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

Esther Berg (She/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Professional MFT Registered Associate

I began my career working with adopted/foster/kinship families and have a strong foundation in working with attachment wounds/injuries.

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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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Sabrina Pyl (She/Her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC Registered Associate

I am an adoption-competent therapist who graduated from the accredited Training for Adoption Competency.

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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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Rebecca Flatt (She/Her)

Clinical Social Work Associate

I have researched adoption issues from the adoptee's standpoint and an adoptive parent's standpoint. As both an adult adoptee and an adoptive mother, I not only understand adoption from a clinical standpoint, but I have the lived experience of approaching adoptees with a fundamental understanding and empathy. I do not provide services for birth parents or adoptive parents at this time.

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Erin Webb

Licensed Art Therapist

LPC, ATR

I am experienced in supporting youth and families with challenges related to adoption. I have a passion for helping adopted and foster youth with healing, setting healthy boundaries, developing 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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Maria Villegas

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Many people have been touched by adoption in some form – either as a birthparent, adoptive parent, child, or extended family. I offer you space to explore your story and identify how it is impacting your relationships, your feelings of yourself, and your daily life. I can help you find a path that allows you to integrate your adoption experience into your life in a healthy and fulfilling way.

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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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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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