HELP CENTER

Q: Why is adoption such a complex issue? A: Adoption involves a myriad of factors like language, loss, expectations, and family dynamics. Each child’s experience is unique, making it essential to approach adoptee-focused therapy with particular care, sensitivity, and consideration.

Q: Can any mental health professional effectively support my adopted child? A: While many are well-versed in mental health, not all understand the intricacies of adoption/foster care. It’s crucial to find someone with specific knowledge and experience in these areas of focus who an adoptee can trust to guide them through their adoptee identity development journey.

Q: What happens if my child sees a therapist who isn’t familiar with adoption issues? A: A poor match can lead to unproductive sessions, wasting time and resources. In the worst-case scenario, it could be fatally harmful through the misunderstanding of struggles or minimization of experiences.

Q: What should I look for in an adoption-competent mental health professional? A: They should understand core issues in adoption, trauma-focused therapy techniques, attachment theories, and the impact of grief and loss. This foundational knowledge is vital for effective support.

Q: What should I ask a mental health professional during the screening process? A: Consider asking: How much of your practice involves working with adoptees? What strategies/modalities do you use to help build attachment? How do you differentiate between typical developmental challenges and adoption- related issues? How do you incorporate birth families/culture into treatment? If in an open adoption - do you consider the inclusion of first family in treatment when appropriate? How do you speak to adoption/race with kids?

Look for professionals who acknowledge and address racial identity and systemic issues. Avoid those who promote “colorblindness” or ignore the importance of integrating birth culture or show indications of supporting the right to possess.

Personal experiences, like my own journey as an adoptee, have highlighted the gaps in knowledge that some professionals may have about understanding the experiences of adoptees and fosterees. Even respected experts can overlook key adoption-related issues, which can negatively affect the support they provide.

Q: What warning signs should I watch out for when choosing a therapist? Lack of Inquiry About Adoption: If a professional doesn’t ask further questions after you mention you or your child’s adoption; strong indication here that they may not understand the complexities of being an adoptee. Misunderstanding Adoption Experiences: Assuming that adoptees don’t face challenges if adopted at birth shows a lack of awareness about the many unique challenges or struggles they may encounter. Uniform Parenting Approach: Believing that adoptees should be or were fine to be raised exactly like biological children ignores the specific needs and backgrounds of adoptees. Refusal to Engage Parents: A therapist focused solely on young adoptees (up to the age of 13) without involving parents in the process may hinder effective collaboration and support. Overly Positive Views on Adoption: Speaking only positively about adoption or viewing adoptive parents as saviors can dismiss the nuanced realities of adoption, including the experiences of birth parents. Over-Diagnosis of Conditions: Labeling or being labeled with multiple diagnoses, particularly those like RAD or ADHD, without thorough evaluation can be concerning and may not reflect their true needs. Encouraging Isolation or Punishment: Hearing the promotion of isolation or punitive measures instead of attachment-friendly discipline is likely to harm the emotional well-being of an adoptee. Dismissing Pre-Verbal Trauma: Not believing in the impact of pre-verbal trauma or implicit memories suggests a lack of understanding of the effects of early experiences on adoptees.

I offer therapy focused on adoption/foster care and adoptee identity development as well as couples therapy. I enjoy working within the diversity of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Yes, I was adopted from Colombia and I am an adoptee-focused therapist, centering on adoptee voices and their adoptee identity development through their lived experiences; pre and post-adoption.

I don't practice out of state therapy, however, I can do coaching for out of state clients.

I am out of network with all insurance companies. Many clients are able to utilize their out-of-network benefits for counseling services and get reimbursed by their insurance company. I will provide you with a copy of a superbill which you can submit for possible reimbursement. I also encourage you to verify your out-of-network benefits prior to your session. If you have access to HRA/FSA/HAS funds, I accept those funds as forms of payment along with credit cards.

If you have landed here, you likely hold one of the following identities (Adoptive / Prospective Adoptive Parent(s), Foster / Prospective Foster Parent(s), and/or Counseling Professionals) and have an adoptee/fosteree in your life who is having interpersonal or self-identity issues that you do not fully understand in the context of their adoptee/fosteree identity; or you are a prospective adoptive/foster parent who wants to understand what the realities of adoption/foster care might be for you. I offer consultations for you to help you better understand these populations.