Adoption Issues
Families going through the adoption process face unique challenges. Navigating the emotional, logistical and legal impacts can be tough for all family members. Depending on their role within the family, adoption may trigger feelings of loss, rejection, guilt, grief and shame. The adopted child may have a hard time adjusting to their new circumstances and may experience symptoms of trauma, PTSD or develop an attachment disorder. A therapist who specializes in adoption issues will be well-versed in the issues that adoptive families face. Seeing a qualified professional, even before concerns arise, can help adoptive (and foster) families to ease the transition during this exciting time.
Local experts in Adoption Issues
Shantee Mayfield (She/Her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
PhD, LPC, MFT
If you know of anyone caring for a child with a traumatic history, don’t hesitate to recommend Center of Cultivating Parents services today. We welcome the opportunity to provide caregivers with mental health professionals and resources equipped to help children or teens heal. This is a fight no foster child or parent should weather alone.
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Kaysey Crump (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW, PMH-C
Many people choose to become parents or grow their families through adoption or foster care. In 2017 I received a postgraduate certificate in Adoptive & Foster Family Therapy through Portland State University. I spent many years working with youth and families in the foster care system, and I love helping families navigate the complexities involved in adoption and foster care. If you would like to explore whether these paths are right for you, or you have already grown your family through adopt
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Erin Webb
Licensed Art Therapist
LPC, ATR
I have a passion for helping adopted and foster youth with healing, setting healthy boundaries, developing healthy coping skills and accessing self-compassion. For many years, I have supported families through crises and with understanding and addressing the effects of developmental trauma.
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MereAnn Reid
Licensed Professional Counselor
Registered Play Therapist, Certified Adoption Therapist
I'm certified in therapy with foster & adoptive families. My experience includes supporting early trauma, attachment, grief & loss, child development, and complex family histories. I'm familiar with all types of adoption, often work with prospective adoptive parents, support transracial families, and help navigate post-adoption dynamics. I enjoy working with birth/first parents, particularly through the grief of relinquishment and providing support during search + reunion.
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Sarabeth Casey, LPC (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC, NBCC
I completed the Adoptive & Foster Family post-graduate certificate program, a collaboration between DHS and PSU, in 2018. More info can be found: https://www.orparc.org/
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Bethany Ingram (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW
The experience of adoption and/or foster care presents unique grief/loss and identity issues into adulthood. I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults who are adopted or have experienced foster care, and I have been certified in Foster and Adoptive Family therapy through Portland State University’s child welfare partnership.
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Lara D'Amore
Licensed Professional Counselor
Children who have experienced trauma or disrupted attachment may have unique vulnerabilities or behavioral challenges. I work to support families with understanding and responding to their child's needs through a trauma-informed lens. I have completed certification training on Family Therapy for Foster and Adoption, provided by PSU and DHS.
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