Photo of Debbie Rasmussen, Marriage & Family Therapist in 89509, NV
Debbie Rasmussen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Reno, NV 89509
You know the type of therapists they show on TV or in the movies? The therapists who only ask you, “how does that make you feel?” and only speak in dull voices that would make anyone fall asleep? I can assure you – I am definitely not that type of therapist! I am personable, genuine, and laid-back. My style is warm and depth-oriented. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you’re dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
You know the type of therapists they show on TV or in the movies? The therapists who only ask you, “how does that make you feel?” and only speak in dull voices that would make anyone fall asleep? I can assure you – I am definitely not that type of therapist! I am personable, genuine, and laid-back. My style is warm and depth-oriented. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you’re dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
(775) 863-8917 View (775) 863-8917
Photo of Sabrina Allbee, Marriage & Family Therapist in 89509, NV
Sabrina Allbee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reno, NV 89509
I believe in a holistic approach to that considers the unique experience of each individual, couple, and family. I help clients build self-efficacy and compassion to heal and move forward to live a fulfilling life. I believe the challenges we are faced with are opportunities to grow and learn who we are and what we want in life. I provide a safe and judgment-free space to focus your unique experiences and help you gain a deeper understanding of your authentic self and emotional experience while utilizing mindfulness and exploring purpose and meaning. My primary modalities include attachment, emotion-focused, and person-centered.
I believe in a holistic approach to that considers the unique experience of each individual, couple, and family. I help clients build self-efficacy and compassion to heal and move forward to live a fulfilling life. I believe the challenges we are faced with are opportunities to grow and learn who we are and what we want in life. I provide a safe and judgment-free space to focus your unique experiences and help you gain a deeper understanding of your authentic self and emotional experience while utilizing mindfulness and exploring purpose and meaning. My primary modalities include attachment, emotion-focused, and person-centered.
(775) 404-7018 View (775) 404-7018
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.