Adoption Therapists in Harrison City, PA
My ideal clients are people of any age who have experienced a disruption in their childhood. They are now navigating big emotions, neurodiversity, identity questions, or behaviors that others label as “defiant.” They could also be nervous, withdrawn, refusing to go to school, or having outbursts. People are often exhausted, confused, and desperate for real support.
Goals to consider are to: increase communication, reconnect with others, stabilize the home environment, and help build trust, emotional insight, and/or internal control. They’re seeking a therapist who "gets it," someone who sees beyond the behavior.
My ideal clients are people of any age who have experienced a disruption in their childhood. They are now navigating big emotions, neurodiversity, identity questions, or behaviors that others label as “defiant.” They could also be nervous, withdrawn, refusing to go to school, or having outbursts. People are often exhausted, confused, and desperate for real support.
Goals to consider are to: increase communication, reconnect with others, stabilize the home environment, and help build trust, emotional insight, and/or internal control. They’re seeking a therapist who "gets it," someone who sees beyond the behavior.
I support clients facing a wide array of concerns, including:
Depression and anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, family conflict and communication issues, adoption-related trauma, infertility and family-building struggles, major life transitions and identity exploration.
Jennifer’s background includes adoption-related trauma, infertility, multicultural and transracial families, family systems work, and LGBTQ+ identity development. Her approach is relational, creative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Jenn creates a space where every person feels seen, supported, and valued with a balanced and compassionate approach.
I support clients facing a wide array of concerns, including:
Depression and anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, family conflict and communication issues, adoption-related trauma, infertility and family-building struggles, major life transitions and identity exploration.
Jennifer’s background includes adoption-related trauma, infertility, multicultural and transracial families, family systems work, and LGBTQ+ identity development. Her approach is relational, creative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Jenn creates a space where every person feels seen, supported, and valued with a balanced and compassionate approach.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Liberty University and have been practicing for 7 years. I help youth in the foster care system, adolescent struggles, and adults trying become the best versions of themselves. I empower others to seek the core of their challenges and find effective skills to implement for the desired change they want in their life.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Liberty University and have been practicing for 7 years. I help youth in the foster care system, adolescent struggles, and adults trying become the best versions of themselves. I empower others to seek the core of their challenges and find effective skills to implement for the desired change they want in their life.
Starting a healing journey is easier said than done. Everyone has their own experiences and can provide examples of how life can throw curveballs. It’s important to remember that you do not need to let these experiences define who you are or what you’re capable of. Processing through these experiences is what my role is, as I am here to encourage you to be your best self. We will work together to create realistic goals that allow your light to shine bright. Anything is possible, and I am here to guide your path, which acknowledges the strengths that you already possess.
Starting a healing journey is easier said than done. Everyone has their own experiences and can provide examples of how life can throw curveballs. It’s important to remember that you do not need to let these experiences define who you are or what you’re capable of. Processing through these experiences is what my role is, as I am here to encourage you to be your best self. We will work together to create realistic goals that allow your light to shine bright. Anything is possible, and I am here to guide your path, which acknowledges the strengths that you already possess.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
I am a mother, creative, historian, writer, and identity navigation specialist working in the clinical mental health space. I am passionate about our pasts, our brains, anti-racism, justice, relationships, and identity. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Applied Psychology from Antioch New England. I like to take big-picture societal and systemic issues and ground them down to our everyday experiences. I believe that building strong, equitable, and informed relationships, with ourselves first, can begin to shift toxic societal narratives that have created cycles of trauma and suffering for far too long.
I am a mother, creative, historian, writer, and identity navigation specialist working in the clinical mental health space. I am passionate about our pasts, our brains, anti-racism, justice, relationships, and identity. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Applied Psychology from Antioch New England. I like to take big-picture societal and systemic issues and ground them down to our everyday experiences. I believe that building strong, equitable, and informed relationships, with ourselves first, can begin to shift toxic societal narratives that have created cycles of trauma and suffering for far too long.
Kim has personal and professional experience and training to work with families formed through foster and kinship care and adoption.
Do you want meaningful relationships? Kim has a strong desire to work with those who want to improve their relationships and lifestyle. She assists clients to improve their mental, physical, spiritual and sexual safety and security.
Kim has personal and professional experience and training to work with families formed through foster and kinship care and adoption.
Do you want meaningful relationships? Kim has a strong desire to work with those who want to improve their relationships and lifestyle. She assists clients to improve their mental, physical, spiritual and sexual safety and security.
Great to meet you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience working with clients to help them feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. It is important to me to make you feel heard and not judged. I will help you stay accountable to your desired goals and walk beside you on this journey.
Great to meet you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience working with clients to help them feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. It is important to me to make you feel heard and not judged. I will help you stay accountable to your desired goals and walk beside you on this journey.
Hello! I'm Sophia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My background is in working with young people transitioning to adulthood. Navigating life transitions can be confusing and difficult, but also exciting and made easier with someone to support you along the way. I utilize an eclectic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach. If you're looking for a therapist to help you understand yourself better, I might be the right fit for you!
Hello! I'm Sophia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My background is in working with young people transitioning to adulthood. Navigating life transitions can be confusing and difficult, but also exciting and made easier with someone to support you along the way. I utilize an eclectic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach. If you're looking for a therapist to help you understand yourself better, I might be the right fit for you!
I am also an adoption competent therapist via NTI training.
Currently wait list for therapy. Private pay Adult ADHD evaluations now. I provide therapy for anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, sleep difficulties, & neurodivergence. I offer in-person therapy in Exton, PA, & telehealth across Pennsylvania & PSYPACT states. I also have specialized experience working with adoptees/adoptive families & understand how identity, attachment, & early loss shape emotional regulation. My approach is research-based & grounded in attachment & nervous system science. I integrate evidence-based methods to provide thoughtful, personalized care. I also offer private pay online ADHD evaluations for adults.
I am also an adoption competent therapist via NTI training.
Currently wait list for therapy. Private pay Adult ADHD evaluations now. I provide therapy for anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, sleep difficulties, & neurodivergence. I offer in-person therapy in Exton, PA, & telehealth across Pennsylvania & PSYPACT states. I also have specialized experience working with adoptees/adoptive families & understand how identity, attachment, & early loss shape emotional regulation. My approach is research-based & grounded in attachment & nervous system science. I integrate evidence-based methods to provide thoughtful, personalized care. I also offer private pay online ADHD evaluations for adults.
The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Are you looking for support in the areas of adoption, foster care, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss, pregnancy decision making, or a related area?
Erika Schmitt has been at The Children's Home since 2006 and has provided counseling since that time. She has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. She can see clients virtually or in person. She especially enjoys counseling in the realm of infertility, pregnancy, donor conception, grief, and reproductive trauma.
Are you looking for support in the areas of adoption, foster care, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss, pregnancy decision making, or a related area?
Erika Schmitt has been at The Children's Home since 2006 and has provided counseling since that time. She has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. She can see clients virtually or in person. She especially enjoys counseling in the realm of infertility, pregnancy, donor conception, grief, and reproductive trauma.
Hello and welcome! I am glad you're here. Adjusting to the stressors that life is sending your way can feel like an isolating (and overwhelming) process. Sometimes it is hard to know what next steps to take. Sometimes it is scary to try new ways of being. Sometimes we get in our own way. And sometimes it is good to talk about these things with someone who is on your side.
Hello and welcome! I am glad you're here. Adjusting to the stressors that life is sending your way can feel like an isolating (and overwhelming) process. Sometimes it is hard to know what next steps to take. Sometimes it is scary to try new ways of being. Sometimes we get in our own way. And sometimes it is good to talk about these things with someone who is on your side.
In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood." I see kids who have prenatal, preverbal, or early childhood trauma; attachment and behavioral issues; or struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I will work with you to create a flexible treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs, using techniques like prescriptive play therapy, filial therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, geek therapy, and attachment-based activities to directly address and heal the impact of stress on the body and brain. I help identify the reasons for children’s behavior and healthier ways to meet those needs.
In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood." I see kids who have prenatal, preverbal, or early childhood trauma; attachment and behavioral issues; or struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I will work with you to create a flexible treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs, using techniques like prescriptive play therapy, filial therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, geek therapy, and attachment-based activities to directly address and heal the impact of stress on the body and brain. I help identify the reasons for children’s behavior and healthier ways to meet those needs.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
As someone who is also neurodivergent, I help my clients learn how neurodiversity shows up for them in their spaces. I also support clients with their adoptee journey in whatever that means for them. I often work with clients who are trying to make sense and navigate their complex experiences as an adoptee. Sometimes, this looks like helping clients learn to be authentically themselves even when their childhood/environment require(d) them to assimilate. My work also extends to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in providing validating/ affirming care. I am interested in helping you find your voice even in the discomfort of others.
As someone who is also neurodivergent, I help my clients learn how neurodiversity shows up for them in their spaces. I also support clients with their adoptee journey in whatever that means for them. I often work with clients who are trying to make sense and navigate their complex experiences as an adoptee. Sometimes, this looks like helping clients learn to be authentically themselves even when their childhood/environment require(d) them to assimilate. My work also extends to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in providing validating/ affirming care. I am interested in helping you find your voice even in the discomfort of others.
Michael Van Ness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
I am adoption competent and specialize in the impacts of early childhood trauma and complex trauma across the lifespan, spiritual and religious trauma, ADHD, men's issues, and autism.
Life is hard! There is no instructional manual for how to figure it all out! I value authenticity and attunement in session-my job is to be someone you can trust and someone you feel comfortable with I hope that we can come up with a way of exploring your life in a way that is meaningful to you and helps you make sense of your life and your experiences.
Come skeptical! Come with questions! Its not your job to trust me, or open up to me if you don’t want to-its my job to help create a genuine and authentic space so we can sort out the problems you are dealing with together, and help you come up with a better way to handle them.
I am adoption competent and specialize in the impacts of early childhood trauma and complex trauma across the lifespan, spiritual and religious trauma, ADHD, men's issues, and autism.
Life is hard! There is no instructional manual for how to figure it all out! I value authenticity and attunement in session-my job is to be someone you can trust and someone you feel comfortable with I hope that we can come up with a way of exploring your life in a way that is meaningful to you and helps you make sense of your life and your experiences.
Come skeptical! Come with questions! Its not your job to trust me, or open up to me if you don’t want to-its my job to help create a genuine and authentic space so we can sort out the problems you are dealing with together, and help you come up with a better way to handle them.
I also have extensive training on adoption/trauma issues, and have been trained in the Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program through Chaddock.
Hello! My name is Maria, and I am the owner of Transformative Bonds, a private practice focused on repairing relationships between individuals, families, and communities. I believe in an eclectic approach to therapy, meeting a person where they are at in life, and using their strengths to assist with their personal growth. My overall focus is to provide a safe space, empower you to heal from your past, and to help you create a new normal.
I also have extensive training on adoption/trauma issues, and have been trained in the Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program through Chaddock.
Hello! My name is Maria, and I am the owner of Transformative Bonds, a private practice focused on repairing relationships between individuals, families, and communities. I believe in an eclectic approach to therapy, meeting a person where they are at in life, and using their strengths to assist with their personal growth. My overall focus is to provide a safe space, empower you to heal from your past, and to help you create a new normal.
Dr. Yihhsing Liu 劉懿馨
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical practice is informed by principles of humanistic psychology with the following focuses: psychodynamics, cultural relational process, and trauma-focused framework. I believe in the power of therapeutic discourses that facilitate clients to discover unspoken thoughts and emotions related to their issues. I help clients to make meaningful connections and integrate thoughts, feelings, and actions given a situated culture and context. Additionally, I help clients explore meanings and patterns from a variety of roles they may identify with while developing creative mechanisms to respond to contextual and systematic stressors.
My clinical practice is informed by principles of humanistic psychology with the following focuses: psychodynamics, cultural relational process, and trauma-focused framework. I believe in the power of therapeutic discourses that facilitate clients to discover unspoken thoughts and emotions related to their issues. I help clients to make meaningful connections and integrate thoughts, feelings, and actions given a situated culture and context. Additionally, I help clients explore meanings and patterns from a variety of roles they may identify with while developing creative mechanisms to respond to contextual and systematic stressors.
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
If you experienced sexual violence in the PA, ask me about ways to cover your therapy costs. I believe that each person has the answer to create meaningful change; my job is to guide folx as they find these answers and teach skills to make it a little easier. I specialize in trauma, abuse, sexual violence, PTSD, and pregnancy and postpartum. I also experience working with folx facing various challenges, including life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress, identity formation, intimacy, and sex. I am experienced in working with queer, sex worker, kink, polyamorous, and previously incarcerated folx.
If you experienced sexual violence in the PA, ask me about ways to cover your therapy costs. I believe that each person has the answer to create meaningful change; my job is to guide folx as they find these answers and teach skills to make it a little easier. I specialize in trauma, abuse, sexual violence, PTSD, and pregnancy and postpartum. I also experience working with folx facing various challenges, including life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress, identity formation, intimacy, and sex. I am experienced in working with queer, sex worker, kink, polyamorous, and previously incarcerated folx.
See more therapy options for Harrison City
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Harrison City
- Allison Park
- Bethel Park
- Gibsonia
- Glenshaw
- Greensburg
- Irwin
- Latrobe
- Monroeville
- Mount Lebanon
- Murrysville
- Pittsburgh
- Upper Saint Clair
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.