Adoption Therapists in Smyrna, TN
I am passionate about my work as a counselor, and I believe in the client and counselor relationship. Through this relationship, clients can be comfortable dealing with issues of addiction, anxiety, depression, family issues, grief, as well as many other personal issues. Exploration of these problem areas can lead to healing.
I am passionate about my work as a counselor, and I believe in the client and counselor relationship. Through this relationship, clients can be comfortable dealing with issues of addiction, anxiety, depression, family issues, grief, as well as many other personal issues. Exploration of these problem areas can lead to healing.
From 1977 to the present Dr. Ward has maintained his own private psychology practice. As a component of his practice he provided consulting psychological services to the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) from 1981 to 2003. At TRC he conducted individual and group counseling for clients with a broad range of physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. He is a member of the Tennessee Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
From 1977 to the present Dr. Ward has maintained his own private psychology practice. As a component of his practice he provided consulting psychological services to the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) from 1981 to 2003. At TRC he conducted individual and group counseling for clients with a broad range of physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. He is a member of the Tennessee Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Ms. Huddleston is licensed as a Certified Psychological Assistant, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation. She has a special interest in the logic and procedures of standardized testing accommodations. She is a graduate of the Vanderbilt Volunteer Advocacy Program with a focus on assisting children and families with IEP's and 504 plans. Ms. Huddleston is currently accepting supervisees for LPC licensure.
Ms. Huddleston is licensed as a Certified Psychological Assistant, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation. She has a special interest in the logic and procedures of standardized testing accommodations. She is a graduate of the Vanderbilt Volunteer Advocacy Program with a focus on assisting children and families with IEP's and 504 plans. Ms. Huddleston is currently accepting supervisees for LPC licensure.
I believe we are created for relationships, which is why having healthy relational dynamics among family, friends, coworkers, or other individuals is crucial to our well being. There are many obstacles we face in our daily lives. Some situations we can easily navigate, while others can be more challenging and cause us to question ourselves and our ability to persevere and overcome. Life is hard and we are not meant to do it alone. It is important to know that you are not alone in your situation and that there IS help and support for you.
I believe we are created for relationships, which is why having healthy relational dynamics among family, friends, coworkers, or other individuals is crucial to our well being. There are many obstacles we face in our daily lives. Some situations we can easily navigate, while others can be more challenging and cause us to question ourselves and our ability to persevere and overcome. Life is hard and we are not meant to do it alone. It is important to know that you are not alone in your situation and that there IS help and support for you.
I believe that reaching out is the first and most important step toward support and healing. I specialize in helping individuals find themselves, individuals going through the coming out process, or going through any other life changes. I am experienced in assisting LGBTQ people (and loved ones) who are dealing with religious trauma and trying to connect and heal both worlds of their faith, and who they are. I am working with the senior population and their family members who are possibly facing caregiver burnout. I am skilled in working with foster kids, adopted children, and their families with adjusting to their new environment.
I believe that reaching out is the first and most important step toward support and healing. I specialize in helping individuals find themselves, individuals going through the coming out process, or going through any other life changes. I am experienced in assisting LGBTQ people (and loved ones) who are dealing with religious trauma and trying to connect and heal both worlds of their faith, and who they are. I am working with the senior population and their family members who are possibly facing caregiver burnout. I am skilled in working with foster kids, adopted children, and their families with adjusting to their new environment.
After experiencing my own trials in life, I learned just how beneficial counseling can be to supporting us through life’s difficulties. It is my goal to provide that healthy support to others who are walking hard paths. For me, the therapeutic relationship involves a mutual learning from one another, as well as addressing a person’s needs from all arenas, including emotional, physical, and spiritual. An understanding of attachment helps me encourage clients to find clarity in their lives and healthier relationships with self and others. I am grateful for the honor of being a safe space for clients.
After experiencing my own trials in life, I learned just how beneficial counseling can be to supporting us through life’s difficulties. It is my goal to provide that healthy support to others who are walking hard paths. For me, the therapeutic relationship involves a mutual learning from one another, as well as addressing a person’s needs from all arenas, including emotional, physical, and spiritual. An understanding of attachment helps me encourage clients to find clarity in their lives and healthier relationships with self and others. I am grateful for the honor of being a safe space for clients.
Colleen O’Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
More Therapists Nearby
If you are managing stress, anxiety, depression, need trauma processing, or need attachment work and support through adoption, please inquire.
Training in EMDR, Brainspotting, TBRI, Theraplay, Circle of Security, Trauma Focused CBT, Attachment Regulation & Competency, and Sensory Motor Affect Regulation Therapy. I have 15 years experience working with adoption, attachment, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am open to working with any age child, their parents, young adults and adult women.
If you are managing stress, anxiety, depression, need trauma processing, or need attachment work and support through adoption, please inquire.
Training in EMDR, Brainspotting, TBRI, Theraplay, Circle of Security, Trauma Focused CBT, Attachment Regulation & Competency, and Sensory Motor Affect Regulation Therapy. I have 15 years experience working with adoption, attachment, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am open to working with any age child, their parents, young adults and adult women.
I specialize in working with trauma, abuse, and attachment and have experience with clients in a variety of settings, including domestic violence, adoption, and foster care.
I practice evidenced-based treatments and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC), and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) therapies.
I specialize in working with trauma, abuse, and attachment and have experience with clients in a variety of settings, including domestic violence, adoption, and foster care.
I practice evidenced-based treatments and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC), and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) therapies.
Our past experiences often influence how we view ourselves and interact in relationships. Sometimes, those patterns stem from pain and continue to affect us in ways that can keep us feeling stuck or disconnected. If you’re seeking healing and growth with a desire to or break negative cycles and are ready for change, I’d be honored to help you navigate what comes next and walk alongside you.
Our past experiences often influence how we view ourselves and interact in relationships. Sometimes, those patterns stem from pain and continue to affect us in ways that can keep us feeling stuck or disconnected. If you’re seeking healing and growth with a desire to or break negative cycles and are ready for change, I’d be honored to help you navigate what comes next and walk alongside you.
I have over 20 years of professional experience working with adoption triad members through domestic adoption, foster care and international adoption.
Maya Angelou once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Changes, challenges and struggles are complex and take us out of our comfort zone. Too often we find it difficult to slow down, learn from and appreciate the journey of healing. My goal is for clients to help address those challenges, complexities and struggles whether it involves concerns with attachment, behavior regulation, family dynamics, infertility, parenting, racial identity or trauma as well as understand the meaning behind the behavior.
I have over 20 years of professional experience working with adoption triad members through domestic adoption, foster care and international adoption.
Maya Angelou once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Changes, challenges and struggles are complex and take us out of our comfort zone. Too often we find it difficult to slow down, learn from and appreciate the journey of healing. My goal is for clients to help address those challenges, complexities and struggles whether it involves concerns with attachment, behavior regulation, family dynamics, infertility, parenting, racial identity or trauma as well as understand the meaning behind the behavior.
I treat women and their partners through the life stages of pregnancy and infant loss, pregnancy after loss, birth trauma, NICU, pregnancy, postpartum and adoption.
I am passionate about the integration of art therapy into the healing of grief and trauma after pregnancy loss. For my thesis, I created a pregnancy loss healing intensive using art therapy. Learn about it here: www.tennesseereproductivetherapy.com/pregnancylossintenstive
I treat women and their partners through the life stages of pregnancy and infant loss, pregnancy after loss, birth trauma, NICU, pregnancy, postpartum and adoption.
I am passionate about the integration of art therapy into the healing of grief and trauma after pregnancy loss. For my thesis, I created a pregnancy loss healing intensive using art therapy. Learn about it here: www.tennesseereproductivetherapy.com/pregnancylossintenstive
Dr. Jodi Oliver is a doctoral-level counselor and counselor educator, licensed professional counselor with mental health services designation (for diagnostic services), executive coach, and self-defense enthusiast. She began her life’s work in ministry with experiences in different parts of the world and is committed to the field of trauma counseling and counselor education as a path to impart positive social change. As a professor, author, researcher, executive, and mother of 15 (10 adopted from all over the world), she has significant experience in therapeutic, educational, and advocacy arenas.
Dr. Jodi Oliver is a doctoral-level counselor and counselor educator, licensed professional counselor with mental health services designation (for diagnostic services), executive coach, and self-defense enthusiast. She began her life’s work in ministry with experiences in different parts of the world and is committed to the field of trauma counseling and counselor education as a path to impart positive social change. As a professor, author, researcher, executive, and mother of 15 (10 adopted from all over the world), she has significant experience in therapeutic, educational, and advocacy arenas.
As your therapist, I will provide a tender and nurturing environment to process persistent worry, depression and general life stress. Fear, anxiety and depression can disrupt the quality of your daily life and seeking professional guidance and support can allow you to move through these stressors and develop both effective coping skills and healthy emotional habits. Life stress doesn't have to be debilitating and long term change is absolutely achievable. I work with individuals, children and families.
As your therapist, I will provide a tender and nurturing environment to process persistent worry, depression and general life stress. Fear, anxiety and depression can disrupt the quality of your daily life and seeking professional guidance and support can allow you to move through these stressors and develop both effective coping skills and healthy emotional habits. Life stress doesn't have to be debilitating and long term change is absolutely achievable. I work with individuals, children and families.
I am also passionate about helping postpartum women and those going through different adoption situations.
I am a fully licensed professional counselor with 7 years of therapy experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their personal journeys. I see patients aged 8 and up with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, and struggling with their walk in faith. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand your unique challenges and develop personalized strategies for overcoming them. I am accepting new patients via virtual/telehealth services through a HIPAA-compliant video conference.
I am also passionate about helping postpartum women and those going through different adoption situations.
I am a fully licensed professional counselor with 7 years of therapy experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their personal journeys. I see patients aged 8 and up with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, and struggling with their walk in faith. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand your unique challenges and develop personalized strategies for overcoming them. I am accepting new patients via virtual/telehealth services through a HIPAA-compliant video conference.
My passion is to support individuals and families who are feeling disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Together, we will seek to better understand the patterns that influence your life and tap into your inner strength to cultivate lasting wellness. Through talk and body-based therapies, will work together to explore your past, gain insight into your present, and clarify the path ahead. This is your unique journey, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy and reflection, offering support as you move toward greater wellness and self-discovery.
My passion is to support individuals and families who are feeling disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Together, we will seek to better understand the patterns that influence your life and tap into your inner strength to cultivate lasting wellness. Through talk and body-based therapies, will work together to explore your past, gain insight into your present, and clarify the path ahead. This is your unique journey, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy and reflection, offering support as you move toward greater wellness and self-discovery.
I work with every member of the adoption triad including search and reunion issues.
You have managed or contained life's challenges until it doesn't work anymore. The experiences of the past do not have to interfere with your joy in the present or future. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore, learn, and create a new way of being in relationships and the world. I specialize in working with individuals and families that have been impacted by traumatic experiences, complex grief, attachment and relationship ruptures. Loss often involves trauma and trauma always involves grief. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
I work with every member of the adoption triad including search and reunion issues.
You have managed or contained life's challenges until it doesn't work anymore. The experiences of the past do not have to interfere with your joy in the present or future. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore, learn, and create a new way of being in relationships and the world. I specialize in working with individuals and families that have been impacted by traumatic experiences, complex grief, attachment and relationship ruptures. Loss often involves trauma and trauma always involves grief. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in TN and licensed in California and Tennessee. I received my training from Western Theological Seminary graduating in 2007 with a focus on attachment issues. I have worked with a non-profit agency counseling, adopting, and fostering families for over 15 years. I began my private practice in 2020 after recognizing the high demand for mental health practitioners during a difficult time in our history.
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in TN and licensed in California and Tennessee. I received my training from Western Theological Seminary graduating in 2007 with a focus on attachment issues. I have worked with a non-profit agency counseling, adopting, and fostering families for over 15 years. I began my private practice in 2020 after recognizing the high demand for mental health practitioners during a difficult time in our history.
Too often we live life in the fog of good health and favorable circumstances. But then, inevitably, something happens. Something difficult and hard to understand that pushes to the forefront the need for wisdom. Is there hope? On whom can I depend? What am I living for? What matters? Will I live? How will I live? Author and poet Wendell Berry said: "It may be that when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings."
Too often we live life in the fog of good health and favorable circumstances. But then, inevitably, something happens. Something difficult and hard to understand that pushes to the forefront the need for wisdom. Is there hope? On whom can I depend? What am I living for? What matters? Will I live? How will I live? Author and poet Wendell Berry said: "It may be that when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings."
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship issues, and spiritual integration. In my counseling, I strive to create an understanding, supportive environment where people can process difficulties and explore solutions. I’m certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and work to balance understanding and validation with practical feedback and skills for change. I value integrating faith and spirituality into the healing process and supporting clients in self-understanding, emotional regulation, and resolving life problems.
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship issues, and spiritual integration. In my counseling, I strive to create an understanding, supportive environment where people can process difficulties and explore solutions. I’m certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and work to balance understanding and validation with practical feedback and skills for change. I value integrating faith and spirituality into the healing process and supporting clients in self-understanding, emotional regulation, and resolving life problems.
See more therapy options for Smyrna
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Smyrna
- Antioch
- Bellevue
- Brentwood
- Franklin
- Goodlettsville
- Hendersonville
- Lebanon
- Mount Juliet
- Murfreesboro
- Nashville
- Nolensville
- Spring Hill
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.