Adoption Therapists in Austin, TX

I specialize in working with teens and young adults around the issues of trauma, substance use, depression, self-harm, adoption , family conflict, and life transitions. I know these time periods in life are especially challenging, and no problem is too big or too small for therapy. I am here as a resource to handle the extreme life events, or if you simply need to process. If you are feeling like you don't know what could possibly make life more manageable or how to stop behaviors that are no longer helpful, I can be here to help. Teens and young adults are my passion, and I have seen I am able to deeply connect with them.

Are you trying to make sense of your life following the diagnosis of a disability or chronic illness? Are you looking for help managing emotional distress, anxiety, or relationship issues? Do you struggle with the aftermath of adoption trauma? Sometimes life throws unexpected obstacles at us. Therapy can help, whether you are dealing with a new onset disability, coping with the frustrations of living disabled in an ableist society, or navigating the complexities of international or transracial adoption .

I enjoy working with children and adolescents of any age. Listening to children and teenagers is so important as they often can tell us what we need to know to support them. I use both talking and play to facilitate connection and communication. Interpersonal experiences affect our relationships and the way in which we interact with others. I have a strong background in family systems, school collaboration and developmental and attachment theory which is instrumental in my work with clients. I also work with families to facilitate communication when there is a disruption in the family system due to divorce or adoption .

I often work with clients who struggle to accept and feel compassion for their whole self. Sometimes that can look like trying to shut out painful experiences, worrying that something is "wrong" with you, or struggling to connect with your true desires and feelings. I offer clients a warm space to process the injuries they carry from the broader world and from the intimate world of family, friends, and other relationships. I invite clients to bring the complete selves, even the parts that are hard to be with. I strive to provide the tools and support to help clients connect to a fuller sense of aliveness and groundedness.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Megan Zellner, LPC-Supervisor I believe you should feel safe with your therapist and strive to create a sense of safety with you. My approach is strength based and puts you in the driver’s seat to accomplish your goals. You will step into a space that is non-judgmental where you can process your experiences and pave a path toward healing. I specialize in working with couples who are struggling in parenting and want to learn new skills or who are parenting children who have experienced trauma. I have a vast experience of foster care and adoption parenting issues.

I am passionate about working with children and teens that have been involved in foster care or adoption . This population may have difficulties with attachment, identity, and adjustment as well as other mental health concerns. I specialize in working with children that struggle to form secure attachments which often result in overly emotional episodes or withdrawn and isolated behavior. My goal in therapy is to use my training in child centered play therapy and trust-based relational intervention to help bring understanding to the child-parent relationship and help build stronger connections that will ripple to other areas of life.

If you or your child are dealing with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, school problems, life transitions, adoption or attachment related issues, impacts of trauma, or depression, I'm listening. There is hope and a way forward. I offer a safe, supportive space to deepen self-awareness, build empowerment, and identify and alleviate sources of distress or pain to create positive, lasting change. I welcome and work with clients from all backgrounds and enjoy working with students, adults, creative types, and people of color. I also specialize in working with adoptees and their families as I am personally connected to adoption .

You know it’s time for change, but don’t know where to start. You've had some type of adversity or trauma and can't figure out how to move on or feel better. Maybe you're feeling depressed, anxious, or having problems at work or home. Whether it’s trauma, adversity or stress you just want to get past it and stop feeling stuck. I can help - sometimes you just need someone to confide in that “gets it.” Not only can I help you move past it, I can help you thrive because of it. No matter what the root of the issue is, trauma, relationships or life challenges, I've helped many other people find themselves again and can help you too!

Looking for more balance, meaning, and/or self-awareness in your life? Many of us already possess the knowledge, strengths, and resources to resolve our own problems; however, a trained and supportive professional can help identify tools and strengths as well as assist with improving coping skills. My role is to provide gentle guidance and encouragement to clients that are struggling or are facing challenges. I work to create a nurturing and safe environment that creates a comfortable place where we can explore issues and any negativity that may be getting in the way of leading a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. Reaching out for help as an individual or a parent can be anxiety provoking and it is my goal to be as transparent about therapy and mental health treatment as possible to ensure you feel comfortable with choosing me to be your therapist. My background consists of working for a Crisis Hotline, a residential treatment center, an emergency foster care shelter, and the Local Mental Health Authority. I have experience working with trauma and abuse survivors, LGBTQIA+ clients, foster and adoption , Borderline Personality Disorder, and other communities.

My areas of focus are: traumatic experiences and PTSD, adoption & foster care, couple & family life challenges, Depression, drug and alcohol problems, LGBT youth and families, ADHD, parenting enhancement, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, adolescent issues, subtle neuropsychological issues, Mood Disorders, youth and the criminal justice system, and CPS involvement with families. In April of 2017, I was honored with the Heart of the Home award for my career working with the abused children of Texas.

Is your child experiencing behavioral or emotional difficulties? Does your child struggle with anxiety, sadness or anger? You may find yourself often wondering if you're providing the "best" for your child or family in order to help them succeed. You don't have to figure it out on your own. We can help. At Child Therapy Lab, we specialize in only treating children, so you can feel confident in knowing your child’s therapist is experienced and specifically trained in child therapy interventions that will help your child and family thrive!

Whether you are looking to make an important decision, heal from a loss, or become free of unwanted habits, then I am here to partner with you in this process. You have the answers inside and, together, we will find the next step forward. It will take deliberate actions, such as looking honestly at oneself, and a safe space to do so. Regardless of any manifestation of trauma, grief, or mental health dis-ease, you can and will create a life you love by first looking inward. "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." -Plutarch, ancient Greek philosopher.

I myself struggled with Anxiety and Depression as a young person. I often like to joke that I took my first psychology class as a DIY project. As I discovered what worked for me, I realized that I wanted to share that knowledge with other people. I view therapy as a place to feel safe, express feelings, explore relationships, describe experiences, and (if necessary) revisit old wounds to heal from them. In my practice I am passionate about utilizing Positive Psychology, strength-based approaches and CBT to achieve better mental health.

I am Cori Jo East-Long. a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. I have worked in the mental health field for over 8 years. I have a history of working with clients with depression and anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse issues. My other areas of expertise include foster care, adoption , parenting issues, and LGBTQ+ issues. I use approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Adlerian therapy.