Adoption Therapists in Portland, OR
I am a certified adoption competent therapist who provides mental health therapy and parent coaching for those impacted by relational trauma, as well as those living with sensitive nervous systems, including neurodivergence.
I work with adolescents and adults 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 am a certified adoption competent therapist who provides mental health therapy and parent coaching for those impacted by relational trauma, as well as those living with sensitive nervous systems, including neurodivergence.
I work with adolescents and adults 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.
Dr. Katie Statman-Weil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
I work with parents and families who could describe their child as: anxious, challenging, explosive, different, struggling in school, experienced trauma or foster care/ adoption, or neurodiverse (PDA, ADH, gifted). If any of this describes your child, I know parenting may feel isolating and overwhelming. You may have already had many professionals run out of ideas of ways to help your family or maybe people keep telling you that your kid will “grow out of it.” Either way, I’m glad you’re still searching for answers. You know your kid and you’re doing the right thing by finding ways to support their needs.
I work with parents and families who could describe their child as: anxious, challenging, explosive, different, struggling in school, experienced trauma or foster care/ adoption, or neurodiverse (PDA, ADH, gifted). If any of this describes your child, I know parenting may feel isolating and overwhelming. You may have already had many professionals run out of ideas of ways to help your family or maybe people keep telling you that your kid will “grow out of it.” Either way, I’m glad you’re still searching for answers. You know your kid and you’re doing the right thing by finding ways to support their needs.
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
I have clinical experience working with a variety of issues and have specialized in early childhood, child sexual abuse treatment, adoption, and family therapy with children in foster care.
I respect the complexity of human nature and human needs and strive to guide adults, children, and families through difficult issues by tailoring treatment plans to address individuals’ needs. I recognize and respect cultural differences and support the growth of children to enhance their emotional awareness which I believe results in healthier, safer communities. I employ an eclectic approach to therapy with a strong reliance on attachment theory. My primary modalities in therapy are play therapy and a form of drama therapy in which embodiment, playfulness, and relationship are key features.
I have clinical experience working with a variety of issues and have specialized in early childhood, child sexual abuse treatment, adoption, and family therapy with children in foster care.
I respect the complexity of human nature and human needs and strive to guide adults, children, and families through difficult issues by tailoring treatment plans to address individuals’ needs. I recognize and respect cultural differences and support the growth of children to enhance their emotional awareness which I believe results in healthier, safer communities. I employ an eclectic approach to therapy with a strong reliance on attachment theory. My primary modalities in therapy are play therapy and a form of drama therapy in which embodiment, playfulness, and relationship are key features.
Cj Spaulding
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
CJ is experienced providing individual and family counseling to support you with: Anxiety Adoption, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Depression, Mindfulness, and Relationship Issues.
OPEN to new clients! CJ grew up in the Midwest and moved to Colorado to earn their Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. They have experience working with children, adolescents and families in school-based mental health services and foster care/ adoption settings. CJ uses a compassionate person-centered, mindfulness and strengths-based approach to help you identify what you need in order to move forward. They will meet you where you are in your healing journey and provides a safe space for all identities.
CJ is experienced providing individual and family counseling to support you with: Anxiety Adoption, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Depression, Mindfulness, and Relationship Issues.
OPEN to new clients! CJ grew up in the Midwest and moved to Colorado to earn their Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. They have experience working with children, adolescents and families in school-based mental health services and foster care/ adoption settings. CJ uses a compassionate person-centered, mindfulness and strengths-based approach to help you identify what you need in order to move forward. They will meet you where you are in your healing journey and provides a safe space for all identities.
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.
I am experienced helping people with eating disorders, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), trauma, and PTSD. Adoption and blended 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 am the spouse of a career US Marine. I work with those aged 16 and older. If you need someone who can 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), trauma, and PTSD. Adoption and blended 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 am the spouse of a career US Marine. I work with those aged 16 and older. If you need someone who can really listen to you and help you figure out how to change your life for the better, I can help you.
I am an adoption-competent therapist who graduated from the accredited Training for Adopt My goal is to work together with my clients, show them their strengths, and help them live a more healthy lifestyle.
I understand that life gets messy and has its challenges. Living with stress, depression, and low self-esteem can be overwhelming and sometimes can make you feel stuck. My goal as a counselor is to walk alongside my clients and show them that they have the power to turn things around and make their lives better. I will provide a safe place for my clients to explore their struggles and learn new, healthy tools, and coping skills. I have experience working with children, foster children, parents, foster parents, and I am committed to showing all clients they have the strength to work through difficult challenges.
I am an adoption-competent therapist who graduated from the accredited Training for Adopt My goal is to work together with my clients, show them their strengths, and help them live a more healthy lifestyle.
I understand that life gets messy and has its challenges. Living with stress, depression, and low self-esteem can be overwhelming and sometimes can make you feel stuck. My goal as a counselor is to walk alongside my clients and show them that they have the power to turn things around and make their lives better. I will provide a safe place for my clients to explore their struggles and learn new, healthy tools, and coping skills. I have experience working with children, foster children, parents, foster parents, and I am committed to showing all clients they have the strength to work through difficult challenges.
I have expertise in therapy with parents of children with chronic illness and medical trauma, and have extensive experience working with adoption issues.
My work involves helping you find what is most valuable to you and how you can live more in tune with your values and goals. By helping explore your feelings and relationships, we can discover together what patterns and obstacles can be shifted to bring you into the life you want. I am experienced in helping people improve their relationships, professional lives and sense of personal identity.
I have expertise in therapy with parents of children with chronic illness and medical trauma, and have extensive experience working with adoption issues.
My work involves helping you find what is most valuable to you and how you can live more in tune with your values and goals. By helping explore your feelings and relationships, we can discover together what patterns and obstacles can be shifted to bring you into the life you want. I am experienced in helping people improve their relationships, professional lives and sense of personal identity.
When working with clients I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. We become a team working toward your goals, and I place significant value on honesty, authenticity, humor, compassion, validation, and accountability into our work together. Since starting my counseling practice I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing various challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, gender dysphoria, grief, interpersonal issues, life transitions, adoption, self-esteem, bipolar II disorder, and more.
When working with clients I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. We become a team working toward your goals, and I place significant value on honesty, authenticity, humor, compassion, validation, and accountability into our work together. Since starting my counseling practice I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing various challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, gender dysphoria, grief, interpersonal issues, life transitions, adoption, self-esteem, bipolar II disorder, and more.
Nicole Frangella
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Many of the families I work with have unique circumstances, such as adoption, divorce, blended families, trauma, or life transitions, and I understand the emotional complexities these experiences bring.
At some point, we all face challenges that can feel overwhelming, and reaching out for support is a courageous step. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, behavioral issues, or self-harm, I’m here to help. My approach is grounded in object relations theory, which focuses on how early relationships shape our emotional experiences and behaviors. I also integrate skill-building tools to help you navigate life’s challenges, develop healthier thinking patterns, and build emotional resilience.
Many of the families I work with have unique circumstances, such as adoption, divorce, blended families, trauma, or life transitions, and I understand the emotional complexities these experiences bring.
At some point, we all face challenges that can feel overwhelming, and reaching out for support is a courageous step. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, behavioral issues, or self-harm, I’m here to help. My approach is grounded in object relations theory, which focuses on how early relationships shape our emotional experiences and behaviors. I also integrate skill-building tools to help you navigate life’s challenges, develop healthier thinking patterns, and build emotional resilience.
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Robin L Magdahlen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Positive Aging, Senior Life Transitions, Caregivers/Adult Children, Families - Adoption/Divorce/Blended Families, Divorce Coaching, Adult Adoptee/Birth Parent Reunification, Pre-Marital Counseling, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Substance Abuse, Self Esteem/Personal Growth, Individual and Group Drama Therapy.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
Positive Aging, Senior Life Transitions, Caregivers/Adult Children, Families - Adoption/Divorce/Blended Families, Divorce Coaching, Adult Adoptee/Birth Parent Reunification, Pre-Marital Counseling, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Substance Abuse, Self Esteem/Personal Growth, Individual and Group Drama Therapy.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
I help couples that are struggling with: communication problems, infidelity, intimacy issues, transitions, attempts to conceive, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, emotional issues related to the adoption process, and difficulties in the transition to parenthood.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. I have a specialty in social justice themes and work heavily with the LGBTQ community, particularly with people of color. My approach to psychotherapy is warm, empathic, and compassionate. I treat each individual professionally and with respect and with acknowledgement of your individual strengths. I listen attentively to your thoughts and feelings, while also focusing on factors that are out of your conscious awareness (such as anxieties, values, and expectations) that can get expressed in relationships or through problematic patterns or symptoms.
I help couples that are struggling with: communication problems, infidelity, intimacy issues, transitions, attempts to conceive, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, emotional issues related to the adoption process, and difficulties in the transition to parenthood.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. I have a specialty in social justice themes and work heavily with the LGBTQ community, particularly with people of color. My approach to psychotherapy is warm, empathic, and compassionate. I treat each individual professionally and with respect and with acknowledgement of your individual strengths. I listen attentively to your thoughts and feelings, while also focusing on factors that are out of your conscious awareness (such as anxieties, values, and expectations) that can get expressed in relationships or through problematic patterns or symptoms.
I am also a graduate of the accredited Training for Adoption Competency.
I work with and enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and children. The populations I frequently work with are people of color, marginalized people, those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or loss of a relationship, and post partum mothers. The issues my clients typically face and experience are trauma, loss, and grief. Many of the clients I see have gone to therapy in the past and have experienced poor results or are those who have never been to therapy before and find that for the first time that they need someone to talk to about issues that they are experiencing.
I am also a graduate of the accredited Training for Adoption Competency.
I work with and enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and children. The populations I frequently work with are people of color, marginalized people, those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or loss of a relationship, and post partum mothers. The issues my clients typically face and experience are trauma, loss, and grief. Many of the clients I see have gone to therapy in the past and have experienced poor results or are those who have never been to therapy before and find that for the first time that they need someone to talk to about issues that they are experiencing.
Joey Ellen Kramer O'Connell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
My work with families focuses on the unique challenges of: adoption, involvement with the foster care system, the effect of children on the couples' relationship, co-parenting and shared custody, infertility, blended families, divorce/separation, behavior challenges specific to young children or children with developmental delays.
All families experience transitions, and even positive change can cause stress. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong emphasis on attachment, structural, and solution-focused family therapies. I work with young children and their caregivers to form secure attachments early on. This leads to more effective communication and problem solving patterns and a higher level of resilience down the road. My work tends to be short term and builds on the existing strengths of your family. My work with couples is attachment informed as we look at past and current relationships to elucidate our most fulfilling ways of connecting.
My work with families focuses on the unique challenges of: adoption, involvement with the foster care system, the effect of children on the couples' relationship, co-parenting and shared custody, infertility, blended families, divorce/separation, behavior challenges specific to young children or children with developmental delays.
All families experience transitions, and even positive change can cause stress. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong emphasis on attachment, structural, and solution-focused family therapies. I work with young children and their caregivers to form secure attachments early on. This leads to more effective communication and problem solving patterns and a higher level of resilience down the road. My work tends to be short term and builds on the existing strengths of your family. My work with couples is attachment informed as we look at past and current relationships to elucidate our most fulfilling ways of connecting.
Frankie Forrester
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Black, non-binary, transracial adoptee, identity work is the name of my game. I often work with BIPOC and/or gender non-conforming individuals including children, pre-teens, and adults. I focus my clinical work in supporting those navigating challenges that arise from identity work: racial, gender, familial, societal, etc. The subject of adoption is particularly close to my heart and one that holds much nuance and intricacy. We may be a good fit if you are looking to explore any of the aforementioned or are the parent and/or guardian of the aforementioned. Please contact me using the "my website" link or visit crybaby.care.
As a Black, non-binary, transracial adoptee, identity work is the name of my game. I often work with BIPOC and/or gender non-conforming individuals including children, pre-teens, and adults. I focus my clinical work in supporting those navigating challenges that arise from identity work: racial, gender, familial, societal, etc. The subject of adoption is particularly close to my heart and one that holds much nuance and intricacy. We may be a good fit if you are looking to explore any of the aforementioned or are the parent and/or guardian of the aforementioned. Please contact me using the "my website" link or visit crybaby.care.
We all have lived experiences, life choices, and developmental stages which have shaped our story. Seeking therapy, or counseling, can carry a negative stigma in some families and communities. We work to change this perspective, especially concerning issues with youth, families, and racially-diverse communities. We work from a holistic perspective that includes attention to your physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and relational well-being. Our Therapists have a rich blend of experiences including: residential treatment, child welfare, adoption/foster care, parenting support, substance use, family care,& community mental health.
We all have lived experiences, life choices, and developmental stages which have shaped our story. Seeking therapy, or counseling, can carry a negative stigma in some families and communities. We work to change this perspective, especially concerning issues with youth, families, and racially-diverse communities. We work from a holistic perspective that includes attention to your physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and relational well-being. Our Therapists have a rich blend of experiences including: residential treatment, child welfare, adoption/foster care, parenting support, substance use, family care,& community mental health.
Lanette Ambers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with children and youth experiencing difficulty regulating emotions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, peer difficulties, school issues, family changes, grief, loss, trauma, and post- adoption challenges.
I believe there comes a time in most people's lives when it's helpful to have a supportive person to guide them through challenges they may be experiencing. It takes strength and courage to decide to begin therapy. If this is something you are considering for your child, then you should be commended! As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I engaged in Synergetic Play Therapy (TM), "a research-informed model of play therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity." - Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy.
I have experience working with children and youth experiencing difficulty regulating emotions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, peer difficulties, school issues, family changes, grief, loss, trauma, and post- adoption challenges.
I believe there comes a time in most people's lives when it's helpful to have a supportive person to guide them through challenges they may be experiencing. It takes strength and courage to decide to begin therapy. If this is something you are considering for your child, then you should be commended! As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I engaged in Synergetic Play Therapy (TM), "a research-informed model of play therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity." - Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy.
I work with children who are struggling with big feelings and big behaviors. Maybe your child has experienced a loss, a change in family structure, or experiences neurodivergence... or maybe you're not sure what is at the root of your child's struggles. Together, we will work closely to understand the needs that lie beneath your child's behavior. As an adoptee and an adoptive parent, I am deeply familiar with foster care and adoption trauma and I am honored to support families navigating the complexity of adoption.
I work with children who are struggling with big feelings and big behaviors. Maybe your child has experienced a loss, a change in family structure, or experiences neurodivergence... or maybe you're not sure what is at the root of your child's struggles. Together, we will work closely to understand the needs that lie beneath your child's behavior. As an adoptee and an adoptive parent, I am deeply familiar with foster care and adoption trauma and I am honored to support families navigating the complexity of adoption.
I am currently not accepting new clients until November 1, 2024 : please send me an email telling me a bit about yourself. My background is working with people struggling with substance abuse, trauma survivors, the LGBTQ community, couples and all forms of families and poly people. I have worked with those with traumatic brain injuries, people with autism, grief and loss, crisis pregnancies, adoption issues, children in foster care and people living with HIV and AIDS. I am proud to have worked in a variety of settings and with people who need support, clarity, and space to heal.
I am currently not accepting new clients until November 1, 2024 : please send me an email telling me a bit about yourself. My background is working with people struggling with substance abuse, trauma survivors, the LGBTQ community, couples and all forms of families and poly people. I have worked with those with traumatic brain injuries, people with autism, grief and loss, crisis pregnancies, adoption issues, children in foster care and people living with HIV and AIDS. I am proud to have worked in a variety of settings and with people who need support, clarity, and space to heal.
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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.