Photo of Heather Esteban, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Heather Esteban
Counselor, MA , LMHC
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Appointments available in 1 week. One day we find that our past coping skills no longer meet our needs & learning new skills is necessary. Counseling is a place do just that. My approach is to partner clients to explore current thoughts feelings, & actions, assist in developing insight about one's self, & provide new coping skills. I have training & experience in Trauma Informed Care, Adoption Competency, & Marriage & Family Therapy. I have experience working with parents, children & the school system in bridging support to maximize a children's emotional well being both in & out of school. I'm a certified Yoga instructor as well.
Appointments available in 1 week. One day we find that our past coping skills no longer meet our needs & learning new skills is necessary. Counseling is a place do just that. My approach is to partner clients to explore current thoughts feelings, & actions, assist in developing insight about one's self, & provide new coping skills. I have training & experience in Trauma Informed Care, Adoption Competency, & Marriage & Family Therapy. I have experience working with parents, children & the school system in bridging support to maximize a children's emotional well being both in & out of school. I'm a certified Yoga instructor as well.
(321) 415-4627 View (321) 415-4627
Photo of Christina Milazzo, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Christina Milazzo
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Do you have a teen daughter or are you a young woman struggling with stress and anxiety, sadness, body-image issues, self-harm/cutting? For the past ten year I have focused my practice on working with teen girls and young women to help them cope with difficult emotions, learn new ways to manage stress, how to communicate better with others, and how to feel more confident. I also collaborate and coach parents on how to strengthen their relationship with their teen while also learning how to support your loved one's mental and emotional health.
Do you have a teen daughter or are you a young woman struggling with stress and anxiety, sadness, body-image issues, self-harm/cutting? For the past ten year I have focused my practice on working with teen girls and young women to help them cope with difficult emotions, learn new ways to manage stress, how to communicate better with others, and how to feel more confident. I also collaborate and coach parents on how to strengthen their relationship with their teen while also learning how to support your loved one's mental and emotional health.
(407) 972-1021 View (407) 972-1021
Photo of Kimberly D Lincoln, Licensed Professional Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Kimberly D Lincoln
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Kimberly's focus and specialties include: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Anger Management, LGBTQ+ Youth, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Adoption/Foster Care, Kids involved in the Department of Juvenile Justice, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Children/Youth with Sexually Reactive Behaviors, Family therapy, and Communication Skills.
Kimberly has experience in working with children, adolescents, families, and couples. She has experience in working with youth in the foster care system, adoptions, traumatized youth, youth with severe behavioral concerns, youth who are experiencing mild to severe emotional distress, as well as youth in the LGBTQ+ population who are transitioning, discovering themselves and their sexuality, and experiencing societal and relationship trauma due to their sexual orientation. Kimberly is an Adoption Competency Certified therapist and has worked with families involved in adopting children from every aspect. Kimberly is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.
Kimberly's focus and specialties include: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Anger Management, LGBTQ+ Youth, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Adoption/Foster Care, Kids involved in the Department of Juvenile Justice, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Children/Youth with Sexually Reactive Behaviors, Family therapy, and Communication Skills.
Kimberly has experience in working with children, adolescents, families, and couples. She has experience in working with youth in the foster care system, adoptions, traumatized youth, youth with severe behavioral concerns, youth who are experiencing mild to severe emotional distress, as well as youth in the LGBTQ+ population who are transitioning, discovering themselves and their sexuality, and experiencing societal and relationship trauma due to their sexual orientation. Kimberly is an Adoption Competency Certified therapist and has worked with families involved in adopting children from every aspect. Kimberly is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.
(984) 232-6303 View (984) 232-6303
Photo of Angie S Mabe, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Angie S Mabe
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC, Qualifi, Supervi
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
The stress is overwhelming. Anxiety is at an all time high. Life is unpredictable and you don’t know how to cope with work, the kids, their school, and being quarantined. The desire to run from your house and not return has crossed your mind, but you dig deep and tell yourself today will be better. But it isn’t. The anxiety feels like it is going to explode from your chest. It starts settling into depression and you feel like you are walking in a fog. Unable to make decisions, not able to complete tasks, feeling frustrated and annoyed all the time. You just want life to be back to normal and it feels like there is no end in sight.
The stress is overwhelming. Anxiety is at an all time high. Life is unpredictable and you don’t know how to cope with work, the kids, their school, and being quarantined. The desire to run from your house and not return has crossed your mind, but you dig deep and tell yourself today will be better. But it isn’t. The anxiety feels like it is going to explode from your chest. It starts settling into depression and you feel like you are walking in a fog. Unable to make decisions, not able to complete tasks, feeling frustrated and annoyed all the time. You just want life to be back to normal and it feels like there is no end in sight.
(407) 901-5839 View (407) 901-5839
Photo of Andrea J Garwood, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Andrea J Garwood
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Over 25 years working with individuals and families. Over 18 years providing supervision to other mental health professionals and interns. My goal is to help you resolve emotional trauma or confusion, in a compassionate and non judgmental way. I am exp. in working with individuals coping with life-altering circumstances and illness, mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, recovery, grief and loss, relationship stressors, and spiritual crisis. I also specialize in relationship counseling, trauma and recovery issues such as sexual abuse. I am experienced serving those with medical issues-HIV/AIDS, Breast cancer, PTSD and phobias. I'm also experienced serving military families and veterans.
Over 25 years working with individuals and families. Over 18 years providing supervision to other mental health professionals and interns. My goal is to help you resolve emotional trauma or confusion, in a compassionate and non judgmental way. I am exp. in working with individuals coping with life-altering circumstances and illness, mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, recovery, grief and loss, relationship stressors, and spiritual crisis. I also specialize in relationship counseling, trauma and recovery issues such as sexual abuse. I am experienced serving those with medical issues-HIV/AIDS, Breast cancer, PTSD and phobias. I'm also experienced serving military families and veterans.
(407) 583-6176 View (407) 583-6176
Photo of Positive Behavioral Solutions, LLC, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Positive Behavioral Solutions, LLC
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
We are a trauma informed agency, with specialized adoption competent providers and offer trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Behavioral Health Agency that provides quality Mental Health Counseling, Social Services, and Psycho-Social Rehabilitation services. Our approach to Therapy and PSR is solution focused, client centered, and insight oriented. Our providers are highly trained and qualified in their respective area of expertise. Individuals seeking to make a positive change in their life are welcome to inquire about our programs. Services can be provided in office, home, or community settings/dependent upon your insurance coverage. We are committed to helping our clients reach their highest potential and welcome the opportunity to earn your trust.
We are a trauma informed agency, with specialized adoption competent providers and offer trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Behavioral Health Agency that provides quality Mental Health Counseling, Social Services, and Psycho-Social Rehabilitation services. Our approach to Therapy and PSR is solution focused, client centered, and insight oriented. Our providers are highly trained and qualified in their respective area of expertise. Individuals seeking to make a positive change in their life are welcome to inquire about our programs. Services can be provided in office, home, or community settings/dependent upon your insurance coverage. We are committed to helping our clients reach their highest potential and welcome the opportunity to earn your trust.
(407) 588-8363 View (407) 588-8363
Photo of Renata Cerveira, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Renata Cerveira
Counselor, MA, LMHC, Qualifi, Supervi
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714  (Online Only)
I am fascinated about how the brain works and how behavior can be adapted and changed if we allow it to happen.I support anxious and depressed people who truly desire to renewal their souls. Self-esteem, stress and conflict management, codependency, and parenting skills are some of the areas that rise my interest. I am specialized in blended and multicultural families. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
I am fascinated about how the brain works and how behavior can be adapted and changed if we allow it to happen.I support anxious and depressed people who truly desire to renewal their souls. Self-esteem, stress and conflict management, codependency, and parenting skills are some of the areas that rise my interest. I am specialized in blended and multicultural families. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
(321) 926-4049 View (321) 926-4049
Photo of Vitoria Suplicy, Psychologist in Altamonte Springs, FL
Vitoria Suplicy
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Waitlist for new clients
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the challenges life throws at you? Have you ever felt that dealing with daily responsibilities is way too much and all you want to do is take a break? Have you started feeling disconnected from yourself and people around you, feeling like no one understands what you are really going through? Do you want to feel better about yourself, your job, your education, and your relationships and feel connected to the people around you? Are you ready to let go of the inner critical voice that often puts you down?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the challenges life throws at you? Have you ever felt that dealing with daily responsibilities is way too much and all you want to do is take a break? Have you started feeling disconnected from yourself and people around you, feeling like no one understands what you are really going through? Do you want to feel better about yourself, your job, your education, and your relationships and feel connected to the people around you? Are you ready to let go of the inner critical voice that often puts you down?
(678) 679-6124 View (678) 679-6124
Photo of Carmen McGuinness in Altamonte Springs, FL
Carmen McGuinness
EdD, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
I'm a Board Certified Behavior Analyst providing Attachment Focused Behavior Analytic treatment incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I work on a HIPAA-secure video platform or on-site. My clients are children and parents, as well as adults and couples. My areas of specialization include behaviors related to relationship difficulties, infidelity and betrayal trauma, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, non-clinical depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, and reactive attachment disorder, I also work with children, adolescents, and adults with attention, learning, and developmental disabilities..
I'm a Board Certified Behavior Analyst providing Attachment Focused Behavior Analytic treatment incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I work on a HIPAA-secure video platform or on-site. My clients are children and parents, as well as adults and couples. My areas of specialization include behaviors related to relationship difficulties, infidelity and betrayal trauma, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, non-clinical depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, and reactive attachment disorder, I also work with children, adolescents, and adults with attention, learning, and developmental disabilities..
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Photo of Jan Hamill, Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Altamonte Springs, FL
Jan Hamill, Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714  (Online Only)
Are you feeling defeated? I am an experienced psychotherapist with 20 year's experience in mental health, addictions and life coaching. I provide a trusting and caring environment while assisting you find your inner peace and emotional wellness. Some of the areas I have expertise in include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, bipolar disorder, family issues, substance abuse, grief and loss. My therapy approaches include a mix of DBT, Mindfulness, CBT, Psychodynamic and Family Systems. I offer individual and couples therapy via telehealth. Please feel free to call me and briefly discuss your issues at 301-765-9475.
Are you feeling defeated? I am an experienced psychotherapist with 20 year's experience in mental health, addictions and life coaching. I provide a trusting and caring environment while assisting you find your inner peace and emotional wellness. Some of the areas I have expertise in include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, bipolar disorder, family issues, substance abuse, grief and loss. My therapy approaches include a mix of DBT, Mindfulness, CBT, Psychodynamic and Family Systems. I offer individual and couples therapy via telehealth. Please feel free to call me and briefly discuss your issues at 301-765-9475.
(386) 649-2385 View (386) 649-2385
Photo of Brianna Kegelman, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Brianna Kegelman
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Hi there, Congrats on making it to this step! Looking into therapy can be overwhelming, whether it is your first time or your familiar with it. You may think, is this really for me? I am here to tell you that you are not alone in this journey. I believe therapy is for anyone and everyone. Whether you are going through a crisis or not, having someone unbiased to talk to can help. You have to find the right fit and I hope I can be that, but if not I would love to provide you with other resources. I believe in making therapy an accepting and safe place that provides compassion, honesty, and focusing on Progress rather than Perfection.
Hi there, Congrats on making it to this step! Looking into therapy can be overwhelming, whether it is your first time or your familiar with it. You may think, is this really for me? I am here to tell you that you are not alone in this journey. I believe therapy is for anyone and everyone. Whether you are going through a crisis or not, having someone unbiased to talk to can help. You have to find the right fit and I hope I can be that, but if not I would love to provide you with other resources. I believe in making therapy an accepting and safe place that provides compassion, honesty, and focusing on Progress rather than Perfection.
(407) 479-8813 View (407) 479-8813
Photo of Ernie Reilly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Altamonte Springs, FL
Ernie Reilly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Dr. Reilly is a Licensed Therapist, Child Therapist, Play Therapist, Adolescent Counselor, Adult Counselor, Family Therapist, Co-parent Counselor, Parent Coach, Sports Therapist, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Parent Coordinator, Life Coach, & Marriage & Couple's Counselor. For over 20 years he has put his extensive clinical expertise & warm friendly approach towards treating: Children, adults, couples, & families. In addition to having a thriving private practice, Dr. Reilly has taught graduate school at UCF, presents locally and nationally on mental health, has supervised treatment programs for Arnold Palmer Hospital & has won the Central Florida Victim Services Award for mental health treatment. .
Dr. Reilly is a Licensed Therapist, Child Therapist, Play Therapist, Adolescent Counselor, Adult Counselor, Family Therapist, Co-parent Counselor, Parent Coach, Sports Therapist, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Parent Coordinator, Life Coach, & Marriage & Couple's Counselor. For over 20 years he has put his extensive clinical expertise & warm friendly approach towards treating: Children, adults, couples, & families. In addition to having a thriving private practice, Dr. Reilly has taught graduate school at UCF, presents locally and nationally on mental health, has supervised treatment programs for Arnold Palmer Hospital & has won the Central Florida Victim Services Award for mental health treatment. .
(407) 258-1846 View (407) 258-1846
Photo of Abbe Barclay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Altamonte Springs, FL
Abbe Barclay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Welcome. I specialize in working with sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, and rebuilding your couple-ship following a betrayal. Although I hold a specialty in treating sexual addiction, I treat general marital, and individual issues regularly. Are you keeping sexual secrets from someone you love, or has someone you love betrayed you?. I work with infidelity, communication problems, conflict resolution, divorce, codependency, depression, anxiety,& very importantly, healing trauma. In working through any life challenge,it can be hard. I offer a safe,nuturing place to guide you on your healing journey.. CPTT and CSAT credentials.
Welcome. I specialize in working with sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, and rebuilding your couple-ship following a betrayal. Although I hold a specialty in treating sexual addiction, I treat general marital, and individual issues regularly. Are you keeping sexual secrets from someone you love, or has someone you love betrayed you?. I work with infidelity, communication problems, conflict resolution, divorce, codependency, depression, anxiety,& very importantly, healing trauma. In working through any life challenge,it can be hard. I offer a safe,nuturing place to guide you on your healing journey.. CPTT and CSAT credentials.
(407) 901-3432 View (407) 901-3432

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of William Carmody, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
William Carmody
Counselor, MEd, EdS, MBA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751
Do you feel empty? Hopeless? Do you feel as though your alone on a journey that never seems to end? Is your life a black hole that you just can't fill? You are not alone! I understand the loss of hope. I understand the pain and lonliness can be too great to bear. The great news is that you can move past this place to restore your physical, emotional and spiritual health! I believe in you! I believe that whatever pains you may be suffering, whatever heartache you may feeling, that you are bigger than your pain and suffering.
Do you feel empty? Hopeless? Do you feel as though your alone on a journey that never seems to end? Is your life a black hole that you just can't fill? You are not alone! I understand the loss of hope. I understand the pain and lonliness can be too great to bear. The great news is that you can move past this place to restore your physical, emotional and spiritual health! I believe in you! I believe that whatever pains you may be suffering, whatever heartache you may feeling, that you are bigger than your pain and suffering.
(407) 501-8416 View (407) 501-8416
Photo of Sara Arter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Altamonte Springs, FL
Sara Arter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751
** Now accepting new clients in person or via telehealth! ** I’m passionate about connecting with others in a meaningful way, sharing their challenges and successes. I view therapy less about giving advice and more about listening, understanding, and problem solving together. I specialize in working with children, tweens, teens, young adults (college) and pre and postpartum moms.
** Now accepting new clients in person or via telehealth! ** I’m passionate about connecting with others in a meaningful way, sharing their challenges and successes. I view therapy less about giving advice and more about listening, understanding, and problem solving together. I specialize in working with children, tweens, teens, young adults (college) and pre and postpartum moms.
(941) 732-9750 View (941) 732-9750
Photo of Heidi M. Jackson, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Heidi M. Jackson
Counselor, PhD, LMHC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751
Specialist for children, teens, adults, couples, & families in the areas of Trauma, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Adjustments, Navigating Legal Stressors, Navigating Stressors of Chronic Medical Issues, & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ADD/ADHD, Asperger's/Autism, etc.). Board Certified Sex Therapist helping couples navigating trauma, sexual, medical, intimacy, and communication challenges. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, EMDR Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Juvenile & Adult Forensic Evaluator, Qualified Parent Coordinator, and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, County Court, and Appellate Mediator.
Specialist for children, teens, adults, couples, & families in the areas of Trauma, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Adjustments, Navigating Legal Stressors, Navigating Stressors of Chronic Medical Issues, & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ADD/ADHD, Asperger's/Autism, etc.). Board Certified Sex Therapist helping couples navigating trauma, sexual, medical, intimacy, and communication challenges. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, EMDR Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Juvenile & Adult Forensic Evaluator, Qualified Parent Coordinator, and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, County Court, and Appellate Mediator.
(321) 247-9381 View (321) 247-9381
Photo of Addie Leibin, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Addie Leibin
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751  (Online Only)
Like bits of colored glass in a kaleidoscope, each member of a family contributes their own unique shape and style to the family pattern. I help families, couples and individuals work towards resolving issues by speaking to their wellness, and building the strengths they need to resolve the issues. I help sharpen the focus to "help the pieces fall into place". Using a cognitive approach, I customized it to speak the language of the client to help communication.
Like bits of colored glass in a kaleidoscope, each member of a family contributes their own unique shape and style to the family pattern. I help families, couples and individuals work towards resolving issues by speaking to their wellness, and building the strengths they need to resolve the issues. I help sharpen the focus to "help the pieces fall into place". Using a cognitive approach, I customized it to speak the language of the client to help communication.
(407) 539-0828 View (407) 539-0828
Photo of Stephanie Gutierrez, Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL
Stephanie Gutierrez
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Longwood, FL 32779
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be dysfunctional and although many of us learn how to function in this dysfunction there are times where it may become too much to walk in alone. Your life seems filled with constant thoughts of "I should have: said that differently, told them how I felt, spoke up for myself". You struggle with fears of judgment and expectations. Somedays it may seem like an impossible mission to get out of bed, shower, feed yourself or socialize with others. You struggle with persistent irrational thoughts that you are aware of but can't seem to make them stop.
Life can be dysfunctional and although many of us learn how to function in this dysfunction there are times where it may become too much to walk in alone. Your life seems filled with constant thoughts of "I should have: said that differently, told them how I felt, spoke up for myself". You struggle with fears of judgment and expectations. Somedays it may seem like an impossible mission to get out of bed, shower, feed yourself or socialize with others. You struggle with persistent irrational thoughts that you are aware of but can't seem to make them stop.
(407) 305-3160 View (407) 305-3160
Photo of Counseling Specialists of Central Florida in Altamonte Springs, FL
Counseling Specialists of Central Florida
Trauma, Anxiety, ADD, ADHD, Grief, Autism
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751
We specialize in helping children, teens, adults, couples, & families overcome trauma (including PTSD, grief/loss, victim/witness recovery); anxiety (including OCD, panic, phobias); depression; self-harm; educational & homeschool challenges; neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADD/ADHD, Asperger's/ASD); pre-marital & marital counseling; sexual & intimacy issues; pregnancy-related challenges; medical diagnoses (including debilitating, chronic, terminal illnesses); separation/single parenting/co-parenting challenges; divorce recovery; blended family challenges; legal stressors; eldercare stressors; & life adjustments.
We specialize in helping children, teens, adults, couples, & families overcome trauma (including PTSD, grief/loss, victim/witness recovery); anxiety (including OCD, panic, phobias); depression; self-harm; educational & homeschool challenges; neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADD/ADHD, Asperger's/ASD); pre-marital & marital counseling; sexual & intimacy issues; pregnancy-related challenges; medical diagnoses (including debilitating, chronic, terminal illnesses); separation/single parenting/co-parenting challenges; divorce recovery; blended family challenges; legal stressors; eldercare stressors; & life adjustments.
(321) 517-0894 View (321) 517-0894
Photo of Christina Sparks, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Altamonte Springs, FL
Christina Sparks
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, RMHCI, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Longwood, FL 32750
Welcome! I am committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for your journey of exploration and healing. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, my therapy offers a safe and affirming space to navigate issues of identity, relationships, and self-acceptance. Additionally, I recognize the impact of religious beliefs and experiences and provide a compassionate environment to heal from past wounds, empowering you to reclaim agency over your spirituality.
Welcome! I am committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for your journey of exploration and healing. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, my therapy offers a safe and affirming space to navigate issues of identity, relationships, and self-acceptance. Additionally, I recognize the impact of religious beliefs and experiences and provide a compassionate environment to heal from past wounds, empowering you to reclaim agency over your spirituality.
(407) 612-2596 View (407) 612-2596

See more therapy options for Altamonte Springs

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.