Adoption is a life-changing journey filled with moments of joy and complex emotions. Many adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families experience anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma that can impact their well-being. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns, process emotions, and develop coping strategies for long-term healing.

Adoption-focused counseling at the Gladney Center for Adoption’s Counseling Center provides a safe and supportive space to explore your identity, process emotions, and gain tools for personal growth. To make the most of your sessions, it’s essential to be proactive and engaged. Here are five ways to ensure your counseling journey is impactful and rewarding.

Adoption can bring a range of emotions for children. While some adjust easily, others may struggle with anxiety, grief, attachment issues, or behavioral challenges. Young adoptees, especially those with early trauma or foster care experiences, may find it difficult to put their feelings into words.

Adoption Impacts the Whole Family

Adoption is often portrayed as a joyful new beginning, but for many adoptees and birth parents, it also carries layers of loss, grief, and unresolved trauma. Experiences like early separation, disrupted attachment, or difficult adoption circumstances can leave an imprint that affects emotions, relationships, and self-perception long into adulthood.

Finding the right therapist is an important step in your healing journey. Whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive family, working with an adoption-informed therapist can make all the difference in how you process emotions, build resilience, and navigate relationships. But how do you know if a therapist is the right fit? Here are five key questions to ask before making your decision.

Adoption is a lifelong journey, and emotional well-being plays a crucial role in navigating its complexities. Whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive family, therapy can provide the support and tools needed to process emotions, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. The Gladney Center for Adoption’s Counseling Services offers a variety of specialized therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of the adoption community. Here are seven evidence-based approaches available to support your healing journey.

At the Gladney Center for Adoption, we believe that adoption is a lifelong journey—one that requires both understanding and support. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Caitlyn Ussery, LCSW-S, a highly skilled clinician who now serves in a leadership role guiding therapy team at Gladney Counseling Services.

Meet Robin Elkins, LPC: Healing Through Adoption with Sand Tray Therapy

At the Gladney Counseling Center, we know that healing from trauma, grief, and life’s challenges requires a unique approach for every individual. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Robin Elkins, LPC, a dedicated therapist who brings a specialized focus on Sandtray Therapy and trauma-informed care. With a passion for helping adoptive families, birth parents, and adoptees, Robin creates a safe, creative, and empowering space for healing.

Adoption is a lifelong journey, and while it brings love and connection, it can also come with emotional complexities. Whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive family, seeking counseling can be a powerful step toward healing, understanding, and growth. But how do you know when it’s the right time to start? Here are six key signs that counseling could help support you or your family.