relief from their difficult life issues.
Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, with stressors in your family/work life, with your child's behaviors/emotions, or with your own personal/inner fears/worries/sadness? Perhaps you are struggling with the question, 'Who am I?' Maybe you are dealing with symptoms related to trauma. If you are feeling stuck, I can help you. Many people have gone through what you are going through, and there is help out there. I am a licensed therapist in Oregon and Colorado with over 20 years of experience in the helping field, and I work with couples, parents, and adult individuals.
Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, with stressors in your family/work life, with your child's behaviors/emotions, or with your own personal/inner fears/worries/sadness? Perhaps you are struggling with the question, 'Who am I?' Maybe you are dealing with symptoms related to trauma. If you are feeling stuck, I can help you. Many people have gone through what you are going through, and there is help out there. I am a licensed therapist in Oregon and Colorado with over 20 years of experience in the helping field, and I work with couples, parents, and adult individuals.
I specialize in supporting anyone connected to the adoption triad.
Hi, I’m Amy Schumaker, a teletherapist serving TX, CT, NJ, OR, and FL. I work with adults 18+, often in their 20s–80s, who want to explore creative, meaningful ways to navigate life’s ups and downs. I see therapy as a road trip—if you miss an exit, we’ll pause, reflect, and find a new route together. My aim is to make the journey feel safe, encouraging, and full of possibility as you move toward the life you want.
I specialize in supporting anyone connected to the adoption triad.
Hi, I’m Amy Schumaker, a teletherapist serving TX, CT, NJ, OR, and FL. I work with adults 18+, often in their 20s–80s, who want to explore creative, meaningful ways to navigate life’s ups and downs. I see therapy as a road trip—if you miss an exit, we’ll pause, reflect, and find a new route together. My aim is to make the journey feel safe, encouraging, and full of possibility as you move toward the life you want.
I specialize in supporting parents of children with special needs, neurodivergence, or histories of trauma or adoption.
Parenting can be both beautiful and incredibly hard—especially when your child is struggling and nothing you’ve tried seems to help. Whether you're seeking play therapy for your child, strength-based therapy for your teen, or support for yourself as a parent, I’m here to help. My approach is trauma-informed and neuroaffirming, rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, which allows us to understand behavior through the lens of brain development and the power of relationships.
I specialize in supporting parents of children with special needs, neurodivergence, or histories of trauma or adoption.
Parenting can be both beautiful and incredibly hard—especially when your child is struggling and nothing you’ve tried seems to help. Whether you're seeking play therapy for your child, strength-based therapy for your teen, or support for yourself as a parent, I’m here to help. My approach is trauma-informed and neuroaffirming, rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, which allows us to understand behavior through the lens of brain development and the power of relationships.
As an adoptee, I have a passion for working with individuals within the adoption kinship network (e.g., adoptees, birth parents, adopted parents, and extended family).
I work with clients to develop grounding and relaxation techniques to assist emotional regulation and nonviolent communication.
In 2023, I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In 2022, I completed the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program created by The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.).
As an adoptee, I have a passion for working with individuals within the adoption kinship network (e.g., adoptees, birth parents, adopted parents, and extended family).
I work with clients to develop grounding and relaxation techniques to assist emotional regulation and nonviolent communication.
In 2023, I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In 2022, I completed the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program created by The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.).
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
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.