Adoption Therapists in West Valley City, UT

Lennie Knowlton
Counselor, CMHC
1 Endorsed
West Valley City, UT 84120
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, professionals, and leaders navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I specialize in attachment, family systems, identity development, and workplace/relationship concerns through therapeutic coaching. My approach is evidence-based and focused on building emotional wellness, connection, and meaningful change. I am CEO of Project Connection, a leader with Social Prescribing USA, and a trained facilitator of The Daring Way, based on the research of Brené Brown.
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, professionals, and leaders navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I specialize in attachment, family systems, identity development, and workplace/relationship concerns through therapeutic coaching. My approach is evidence-based and focused on building emotional wellness, connection, and meaningful change. I am CEO of Project Connection, a leader with Social Prescribing USA, and a trained facilitator of The Daring Way, based on the research of Brené Brown.
(801) 633-6933 View (801) 633-6933
August Thilberg
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC-D, CMNCS
West Valley City, UT 84119
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about others, what they may think, or how they feel? Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? Or even feeling that it is hard to get through your everyday routine? It is never too late to make that change to improve your life. Have you experienced a significant life event that has made it difficult for you to be present, live day to day, or even experience joy? I am also a certified and trained trauma therapist, working with clients to process trauma in their lives.
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about others, what they may think, or how they feel? Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? Or even feeling that it is hard to get through your everyday routine? It is never too late to make that change to improve your life. Have you experienced a significant life event that has made it difficult for you to be present, live day to day, or even experience joy? I am also a certified and trained trauma therapist, working with clients to process trauma in their lives.
(631) 212-2422 View (631) 212-2422
Christian A Egan
Counselor, CMHC
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Serving Parents, Teens, Children, Couples and Families working through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, parenting challenges, behavioral difficulties, trauma, attachment needs, loss, adoption, the Autism spectrum, challenges related to identity, and others.
As Clinic Director and licensed Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), Christian Egan has over 20 years of experience working particularly with teens, parents of teens, and families. Influence offers in-person therapy, virtual therapy, parenting classes, parent coaching, group therapy, individual coaching, and more.
Serving Parents, Teens, Children, Couples and Families working through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, parenting challenges, behavioral difficulties, trauma, attachment needs, loss, adoption, the Autism spectrum, challenges related to identity, and others.
As Clinic Director and licensed Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), Christian Egan has over 20 years of experience working particularly with teens, parents of teens, and families. Influence offers in-person therapy, virtual therapy, parenting classes, parent coaching, group therapy, individual coaching, and more.
(385) 380-3753 View (385) 380-3753
Madeline Gabor
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with families, parents, couples, partners, and individuals to help them repair hurt, resolve conflict, overcome uncertainty and find connection with themselves and their loved ones. With my training in Systems Theory, I am especially equipped to understand the complexities of relationships and how to work through the many challenges relationships can face. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you are a returning client, I ensure to make our sessions feel personal to you as a person with unique dreams, experiences, goals, and strengths.
I work with families, parents, couples, partners, and individuals to help them repair hurt, resolve conflict, overcome uncertainty and find connection with themselves and their loved ones. With my training in Systems Theory, I am especially equipped to understand the complexities of relationships and how to work through the many challenges relationships can face. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you are a returning client, I ensure to make our sessions feel personal to you as a person with unique dreams, experiences, goals, and strengths.
(801) 876-1461 View (801) 876-1461
Tammy Ishimatsu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
***Not accepting new patients at this time.***
***Not accepting new patients at this time.***
(801) 701-1349 View (801) 701-1349

More Therapists Nearby

Charity Hotton
Marriage & Family Therapist, SSW, LMFT
Draper, UT 84020
Waitlist for new clients
I help families through the process of pre and post adoption to help navigate the complex emotions surrounding adding a member to the family.
I have experience in cognitive behavioral interventions. I can help people change the way their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect how they relate to other people. My commitment is to help people increase their sense of self, worthiness for love, and connection to those closest to them.
I help families through the process of pre and post adoption to help navigate the complex emotions surrounding adding a member to the family.
I have experience in cognitive behavioral interventions. I can help people change the way their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect how they relate to other people. My commitment is to help people increase their sense of self, worthiness for love, and connection to those closest to them.
(385) 217-6372 View (385) 217-6372
Marion Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84057
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with trauma, attachment, adoption, loss & grief, anxiety, depression and military veterans.
I am trained in EMDR and my work with clients often incorporates IFS (Parts Work), sand tray, art therapy, and the development of somatic skills. Your sessions will be tailored to provide treatment for the specific needs you bring to therapy. I work with ages 12 and up.
I have experience working with trauma, attachment, adoption, loss & grief, anxiety, depression and military veterans.
I am trained in EMDR and my work with clients often incorporates IFS (Parts Work), sand tray, art therapy, and the development of somatic skills. Your sessions will be tailored to provide treatment for the specific needs you bring to therapy. I work with ages 12 and up.
(385) 438-6108 View (385) 438-6108
Heather Rindlisbacher
Counselor, LCMHC
Orem, UT 84057
I am neurodivergence-affirming, striving to support individuals experiencing challenges related to neurodivergence, emotional regulation, and social stressors, including trauma. I work with clients of all ages. I specialize in supporting young children and their parents. I am certified in EMDR, AutPlay Therapy, and sensory enrichment therapy.
I am neurodivergence-affirming, striving to support individuals experiencing challenges related to neurodivergence, emotional regulation, and social stressors, including trauma. I work with clients of all ages. I specialize in supporting young children and their parents. I am certified in EMDR, AutPlay Therapy, and sensory enrichment therapy.
(385) 475-5050 View (385) 475-5050
Heather Moulton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Taylorsville, UT 84123
Adoption is a profound journey, filled with unique joys and complex challenges.
Together, we can use EMDR to process past experiences so they no longer disrupt your present, while integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help you develop dependable skills for navigating intense emotions. By also incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we will work as a team to gently shift any thinking patterns that might be holding you back.
Adoption is a profound journey, filled with unique joys and complex challenges.
Together, we can use EMDR to process past experiences so they no longer disrupt your present, while integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help you develop dependable skills for navigating intense emotions. By also incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we will work as a team to gently shift any thinking patterns that might be holding you back.
(385) 503-4434 View (385) 503-4434
Toni Marie Mazzaglia
Mental Health Counselor, CMHC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and am a Gottman trained couples therapist.
I support people in exploring the past, learn to ground in the present and build skills and strengths for the future. I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between. I am also currently running an online adoption group.
I specialize in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression and adoption, attachment and family systems issues and am a Gottman trained couples therapist.
I support people in exploring the past, learn to ground in the present and build skills and strengths for the future. I am trained in EMDR, DBT and MBSR and I use these tools to help clients process and cope with traumatic events as well as daily life stressors and everything in between. I am also currently running an online adoption group.
(385) 396-5446 View (385) 396-5446
Lauren Cornia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of the people I work with are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or challenges related to adoption, identity, relationships, or life transitions.
I’m trained in EMDR and combine that with art and sand tray therapies, especially for clients who process experiences in more visual or creative ways. My approach is flexible and collaborative; I believe therapy works best when it’s shaped by what’s meaningful to you.
Many of the people I work with are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or challenges related to adoption, identity, relationships, or life transitions.
I’m trained in EMDR and combine that with art and sand tray therapies, especially for clients who process experiences in more visual or creative ways. My approach is flexible and collaborative; I believe therapy works best when it’s shaped by what’s meaningful to you.
(385) 350-8959 View (385) 350-8959
Steven Christopher Clements
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Eagle Mountain, UT 84005
Some are navigating the complexities of adoption or foster care—questions of identity, belonging, and attachment that can echo throughout life.
In our work together, I use Brainspotting, a powerful brain-based method that helps release trauma held in the body and mind. Drawing on trauma-informed and attachment-focused care, I support healing from depression, trauma, adoption/foster care issues, and problematic sexual behaviors with compassion and evidence-based guidance.
Some are navigating the complexities of adoption or foster care—questions of identity, belonging, and attachment that can echo throughout life.
In our work together, I use Brainspotting, a powerful brain-based method that helps release trauma held in the body and mind. Drawing on trauma-informed and attachment-focused care, I support healing from depression, trauma, adoption/foster care issues, and problematic sexual behaviors with compassion and evidence-based guidance.
(385) 526-2642 View (385) 526-2642
Tanner James Matheny
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSW
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Specialties: • Trauma & PTSD • Anxiety & Depression • OCD • Relationship Issues & Codependency Adoption • Shame & Self-Worth • Somatic Therapies & Breathwork • Psychodrama • Nature-Based & Adventure Therapy
Are you or your child feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, OCD, or relationship struggles? Maybe you’re navigating codependency, shame, or the impact of trauma. I specialize in working with kids, teens, and young adults using a warm, relational, and experiential approach to therapy that goes beyond talk alone. With advanced training in trauma treatment, somatic therapies, psychodrama, breathwork, creative arts, and adventure therapy, I offer sessions that support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healing through mind-body connection. We can meet in my downtown Salt Lake City office—or step outside into nature.
Specialties: • Trauma & PTSD • Anxiety & Depression • OCD • Relationship Issues & Codependency Adoption • Shame & Self-Worth • Somatic Therapies & Breathwork • Psychodrama • Nature-Based & Adventure Therapy
Are you or your child feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, OCD, or relationship struggles? Maybe you’re navigating codependency, shame, or the impact of trauma. I specialize in working with kids, teens, and young adults using a warm, relational, and experiential approach to therapy that goes beyond talk alone. With advanced training in trauma treatment, somatic therapies, psychodrama, breathwork, creative arts, and adventure therapy, I offer sessions that support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healing through mind-body connection. We can meet in my downtown Salt Lake City office—or step outside into nature.
(385) 317-3515 View (385) 317-3515
Amy Schaller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Serves Area
Maybe they came to your family through adoption or foster care, having experienced trauma or prenatal exposure.
In child-centered play, your child will learn to regulate through difficult emotions, face their challenges in the safer context of the playroom, and discover the beauty of what makes them unique. With parents, I offer a safe space for you to vent, grieve, and celebrate. We'll find the right blend of your own style and research-backed parenting guidance.
Maybe they came to your family through adoption or foster care, having experienced trauma or prenatal exposure.
In child-centered play, your child will learn to regulate through difficult emotions, face their challenges in the safer context of the playroom, and discover the beauty of what makes them unique. With parents, I offer a safe space for you to vent, grieve, and celebrate. We'll find the right blend of your own style and research-backed parenting guidance.
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Stormey Nielsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
6 Endorsed
Murray, UT 84107
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are an adult experiencing conflict with self, a teen or kid navigating behaviors and fitting in, or your concerns are more centered on racial identity or adoption identity, you feel I may be able to help.
Social work and therapy became my focus because I love to help others. I enjoy topics surrounding identity and I enjoy trauma focused work. As a TRA I’m especially passionate toward exploring the intersections of race and adoption. Finding your place at any age can be challenging; empowerment is needed through all stages.
Whether you are an adult experiencing conflict with self, a teen or kid navigating behaviors and fitting in, or your concerns are more centered on racial identity or adoption identity, you feel I may be able to help.
Social work and therapy became my focus because I love to help others. I enjoy topics surrounding identity and I enjoy trauma focused work. As a TRA I’m especially passionate toward exploring the intersections of race and adoption. Finding your place at any age can be challenging; empowerment is needed through all stages.
(385) 308-5359 View (385) 308-5359
Jen Lindstrand
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, ACMHC, FMBPsS
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, my name is Jen. I'm an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) licensed in Utah, and a psychologist in the UK with full membership with the British Psychological Society (FMBPsS). I work with clients based in Utah on telehealth only. As an integrative therapist, I take a holistic, whole person approach, tailoring treatment to meet your individual needs. I warmly welcome anyone seeking therapy, with the intention of ensuring you feel safe, seen, and heard in session.
Hello, my name is Jen. I'm an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) licensed in Utah, and a psychologist in the UK with full membership with the British Psychological Society (FMBPsS). I work with clients based in Utah on telehealth only. As an integrative therapist, I take a holistic, whole person approach, tailoring treatment to meet your individual needs. I warmly welcome anyone seeking therapy, with the intention of ensuring you feel safe, seen, and heard in session.
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Jennie Murdock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Jennie! If you have been in and out of therapy over a long period of time & been less than satisfied with results, then I welcome you to consider choosing me as a provider. I am often seen as a therapist of "last resort" for very complicated trauma situations and I receive great satisfaction helping my clients unravel the mysteries of their life stories. I realize that deciding to look at your past in order to make sense of your present life and create a more hopeful, meaningful future takes a lot of courage, commitment and insight.
Hi there, I'm Jennie! If you have been in and out of therapy over a long period of time & been less than satisfied with results, then I welcome you to consider choosing me as a provider. I am often seen as a therapist of "last resort" for very complicated trauma situations and I receive great satisfaction helping my clients unravel the mysteries of their life stories. I realize that deciding to look at your past in order to make sense of your present life and create a more hopeful, meaningful future takes a lot of courage, commitment and insight.
(385) 325-3469 View (385) 325-3469
Hope Nichols
Counselor, CMHC
Sandy, UT 84094
I am in network with Medicaid for foster care or post- adoption care.
My aim as a counselor is to facilitate a space for healing so that you can strengthen bonds and develop closer relationships. I specialize in treating trauma, with 10 years of experience treating complex developmental trauma in children and teens. I seek to help children and families find healing and form closer bonds to one another. I treat children, adolescents, adults, and families.
I am in network with Medicaid for foster care or post- adoption care.
My aim as a counselor is to facilitate a space for healing so that you can strengthen bonds and develop closer relationships. I specialize in treating trauma, with 10 years of experience treating complex developmental trauma in children and teens. I seek to help children and families find healing and form closer bonds to one another. I treat children, adolescents, adults, and families.
(801) 528-7146 View (801) 528-7146
Stephanie Mulford
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSW
4 Endorsed
Farmington, UT 84025
As a dedicated mental health therapist, I specialize in working with childhood trauma survivors, adoptees, and individuals experiencing grief, chronic issues due to cancer or other life-altering illnesses, and anxiety or depression. I also have experience working with faith transitions, people with disabilities and individuals in recovery. My main goal with my clients is to guide them to a state of calm and healing through validation and self-exploration. I help my clients to recognize the great potential they have within themselves to heal and be free of the struggles that have often held them down for many years.
As a dedicated mental health therapist, I specialize in working with childhood trauma survivors, adoptees, and individuals experiencing grief, chronic issues due to cancer or other life-altering illnesses, and anxiety or depression. I also have experience working with faith transitions, people with disabilities and individuals in recovery. My main goal with my clients is to guide them to a state of calm and healing through validation and self-exploration. I help my clients to recognize the great potential they have within themselves to heal and be free of the struggles that have often held them down for many years.
(385) 469-1389 View (385) 469-1389
Mary Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Highland, UT 84003
I deeply appreciate being able to be a part of the lives of so many amazing people. To work side by side with individuals during the sensitive and vulnerable process of healing is a gift. Within all of us, there is a natural human ability to heal, and we gain confidence when we have access to the right tools that help us to integrate feelings, emotions, experiences, and relationships into something meaningful. I'm a huge fan of tailoring methods and tools to fit individual needs.
I deeply appreciate being able to be a part of the lives of so many amazing people. To work side by side with individuals during the sensitive and vulnerable process of healing is a gift. Within all of us, there is a natural human ability to heal, and we gain confidence when we have access to the right tools that help us to integrate feelings, emotions, experiences, and relationships into something meaningful. I'm a huge fan of tailoring methods and tools to fit individual needs.
(435) 246-1558 View (435) 246-1558

See more therapy options for West Valley City

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.