Adoption Support

Adoption therapy offers specialist support for adopted and fostered children, young people, and their families who may be struggling with the emotional impact of early trauma, loss, or disrupted attachments. Many children carry experiences that shape how they see themselves and others — sometimes leading to anxiety, anger, mistrust, or difficulties in relationships and school. Early experiences can have a profound effect on a child’s development, relationships, and ability to self-regulate. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these experiences and supports both the child and family system to strengthen trust, communication, and connection. The aim isn’t to erase the past but to understand and integrate it — so relationships can grow with safety and warmth. I am an accredited provider of therapy through the Adoption Support Fund (ASF). I am registered with several Local Authorities across the region, which means I can help you access funded support and work closely with your social worker to ensure the right package of care for your family.

Individual Sessions

Each child is unique, and sessions are shaped around their emotional and developmental needs. Therapy helps them make sense of feelings, process early experiences, and feel safer and more connected.

Sessions may include:

  • Using art, play, or storytelling to express feelings
  • Exploring how early experiences affect emotions and behaviour
  • Building tools for emotional regulation
  • Strengthening confidence, identity, and self-esteem
  • Developing trust and connection in relationships
  • Reflecting on school or social challenges
  • Making sense of their life story and adoption journey

Parent­-Child and Family Sessions

These sessions focus on strengthening connection, trust, and understanding within the family. Together we explore what your child’s behaviours may be communicating and find new ways to connect and regulate.

Sessions may include:

  • Joint sessions to build attachment and co-regulation
  • Understanding behaviour through an attachment and trauma lens
  • Reflecting on parental stress, triggers, and patterns
  • Using PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to guide responses
  • Supporting sensory, emotional, and developmental needs
  • Liaising with schools and social care for joined-up support