Adoption Therapists in Austin, TX
Kristin Sharp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in teens, young adults, and families, primarily around issues related to adoption & attachment wounds, substance use, trauma, depression, self-harm, family conflict, and life transitions.
I am both direct and gentle as a therapist. I work with clients in a relatable and relational manner, especially teens. I am trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and use an interpersonal neurobiology framework, treating you as the expert of your life— which you are. If you're not comfortable with something, let me know and we will shift! I stand by this.
I specialize in teens, young adults, and families, primarily around issues related to adoption & attachment wounds, substance use, trauma, depression, self-harm, family conflict, and life transitions.
I am both direct and gentle as a therapist. I work with clients in a relatable and relational manner, especially teens. I am trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and use an interpersonal neurobiology framework, treating you as the expert of your life— which you are. If you're not comfortable with something, let me know and we will shift! I stand by this.
I have over 13 years of experience working with foster and adoptive families and am certified as an adoption competent clinician.
You are an intelligent person, and you are keenly aware of what is not working in your life. The stresses you are dealing with are overwhelming the skills you have to cope with them. You need to learn new ways to manage these problems, and you probably need the confidence and encouragement to try something new. I know it's in you, and it's time to try something new.
I have over 13 years of experience working with foster and adoptive families and am certified as an adoption competent clinician.
You are an intelligent person, and you are keenly aware of what is not working in your life. The stresses you are dealing with are overwhelming the skills you have to cope with them. You need to learn new ways to manage these problems, and you probably need the confidence and encouragement to try something new. I know it's in you, and it's time to try something new.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, adoption, and challenges with self-harming.
I take a laid-back approach and create an atmosphere that is non-threatening and non-judgmental. We'll take time to get to know each other and develop a road map for therapy. We'll set goals together and throughout our journey, we continually reevaluate the goals to make sure they are being met and that the client is getting what they need out of therapy.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, adoption, and challenges with self-harming.
I take a laid-back approach and create an atmosphere that is non-threatening and non-judgmental. We'll take time to get to know each other and develop a road map for therapy. We'll set goals together and throughout our journey, we continually reevaluate the goals to make sure they are being met and that the client is getting what they need out of therapy.
A few areas that I specialize in are Attachment issues, Adoption, Kinship Care, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Parenting, Behavioral Issues in children, and general Trauma.
I believe that everyone needs someone who will give them a safe, non-judgmental place to work through problems or stresses. I see the role of a therapist as someone who dives into the deep end of your emotions/problems and helps guide you on how to swim your way out. I will be there if you start to drown to help keep your head above water, but I will also help you develop the skills to get out of the deep end and know how to navigate it should you end up there again.
A few areas that I specialize in are Attachment issues, Adoption, Kinship Care, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Parenting, Behavioral Issues in children, and general Trauma.
I believe that everyone needs someone who will give them a safe, non-judgmental place to work through problems or stresses. I see the role of a therapist as someone who dives into the deep end of your emotions/problems and helps guide you on how to swim your way out. I will be there if you start to drown to help keep your head above water, but I will also help you develop the skills to get out of the deep end and know how to navigate it should you end up there again.
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.
As a transracial, transnational adoptee, I bring my lived experience as well as extensive clinical training to my work. I understand on a visceral level what it is to feel a sense of belonging and isolation simultaneously. I believe that in building tolerance for holding and honoring conflicting feelings, one can move towards self-compassion and healing.
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.
As a transracial, transnational adoptee, I bring my lived experience as well as extensive clinical training to my work. I understand on a visceral level what it is to feel a sense of belonging and isolation simultaneously. I believe that in building tolerance for holding and honoring conflicting feelings, one can move towards self-compassion and healing.
I have extensive expertise in fertility, adoption, and birth-trauma.
As a licensed therapist in Colorado and Texas, I am committed to empowering my clients, recognizing that they are the true experts of their own lives. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients can deepen their healing, intuition, and self-trust. I work best with motivated, engaged individuals who are seeking to tap into their unique personal power by addressing the deepest parts of themselves. Additionally, I have a passion for working with couples, helping them foster peace and connection in their relationship
I have extensive expertise in fertility, adoption, and birth-trauma.
As a licensed therapist in Colorado and Texas, I am committed to empowering my clients, recognizing that they are the true experts of their own lives. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients can deepen their healing, intuition, and self-trust. I work best with motivated, engaged individuals who are seeking to tap into their unique personal power by addressing the deepest parts of themselves. Additionally, I have a passion for working with couples, helping them foster peace and connection in their relationship
A licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience, I work with adults and teens dealing with depression, anxiety, dual-diagnosis (substance abuse), developmental disabilities, adoption issues, and trauma.
Being nervous about starting therapy is natural, which is why I work with each client to establish a relationship of honesty and openness so you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings. There is no magic wand in life but you don’t have to face challenges on your own. Therapy is a journey. I approach each session as a time to learn about you—what motivates you and what ails you. I understand the importance of each individual’s culture so I can fully understand you as a person. Together, we will determine the best possible solutions to address your individual needs.
A licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience, I work with adults and teens dealing with depression, anxiety, dual-diagnosis (substance abuse), developmental disabilities, adoption issues, and trauma.
Being nervous about starting therapy is natural, which is why I work with each client to establish a relationship of honesty and openness so you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings. There is no magic wand in life but you don’t have to face challenges on your own. Therapy is a journey. I approach each session as a time to learn about you—what motivates you and what ails you. I understand the importance of each individual’s culture so I can fully understand you as a person. Together, we will determine the best possible solutions to address your individual needs.
I specialize in fostering healthy relationships and communication, young adulthood, parenting, self-esteem, neurodivergence, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, adoption and foster care, educational advocacy and accommodations, immigration, and LGBTQIA+.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with various populations of adolescent, teen, and adult clients in the mental health field. I can honestly say that I love what I do and always find a unique way to connect with each individual. I believe it is important to approach each client I meet with an intersectional and unbiased lens and to construct a treatment plan and therapy style that is in line with not just their specific mental health needs, but their personality, sense of humor, and personal values. I meet with Texas clients Monday-Thursday between 10am and 6pm.
I specialize in fostering healthy relationships and communication, young adulthood, parenting, self-esteem, neurodivergence, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, adoption and foster care, educational advocacy and accommodations, immigration, and LGBTQIA+.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with various populations of adolescent, teen, and adult clients in the mental health field. I can honestly say that I love what I do and always find a unique way to connect with each individual. I believe it is important to approach each client I meet with an intersectional and unbiased lens and to construct a treatment plan and therapy style that is in line with not just their specific mental health needs, but their personality, sense of humor, and personal values. I meet with Texas clients Monday-Thursday between 10am and 6pm.
Sara Manisco Chapo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPP
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78737
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include trauma, attachment, parenting, adoption and foster care, behavioral and school related problems, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, cultural/communication difficulties, and stress management.
Hi, I am Sara. I enjoy being the witness of positive change and the healing power of human relationships. Whatever the issue, I am honored to take part in your personal journey toward a better life. I can be your guide to help you process and envision the steps towards whatever goal you seek. I have trained in several evidence based models, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work with young children, adolescents, and adults.
My specialties include trauma, attachment, parenting, adoption and foster care, behavioral and school related problems, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, cultural/communication difficulties, and stress management.
Hi, I am Sara. I enjoy being the witness of positive change and the healing power of human relationships. Whatever the issue, I am honored to take part in your personal journey toward a better life. I can be your guide to help you process and envision the steps towards whatever goal you seek. I have trained in several evidence based models, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work with young children, adolescents, and adults.
My other areas of expertise include foster care, adoption, parenting issues, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I strive to create a safe environment where my clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings and thoughts. I am very straight forward with my clients and non-judgmental. Creating goals is an important part of the therapeutic process. I work with my client to help guide them in finding the goals they which to achieve.
My other areas of expertise include foster care, adoption, parenting issues, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I strive to create a safe environment where my clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings and thoughts. I am very straight forward with my clients and non-judgmental. Creating goals is an important part of the therapeutic process. I work with my client to help guide them in finding the goals they which to achieve.
After getting my Master's degree at UT Austin, I worked in adoption at CPS, and then at a psychiatric hospital.
I work with clients who are often empathic, sensitive, and intuitive. Living in this world and political climate is really challenging for many of us, and my goal is to provide a safe space where you can be seen, heard and validated. I enjoy helping clients reconnect with their authentic and true selves, so that they can navigate their lives with wisdom, curiosity and meaning. I have been intensively trained in DBT, but also draw from other modalities, like IFS. I also provide Ketamine Assisted Therapy for those looking to explore deeper parts of themselves and work through trauma. Feel free to reach out to get started.
After getting my Master's degree at UT Austin, I worked in adoption at CPS, and then at a psychiatric hospital.
I work with clients who are often empathic, sensitive, and intuitive. Living in this world and political climate is really challenging for many of us, and my goal is to provide a safe space where you can be seen, heard and validated. I enjoy helping clients reconnect with their authentic and true selves, so that they can navigate their lives with wisdom, curiosity and meaning. I have been intensively trained in DBT, but also draw from other modalities, like IFS. I also provide Ketamine Assisted Therapy for those looking to explore deeper parts of themselves and work through trauma. Feel free to reach out to get started.
Therapy for adults with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, gut-brain issues, sleep, and adoption-related life challenges.
Every morning you wake up anxious, stomach in knots, thinking about everything you didn’t finish yesterday. And today’s to-do list feels impossible. You wonder how others are able to get things done. Even exciting projects feel hard to start and harder to finish. You feel like you’re letting everyone down, especially yourself. And the shame stings. You tell yourself to focus, to try harder, to get it together, but nothing seems to work. You beat yourself up and spiral into guilt and overwhelm. You’re so tired of surviving like this. You'd give anything for a bit of relief, clarity, and, especially, a way to break the cycle.
Therapy for adults with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, gut-brain issues, sleep, and adoption-related life challenges.
Every morning you wake up anxious, stomach in knots, thinking about everything you didn’t finish yesterday. And today’s to-do list feels impossible. You wonder how others are able to get things done. Even exciting projects feel hard to start and harder to finish. You feel like you’re letting everyone down, especially yourself. And the shame stings. You tell yourself to focus, to try harder, to get it together, but nothing seems to work. You beat yourself up and spiral into guilt and overwhelm. You’re so tired of surviving like this. You'd give anything for a bit of relief, clarity, and, especially, a way to break the cycle.
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.
I am certified in EMDR and also utilize Research-Based Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness therapies to assist my clients in improving their emotional regulation skills and build a greater sense of hope for their future.
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.
I am certified in EMDR and also utilize Research-Based Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness therapies to assist my clients in improving their emotional regulation skills and build a greater sense of hope for their future.
I have specific training in issues related to adoption and child/parent attachment and I have taught at a university setting.
I'm currently accepting new clients and offering a warm space to explore goals and see improvement. I specialize in supporting clients with stress, trauma, relationship difficulty, and work primarily as a somatic practitioner. Somatic Experiencing is an approach to healing trauma and addressing overwhelm and stress related conditions. It resets the nervous system, restores inner balance, enhances resilience to stress, and increases people's vitality, equanimity, and capacity to actively engage in life. I also utilize EMDR techniques as well as DBT techniques depending on the client's preference and responsiveness.
I have specific training in issues related to adoption and child/parent attachment and I have taught at a university setting.
I'm currently accepting new clients and offering a warm space to explore goals and see improvement. I specialize in supporting clients with stress, trauma, relationship difficulty, and work primarily as a somatic practitioner. Somatic Experiencing is an approach to healing trauma and addressing overwhelm and stress related conditions. It resets the nervous system, restores inner balance, enhances resilience to stress, and increases people's vitality, equanimity, and capacity to actively engage in life. I also utilize EMDR techniques as well as DBT techniques depending on the client's preference and responsiveness.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in several clinical settings for over 15 years. I have worked in hospitals, college counseling settings, adoption settings, and care for older adults. My communication style is kind and empathic, and I work to listen to the subtext of what you are saying in our discussion. I strive to identify pieces you may be overlooking and bring them to light so we can examine them openly. I work to understand your experience better and begin moving you toward a life you find more fulfilling.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in several clinical settings for over 15 years. I have worked in hospitals, college counseling settings, adoption settings, and care for older adults. My communication style is kind and empathic, and I work to listen to the subtext of what you are saying in our discussion. I strive to identify pieces you may be overlooking and bring them to light so we can examine them openly. I work to understand your experience better and begin moving you toward a life you find more fulfilling.
My clinical experience includes short and long-term treatment for relational issues, anxiety, depression, sexuality, anger, adoption, LGBTQI+ and career-related issues.
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.
My clinical experience includes short and long-term treatment for relational issues, anxiety, depression, sexuality, anger, adoption, LGBTQI+ and career-related issues.
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.
I also work with families to facilitate communication when there is a disruption in the family system due to divorce or adoption.
As a psychologist, I also offer Collaborative psychological evaluations which involve questions from the client, family members and system providers (schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists). As in my individual and family therapy, it is important to offer an integrative approach which addresses the "whole" child. I have a very solid foundation in Special Education and 504 law.
I also work with families to facilitate communication when there is a disruption in the family system due to divorce or adoption.
As a psychologist, I also offer Collaborative psychological evaluations which involve questions from the client, family members and system providers (schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists). As in my individual and family therapy, it is important to offer an integrative approach which addresses the "whole" child. I have a very solid foundation in Special Education and 504 law.
I have personal and professional experience with adoption and foster care, and transracial adoption.
I enjoy working with individuals with ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. I can support you in processing your emotions, decreasing symptoms, and building healthy ways to cope with life's challenges. Clients often describe me as naturally warm, funny-when-appropriate, and approachable. I am a genuinely curious and empathic clinician who fosters a safe, inclusive, open-minded and collaborative environment for clients. Tailoring my approach to your unique needs, I incorporate CBT, DBT, play therapy, as well as Person-Centered, Strengths-Based and trauma therapies into your care.
I have personal and professional experience with adoption and foster care, and transracial adoption.
I enjoy working with individuals with ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. I can support you in processing your emotions, decreasing symptoms, and building healthy ways to cope with life's challenges. Clients often describe me as naturally warm, funny-when-appropriate, and approachable. I am a genuinely curious and empathic clinician who fosters a safe, inclusive, open-minded and collaborative environment for clients. Tailoring my approach to your unique needs, I incorporate CBT, DBT, play therapy, as well as Person-Centered, Strengths-Based and trauma therapies into your care.
My expertise is in issues related to trauma, coping strategies, depression, anxiety, child behaviors, family dynamics, those affected by the foster care system, and adoption-related issues.
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with past hurts, a life change, relationships, parenting, self-care, feeling stuck, worrying about what is to come, or something else that is keeping you from well-being, I am here to help!
My expertise is in issues related to trauma, coping strategies, depression, anxiety, child behaviors, family dynamics, those affected by the foster care system, and adoption-related issues.
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with past hurts, a life change, relationships, parenting, self-care, feeling stuck, worrying about what is to come, or something else that is keeping you from well-being, I am here to help!
Populations I serve also includes foster care/ adoption, crisis, and major mental health diagnoses.
Maybe you've just experienced one of the hardest moments of your life. Or perhaps you find yourself saying, "others have it worse, my problems aren't as bad," as you constantly find yourself suffering in silence. Maybe you've built your life around the premise that others needs/desires/feelings are more important than your own and you've muted yourself in order to show up for everyone else. Perhaps today you'll consider putting yourself first. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to face the parts of yourself you've stored away for too long. It's time to walk into a new season of your life that focuses on you.
Populations I serve also includes foster care/ adoption, crisis, and major mental health diagnoses.
Maybe you've just experienced one of the hardest moments of your life. Or perhaps you find yourself saying, "others have it worse, my problems aren't as bad," as you constantly find yourself suffering in silence. Maybe you've built your life around the premise that others needs/desires/feelings are more important than your own and you've muted yourself in order to show up for everyone else. Perhaps today you'll consider putting yourself first. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to face the parts of yourself you've stored away for too long. It's time to walk into a new season of your life that focuses on you.
See more therapy options for Austin
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Austin
- Bee Cave
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- Dripping Springs
- Hutto
- Kyle
- Lakeway
- Leander
- Pflugerville
- Round Rock
- Sunset Valley
- West Lake Hills
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.