Navigating the complexities of adoption can be tough – both for the adoptive parents and the adopted child. Adoptive children and their new families may encounter anxiety, tension or stress. Children, even those who are adopted into caring homes, can experience conflicted feelings about being given up for adoption. Additionally, for parents working towards adoption, the system can seem impossible to get through. A mental health professional who specializes in adoption can be a great asset in helping a family sort through adoption-related issues. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts today!
As an adoptive parent and member of an extended birth family in reunion, I bring my own experiences and sensitivity to the task of providing adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth family members the support they need to tackle the complex issues inherent in adoption. I provide support groups, individual consultations on adoption-related issues, parenting coaching, and ongoing psychotherapy. I work primarily with teens and adults, both adoptees, first family and those parenting adopted children.
— Amy Hecht, Clinical Psychologist in Charlotte, NCI’m here to support you through the unique challenges and emotions that often come with adoption. For adoptees, first parents, or adoptive parents, therapy can help process grief and loss, heal trauma, build identity, and foster connection. Whether you have been hurt by the institution, are pursuing reunion, are reeling from traumatic experiences, or just want to feel more connected to yourself or others, we’ll work together to reclaim your life’s story.
— Amanda Woolston, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Parkesburg, PAI have personal experience with adoption. In addition to my lived experience, I have researched the topic thoroughly (including having read The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier) and continue to attend trainings and expand my understanding of related issues.
— Jasmeen Miah, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CAI have additional training as well as personal experience with adoption. I have experience dealing with adoption from a variety of perspectives including the challenges associated with adopting or with placing a child for adoption.
— Curtis Atkins, Licensed Professional CounselorI’m an advocate for adoptees and families impacted by adoption. I have an extensive background with foster care and adoption and have worked with all sides of the triad, including adoptees, birth parents, foster and adoptive parents. I understand how difficult and complex these issues can be and the significant impact on families.
— Lauren Butcher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Greenville, TXI have worked with not only adoptees, but birth parents, adoptive parents and related family members who have been impacted by adoption. It is important to know and understand the complexities of adoption, including separation, loss, grief, trauma and related issues. I work with adults and teens in all aspects of adoption, pre and post adoption and search and reunion. I focus on the 7 core struggles in adoption (loss/abandonment, rejection, grief, guilt/shame, identity, intimacy and control)
— Lauren Butcher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Greenville, TXAs an adoptee, you often wonder if you are in the wrong. You second guess your conversations with coworkers, new acquaintances, and even friends. You're wanting to build self confidence and self esteem. You may notice unexpected emotional reactions to situations that typically wouldn't elicit deep visceral responses from colleagues, adoptive family, or friends. You want to explore these with someone who has similar lived experiences. You hope for stronger connections and exploring your past.
— Chessie Snider, Professional Counselor Associate in Seattle, WAWhile working previously as a home study evaluator, I first became familiar with the interpersonal dynamics and adjustments that families encounter when deciding to grow their family by adoption. Since then, I've undergone additional training on adoption issues and read anything I can get my hands on related to adoption! I take an adoptee-centered approach and support adoptees in positive identity formation, exploring grief and loss, and bravely sharing their unique stories.
— Caylin Broome, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Atlanta, GAIf you are adopted, it is likely the experience of being adopted is one of the most significant influences in your life. Many adults who were adopted as infants or young children, and were loved, accepted and valued by their adoptive families, still struggle with feelings of melancholy, grief and fear of loss, or are anxious about their capacity to belong, despite the experience of having loving adoptive parents and families. It seems that even with a wholesome family experience, the primal separation and loss that is a part of every adoption experience can fuel many anxieties in adoptees, especially fears of loss and abandonment and confusion about identity. Being adopted can influence a person throughout their lives. It is common for these influences to appear – or reappear. If you are seeking support to explore and process the impact of adoption in your life, having a therapist who understands both personally and professionally can be especially helpful. I'd like to help.
— Rawna Romero, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Alameda, CAI was an adoption social worker for many years. I have experience in all aspects of the adoption process and specifically attachment disorders.
— Melinda Martindale, Clinical Social Worker in Santa Cruz, CAI have worked with not only adoptees, but birth parents, adoptive parents and related family members who have been impacted by adoption. It is important to know and understand the complexities of adoption, including separation, loss, grief, trauma and related issues. I work with adults and teens in all aspects of adoption, pre and post adoption and search and reunion. I focus on the 7 core struggles in adoption (loss/abandonment, rejection, grief, guilt/shame, identity, intimacy and control)
— Lauren Butcher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Greenville, TXAs a therapist who is adopted myself, my role in post-adoption support is to help you navigate the complex emotions and experiences that can arise from adoption. Whether you’re an adopted person processing identity, a first parent facing grief and loss, or an adoptive parent seeking to build stronger family bonds, therapy offers a safe space to explore your feelings, improve communication, and foster healing. Together, we work toward understanding, acceptance, and emotional well-being.
— Amanda Woolston, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Parkesburg, PAI have worked with adoption agencies in hospital settings as new mothers signed off their rights as parents to working with adolescents who transitioned from foster care to adoptive homes. I also have had clients of adult age learning to cope with what it has meant for them to be adopted.
— Andjy Joseph, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Atlanta,I have a special passion for providing support and services to adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, resource parents and anyone from the foster, adoption and kinship circle. As an adoptee myself, it is an honor for me to be able to give back to the community I am also a part of. I have completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification (PACC) and Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) training to become an adoption-competent therapist.
— Elliott Odendahl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bloomington, MNAs a person who experienced a step-parent adoption, I have been through the process & understand the important role therapists plays in the process. I have worked on every side of the adoption process. I've seen the heart break, the silver lining & the hope. I know how sensitive these adoption processes are & honor the role a therapist plays in either helping induce healing or causing more pain. Currently, I am in an intensive training process to become a certified Adoption Competent therapist.
— Tayler Clark, Clinical Social Worker in Shorewood, WII have lived-experience with adoption and birth parent and adoptive parent support.
— Jenna Watson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Winter Park, FLI have a special passion for providing support and services to adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, resource parents and anyone from the foster, adoption and kinship circle. As an adoptee myself, it is an honor for me to be able to give back to the community I am also a part of. I have completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification (PACC) and Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) training to become an adoption-responsive/aware therapist.
— Elliott Odendahl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bloomington, MNThe impact of adoption comes up a different times throughout the lifetime - starting school, graduation, moving away, getting married, starting a family. As an adoption competent therapist, and transracial adoptee myself, I know having better understanding the separation and loss caused by ambiguous losses of adoption can be so painful. Adoptees hear messages like, "you should be grateful" instead of holding space for the loss which can lead to anger, hopelessness, guilt, and isolation.
— Emma Rady, Counselor in , MDI have provided services to those in the world of adoption including a support group for foster and adoptive parents, helping bio sibs adjust to foster sibs being returned to their families and working with adoptive children and youth in mental health crisis. In addition, I am an adoptive mother of three all of whom were adopted at older ages.
— Jennifer Durbin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Fullerton, CAI have lived experience with adoption. I also acknowledge that no two adoption stories are the same, and each person has their own unique story and perspective. I know that sometimes, this experience can bring up difficult questions, and deep reflection for all parties involved. There are safe and supportive ways to explore experiences surrounding adoption. I encourage people to lean in to the thoughts and feelings associated with these experiences with curiosity and compassion.
— Christina Helm, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Evanston, IL