Adoption Therapists in Irwin, PA
One of my working assumptions is that you truly matter (just as you are), and I hope you feel appropriately supported in working toward and realizing your goals (who you're becoming).
My approach is collaborative, authentic, and eclectic; incorporates a holistic view; is tailored to your strengths and current needs; includes asking tough questions, humor, and direct communication; and invites (optional) "therapy homework" between sessions.
This style is not for everyone, yet I hear time and again that those open to working together experience amazing transformation and deep healing.
One of my working assumptions is that you truly matter (just as you are), and I hope you feel appropriately supported in working toward and realizing your goals (who you're becoming).
My approach is collaborative, authentic, and eclectic; incorporates a holistic view; is tailored to your strengths and current needs; includes asking tough questions, humor, and direct communication; and invites (optional) "therapy homework" between sessions.
This style is not for everyone, yet I hear time and again that those open to working together experience amazing transformation and deep healing.
Ourideal clients are individuals and couples who desire counseling that honors both their faith and their emotional well-being. Many come feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief, marital strain, trauma, or life transitions. Some feel spiritually disconnected or are seeking deeper purpose and peace.
At Grace Christian Counseling, our team creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and understood. We walk alongside you with compassion, integrating evidence-based therapeutic approaches with the hope and wisdom of Christian faith. Together, we help you process pain, rebuild relationships, and restore hope.
Ourideal clients are individuals and couples who desire counseling that honors both their faith and their emotional well-being. Many come feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief, marital strain, trauma, or life transitions. Some feel spiritually disconnected or are seeking deeper purpose and peace.
At Grace Christian Counseling, our team creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and understood. We walk alongside you with compassion, integrating evidence-based therapeutic approaches with the hope and wisdom of Christian faith. Together, we help you process pain, rebuild relationships, and restore hope.
I believe, the single most important element of counseling is the relationship between the therapist and client. The first step is for us to work together to balance both a professional and heartfelt relationship. You'll find the office welcoming, comfortable, discreet atmosphere; where you can feel safe to discuss your needs. I serve a variety of client populations, including, youth, adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. Couples, Family, Individual and Group Therapy are a focus. Specializations: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Anger, Parenting and Loss. Referrals for medication management can also be facilitated through my office, if desired..
I believe, the single most important element of counseling is the relationship between the therapist and client. The first step is for us to work together to balance both a professional and heartfelt relationship. You'll find the office welcoming, comfortable, discreet atmosphere; where you can feel safe to discuss your needs. I serve a variety of client populations, including, youth, adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. Couples, Family, Individual and Group Therapy are a focus. Specializations: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Anger, Parenting and Loss. Referrals for medication management can also be facilitated through my office, if desired..
Healing isn’t easy & taking the first step of seeking a therapist takes a lot of courage. Healing involves being patient & kind with yourself, along with stepping out of your comfort zone in order to talk about tough things so you can grow. Often in life we are faced with many challenges and feel like we are just stuck. My role as your therapist is to help you sort out these emotions and experiences that have you feeling like you are hitting a wall. Together we will work to identify unhealthy patterns and develop skills to help you take control of your life.
Healing isn’t easy & taking the first step of seeking a therapist takes a lot of courage. Healing involves being patient & kind with yourself, along with stepping out of your comfort zone in order to talk about tough things so you can grow. Often in life we are faced with many challenges and feel like we are just stuck. My role as your therapist is to help you sort out these emotions and experiences that have you feeling like you are hitting a wall. Together we will work to identify unhealthy patterns and develop skills to help you take control of your life.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Counseling can be daunting, especially when it comes to deciding whether to seek help. I understand that admitting our need for assistance can be challenging, which is why I prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space for individuals to explore their feelings and concerns.
Counseling can be daunting, especially when it comes to deciding whether to seek help. I understand that admitting our need for assistance can be challenging, which is why I prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space for individuals to explore their feelings and concerns.
Are you feeling lost or alone? Do you struggle with emotions of sadness, anxiety, or grief? Have you been physically or sexually abused or a victim of domestic violence? Maybe, you're feeling stuck or are struggling with a life transition and don't know where to turn? It can be hard to ask for help, but a little help is often what we need in order to connect with our own inner capacity to cope and heal. I have experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly to manage life's difficulties and work toward health, happiness, and acceptance.
Are you feeling lost or alone? Do you struggle with emotions of sadness, anxiety, or grief? Have you been physically or sexually abused or a victim of domestic violence? Maybe, you're feeling stuck or are struggling with a life transition and don't know where to turn? It can be hard to ask for help, but a little help is often what we need in order to connect with our own inner capacity to cope and heal. I have experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly to manage life's difficulties and work toward health, happiness, and acceptance.
See more therapy options for Irwin
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Irwin
- Allison Park
- Bethel Park
- Glenshaw
- Greensburg
- Latrobe
- McMurray
- Monroeville
- Mount Lebanon
- Murrysville
- Pittsburgh
- Squirrel Hill
- 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.