Photo of Carolyn Russo, PhD, LMHC, Counselor in 98020, WA
Carolyn Russo, PhD, LMHC
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020  (Online Only)
Today you are one step closer to a new you who feels empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a client-centered counselor, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I am also a WA State Approved Supervisor.
Today you are one step closer to a new you who feels empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a client-centered counselor, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I am also a WA State Approved Supervisor.
(206) 823-1199 View (206) 823-1199
Photo of Tana Eng, Pre-Licensed Professional in 98020, WA
Tana Eng
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with clients looking to deepen their awareness of self and others in order to experience life with greater joy, authenticity, and meaning. To strengthen self-compassion when facing challenges and learn positive coping skills that expand one's choices to move through difficulties with greater resilience.
I work with clients looking to deepen their awareness of self and others in order to experience life with greater joy, authenticity, and meaning. To strengthen self-compassion when facing challenges and learn positive coping skills that expand one's choices to move through difficulties with greater resilience.
(206) 203-3422 View (206) 203-3422
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.