Therapists in 93534

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PhD

Verified Verified

Childcare is provided during your session. Bring the kids to spend time at our Kid's Room, while you get treatment from our therapists. All of our therapists hold a minimum of a master's degree in a psychology-related field that qualifies them with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide counseling/therapy in California. Sessions are available in-person as well as online via telehealth. We are accepting new clients now and can get you an appointment within 2-3 days. Open every day apart from Sundays, from 10:30 AM to late evening.

(661) 485-3456 View (661) 485-3456

Merla A Huntley

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CHT, CCTP, CEPT

Verified Verified

Lancaster, CA 93534

Waitlist for new clients

There is no better feeling than knowing someone is or has worked through there issues and feeling that life is making them smile and laugh again. I strive to assist my clients to find their way through the "drama and darkness" no matter how old they are or what problems they present. Together we work through the issues that bind them and help them to walk a path to find happiness and a healthy life thus my company name "Life Steps." Please know this is not easy work but I take these steps with you at a pace that fits for you. My treatment is not for those who want to be in therapy "long term." I want clients to be on their way!

(661) 510-7093 View (661) 510-7093

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Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for 93534

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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can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss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.