Adoption Focused Therapy
a lifelong journey that leads to integration, self-acceptance, and a deeper understanding
HOLISTIC PRACTICE
PHILOSOPHY
I specialize in supporting adults and teens navigating life experiences related to adoption. Adoption-related trauma is a profound and uniquely personal journey that can deeply affect an adoptee’s sense of identity. It often surfaces as grief, identity confusion, a sense of not belonging, and difficulties in complex relationships. As an adoptee myself, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our sessions, recognizing the emotional, psychological, and relational dynamics that can arise in adoption.
The adoption constellation experience impacts the adoptee, the adoptive parent, and the birth parent. Each individual can suffer loss: for the birth parent, it is the loss of watching their child grow; for the adoptive parent, it can be infertility grief; and for the adoptee, it is the loss of the unknown. This is known as ambiguous loss, one of the most complex and challenging forms of grief. For those who are adopted, this loss begins in early childhood, often before their sense of identity has had the chance to fully develop.
My approach to therapy focuses on providing a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental space. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. I am committed to supporting you on your journey of healing, helping you navigate life’s challenges, and working together to create a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Can you relate to any of these?
Seven Core Issues of Adoption
The most effective therapists and experts are those who recognize the seven core issues of adoption and understand that these challenges often resurface in the lives of every member of the adoption triad.
Loss: Adopted children may mourn the loss of their birth parents, even if they are happy in their adoptive families. This sense of loss can become especially pronounced during key developmental stages, such as adolescence or young adulthood.
Rejection: Adopted children may struggle with feelings of rejection by their birth parents. As a result, they might avoid situations where they could face rejection or subconsciously provoke others to reject them, seeking validation for their negative self-perceptions.
Guilt/Shame: Many adopted children internalize the belief that there is something inherently wrong with them or that they somehow deserved to be separated from their birth parents, leading to feelings of guilt and shame.
Grief: The absence of a formal ritual to mourn the loss of a birth parent can leave adopted children with unresolved or delayed grief. This can manifest in depression, substance abuse, or even aggressive behaviors.
Identity: Adopted children may struggle with feelings of incompleteness, particularly regarding their genetic and family history, leaving them unsure of their identity.
Intimacy: Adopted children, especially those with multiple placements or histories of trauma, can have difficulty forming close, intimate bonds with their new family members. Early life experiences may hinder their ability to trust and connect emotionally.
Mastery and Control: Some adopted children engage in power struggles with their adoptive parents or authority figures, often as a way to regain control over the circumstances of their adoption and the loss they experienced.
Sharon Kaplan Roszia and Deborah Silverstein, 1982
My Practice
My Experience with Teens
I am a licensed therapist in both New York and New Jersey, offering HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions with evening and weekend availability. I work with adults and children ages 10 and up.
I'm in-network with: Horizon Blue Cross of NJ, Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross of NY (Empire), Quest, Carelon Behavioral Health, Virtual BCBS of PA and Mass. To keep things simple and stress-free, I use Headway to manage billing and insurance. They handle all the logistics so you can focus fully on your therapy. Reach out for more information.
For clients not using insurance, my fee is $170 for a 55-minute session.
With over twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist in specialized school settings, I have a deep understanding of the unique therapeutic needs of teens—particularly those with learning differences and IEPs. My background also includes work in specialized foster care, conducting adoption home studies, and supporting families navigating complex relational dynamics. I work with individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and challenges in relationships.
For adoptees, even everyday moments—like school assignments about family trees, cultural heritage, or family traditions—can feel unexpectedly isolating. These experiences often bring a quiet sense of uncertainty and the ache of not knowing how to share your story. As a therapist, I understand how tender these moments can be. I offer a space where your experience is honored and your story can unfold—without pressure, without explanation, and just as it is.
Certifications and Licensure
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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NJ State License Number: 44SC05282900
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NY State License Number: 056811-R
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Certificate Program in Adoption - Rutgers
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Certificate of Clinical Supervision -Rutgers
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Certified School Social Worker (New Jersey)
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TF CBT Trained
I possess certification from Rutgers University to provide clinical supervision for masters level therapists. This includes case consultation for those pursuing their LCSW in New Jersey. Call for fee structure.
Your Next Step
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s a courageous and meaningful decision for your well-being and personal growth. I offer a compassionate, warm, and supportive space where we can begin our collaboration. Together, we’ll empower you to build a new narrative for your future with confidence and clarity.
Please feel free to reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if my approach feels like a good fit for you. I look forward to connecting with you.
Embrace the complexities of your adoption story, as painful as they may be, and know that it’s okay to seek support at any stage of your journey.
Through my years of experience, I’ve come to understand that true adoption competence as a therapist goes far beyond having the right knowledge or specialized skills. It means deeply recognizing—and thoughtfully addressing—the unique emotional and psychological challenges adoptees may face throughout their lifelong adoption journey
GET IN TOUCH
Set up a time for a 15 min complimentary call for us to meet. I am ready to hear your story.
Tel: 917-414-3576