Adoption Therapy 

Navigating the Complexities of Adoption Together

Adoption is a lifelong journey and deeply impacts all members of the adoption triad in unique ways.

Our therapeutic services are designed to support all members of the adoptive triad. Whether you are an adoptive parent, birth parent, or adoptee, we provide a safe space to explore your feelings, address challenges, and promote healing.

See our detailed brochure about adoption therapy.

What Exactly Is Adoption Therapy?

Adoption-competent therapy is a specialized form of therapy tailored to the specific needs of individuals and families impacted by adoption. The goal is to provide a supportive and understanding environment to explore and process unique experiences, develop coping strategies, strengthen relationships, and ultimately thrive. Various challenges can arise at different phases of life for members of the adoption triad and adoption therapy can help ease the journey. Identity exploration, attachment, grief and loss, relationship dynamics, search and reunion, and navigating open adoption relationships effectively are some of the common focal points of therapy.

While other therapists may be able to help in some ways, adoption-competent therapists are mental health professionals who have specific training and expertise on the nuances of adoption-related issues. They understand the unique dynamics and challenges that members of the adoption triad may face throughout life.

Benefits of Adoption-Competent Therapy

Just as with other therapies, the benefits from person to person can vary. However, by addressing areas of challenge created by the complexities of adoption, adoption-competent therapy can help promote healing, understanding, and enhance emotional well-being for individuals and families.

Commonly Reported Benefits Include:

  • Validation and understanding
  • Emotional processing and healing
  • Stronger sense of identity
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Support during major life transitions
  • Better communication skills
  • Healthier relationships
  • Assistance with attachment and bonding
  • Guidance through the search and reunion process

About Our Services

Adoptions From The Heart is now offering adoption-competent therapeutic services. Our adoption-competent therapists are available to provide telehealth (remote) individual and family therapy.

As of now, we are only accepting clients residing in Pennsylvania however, we hope to continue expanding our services to other states in the future. We are currently accepting new patients of all ages who have been impacted by adoption. Our services are self-pay as we are not accepting insurance at this time.

Next Steps

The first step can sometimes be the hardest but are often also the most important. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our adoption-competent therapists to learn more.

Meet Our Therapist 

A word from Cicely Rendleman 

Cicely Rendleman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is a certified adoption-competent therapist based in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Meet Cicely, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Greater Philadelphia region. With over 15 years of experience assisting individuals and families, Cicely earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University and subsequently obtained her licensure in Pennsylvania. Her expertise encompasses working with individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors.

Cicely’s professional experience encompasses diverse areas, including child welfare, education, medical and working with seniors. Additionally, she has honed her skills in providing interventions for mental health and behavioral health concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief and parent coaching.

For a decade, Cicely worked as a dedicated full-time Adoption Specialist, facilitating the successful placement of children in their permanent homes. Her extensive experience has provided her with a profound understanding of the adoption process, enabling her to create a safe and comfortable environment for clients to express their emotions. Cicely’s therapeutic approach emphasizes empathetic communication, active listening, and feedback, while simultaneously establishing a strong therapeutic bond with her clients.

In her leisure time, Cicely nurtures her passion for feline companionship and embarks on solo adventures, exploring new destinations as a beginner traveler. She also enjoys visiting museums and embracing the thrill of novel experiences.

“My approach to therapy is grounded in active listening, empathic communication and reliability. By working with individuals and families formed through adoption, I learned and developed practices to help individuals understand their issues, develop skills and heal to move forward. I invite you to reach out to me so we can schedule a free 15-minute consultation.”

Learn more about specific challenges and concerns adoption therapy can help with.

Expanding AFTH’s Services with Adoption Competent Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Adoption therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and experiences of individuals involved in the adoption process. The goal is to assist adoptive families, birth parents, and adoptees navigate the unique challenges and emotions related to adoption. Therapists in this field have specialized training and experience in adoption-related issues, providing targeted support and understanding.

Yes, adoption therapy is confidential. Therapists adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. Information shared in sessions will not be disclosed without your consent, except in cases where there is a legal obligation to do so.

Our therapists are licensed professionals with specialized training in adoption-related issues. They have extensive experience working with adoptive families, birth parents, and adoptees, and are committed to providing compassionate and effective support. Learn more about our therapist  who is a licensed clinical social worker and is a certified adoption-competent therapist.

Anyone whose life has been touched by adoption could potentially find benefits in adoption therapy. Adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees are all impacted by adoption in different ways and there is no one right way to process those impacts and navigate challenges along the way.

The duration and frequency of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some situations may benefit from short-term therapy, while others might require longer-term support. The therapist will work with you to develop a tailored plan for your individual needs.

Whether facing relationship challenges within the adoption triad or grappling with complex emotions tied to adoption, seeking adoption counseling is a valuable option. It’s similar to seeking counseling for any other emotional or relationship struggle but it’s tailored specifically to the unique dynamics of adoption.

There is no shame in seeking help. We are here to provide tools and help you navigate whatever you are experiencing. Adoption-related challenges can arise at different phases of life and therapy can assist and ease the struggles.

Common Reasons People Seek Help:

Adoptees…

  • who are struggling with complicated feelings and thoughts about their adoption
  • who would like support exploring their identity as well as complicated questions related to their adoption story and identity as it relates to their adoption
  • who are struggling with relationship issues related to adoption trauma
  • who are navigating search and reunion with their birth family
  • who would like help navigating relationships with their birth family

Adoptive Parents…

  • who would like help talking with their child and/or other family members about their child’s adoption story
  • who would like help navigating relationships with the child’s birth family
  • who would like help discussing their child’s questions about race and cultural identity
  • who wish to strengthen their bond and connection to their child

Birth Parents…

  • who have placed their child for adoption and would like support navigating complicated thoughts and feelings about their child’s adoption, grief/loss, trauma, relationships with their birth child and adoptive parents
  • who would like help navigating their open adoption relationship
  • who are beginning the search and reunion process

Contact Us