Therapy for ADOPTEES

Adoption is a lifelong experience that invites ongoing reflection on identity, loss, and connection. Whether you were adopted at birth, through the foster care system, or internationally, the process of becoming yourself can feel complex. As an adoptee and a therapist, I offer a space that is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to your healing.

Things we can work on in adoption-focused therapy:

• Healing from Adoption Trauma: Even in the absence of conscious memories, the trauma of separation, loss, and ruptured attachment can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system. These early wounds can show up as anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, difficulty trusting, or feeling like you’re "too much" or "not enough." In our work together, we use trauma-informed approaches to gently process what’s been carried in your body and mind—creating space for safety, regulation, and relief.

• Identity Exploration: For many adoptees, identity is a lifelong area of emergence. You might find yourself wondering where you come from, how you fit into your family or community, or what it means to belong. The arrival of new information about your birth story, biological family or culture can trigger big questions and awaken previously forgotten parts of self. Therapy can be a space to safely explore how adoption has shaped your sense of self and embody your identities in ways that feel right for you.

• Reconnection with Lineage and Ancestral Wisdom: For many adoptees, especially transracial and international adoptees, there’s a longing to connect not just with family, but with ancestral roots and the land those ancestors came from. This connection can be a powerful part of healing and self discovery. Therapy can support you in exploring your connection to land, cultural traditions and ancestors, deepening a sense of belonging and wholeness. 

• Search & Reunion Support: Searching for birth family or navigating reunion can bring up complicated feelings, and it is common to experience highs and lows throughout. Whether you’re preparing to search, currently in reunion, or coping with a reunion that didn’t go as hoped, therapy can be a stabilizing and supportive space.