Do you know of an adoption-competent therapist near me?

Here are some UK adoptee therapists we know about*:

Adoptee therapists/counsellors

  • Gilli Bruce - Warrington

    Adoptee, adoption researcher, therapeutic integrative counsellor, coach, training consultant and retreat host working across the adoption triad and specialising in supporting adoptees. gillianbruce69@gmail.com

  • Emma Groves - East Berkshire

    My name is Emma and I am an adoptee in East Berkshire. I am a qualified Integrative Counselling Therapist (BACP registered) and I am passionate about supporting fellow adult adoptees. Book a free 15-min chat. 

    Emma@evolve-well.co.uk

    www.evolve-well.co.uk

  • Alison Knight - Luton

    Adoption-competent and an adoptee. I will support you to make sense of your feelings and I will work at your pace, dealing with the matters that are most important to you.

    www.alisonknightcounselling.co.uk

    07551 746915 

    akcounsellor@icloud.com

  • Geordie Gronn (she/her) - South West London/Surrey

    I am an integrative counsellor and adult adoptee. My work is grounded in person-centred therapy, offering a warm, judgement-free space to explore identity, relationships and whatever feels hard to hold on your own. 


    My own experience of adoption shapes my understanding of the complexities around belonging, loss and self-worth. I am autism and ADHD-informed in my practice, and a registered member of the BACP and MBACP.


    07572282119
    geordiegronn@icloud.com 
    www.geordiegronn.com

  • Mary Fish - Brighton

    Adoptee and integrative counsellor therapist (BACP registered), trained in working with adopted adults.  Based in Brighton I offer face to face and on-line appointments. I work creatively, collaborating with you, supporting you in a safe space.

    07405191767

    mfishcounselling@gmail.com

  • Jackie Paterson - Worcestershire and Birmingham

    As an adoptee myself when I qualified as a therapist I wanted to give support to adoptees, which is something I didn’t have myself unfortunately until later in life, so I then had further training to qualify as an adoption therapist.

    I’m registered with BACP and have additional experience and qualifications as a life coach which enables me to offer  an integrative approach to therapy and support as required.

    I work with young people, individuals and couples generally face to face but do also offer on line and am based on the border of Worcestershire and Birmingham.

    JackieApaterson@btinternet.com

    07472656748

  • Marion Tasker - East Sussex

    BACP-accredited person-centred counsellor, supervisor and adoptee. I offer face to face counselling in East Sussex or online. I have a background in the arts and integrate this into my practice. I recently trained in EMDR. Please contact me for an initial free 15min consultation.

    Marion@calmjourney.co.uk

    www.calmjourney.co.uk

  • Nele Low - South Wales

    I am a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health. Through BLISSS Therapy, I provide a safe, compassionate space for adults navigating life transitions, identity questions, and emotional challenges.


    One of my core areas of expertise is working with adult adoptees. As an adoptee myself, I bring both professional insight and personal understanding to this work. Adoption is not only a childhood experience; it is a lifelong journey. Many adults face renewed questions around identity, belonging, and grief at different life stages. I work face-to-face in South Wales and online worldwide. 

    Nele@blisss-healing.com

    blisss-healing.com

  • Dr Carol Sadler - Wirral

  • Jamie Lumley - North East Scotland

    Person-centred therapist based in North East Scotland. MBACP and NCPS accredited. Working in person and online. Trained with Gilli Bruce and PAC-UK in Working with Adopted Adults. Jamie is not adopted.

    lumleycounselling@gmail.com

    http://counsellingmoray.co.uk

  • David Robert Goodall, BA (Hons) - Nottingham

    Person Centred Counsellor. Humanistic Counselling. Power of Clearing Life Coach. Therapeutic Gardener. BACP registered member. Certified Supervisor: 7-Eyed Model. I create a world of passion and authenticity by being awake, alive and in my heart.

    http://www.wildmantalking.com

    07897 232 920

  • Dianne Bailey - North East Scotland

    I offer adoption counselling for adopted adults, providing a warm, person-centred space to explore identity, relationships and the complexities that can arise through life experiences. I have been in private practice for four years, supporting clients with empathy, respect and a deep belief in each person's capacity for growth.

    While I am not adopted myself, I bring lived experience of not being raised by my birth mother or maternal family. This helps me hold an understanding of the emotional nuances that can come with separation, loss and reconnection. 

    Based in North East Scotland on the Moray coast, I offer both face- to- face and online therapy sessions, creating a supportive and flexible environment where you can talk openly at your own pace. Trained with Gilli Bruce and PAC-UK in Working with Adopted Adults. Dianne is not adopted.

    diannebaileycounselling.co.uk

    dianne@diannebaileycounselling.co.uk

  • Jan Lesley Shine - Bletchley, Milton Keynes

    An adoptee and person-centred therapist. I am qualified to provide specialist therapeutic counselling for adoption issues, and have also worked as an adoption intermediary for 20 years. 

    https://janlesleycounselling.co.uk/

  • Tia Terefe, MA - London

    Art psychotherapist based in London. Central to her art psychotherapy practice is to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to enable clients to engage in the creative process.

    www.thearttherapyagency.co.uk/tia-terefe

    tiaterefe@gmail.com

  • Freddie Louise Bicker - Windsor

    BSc (Hons) MBACP Humanistic-Integrative counsellor. I’m dedicated to supporting adult adoptees. As an adoptee myself, I bring rare compassion, and insight to those navigating identity, loss, and the search for belonging. 

    I offer online and phone counselling.  Face to face counselling in Windsor.

    www.freddielouisebicker.co.uk

    freddielouisebicker22@outlook.com 

    07830 052236

  • Nicky Harris - West Midlands

    I am an integrative counsellor with a master's degree and a level 7 practising certificate in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy; I'm also an adoptee (1970) who lives in the West Midlands. I offer remote and in person sessions. 

    Nickyharriscounselling.com 

    Nhcounselling@outlook.com 

    07494 491660

  • Anita Fitzsimmons - Northern Ireland

    I'm an integrative counsellor in Northern Ireland supporting adult adoptees and care-experienced individuals. My counselling is adoption-focused, offering a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your experience, make sense of what has happened, and strengthen your sense of identity. 

    As a care-experienced adoptee myself, I understand how adoption can shape every stage of life. My lived experience gives me a unique perspective and a deep empathy for the challenges adoptees and care-experienced people often face. 

    aeafitzsimmons@hotmail.com

  • David Benjamin - Teesside and the North-East

    An adoptee, therapist and EMDR practitioner. 

    www.davidbenjamintherapy.com

  • Melissa Lomas - South Yorkshire

    Adult adoption support counsellor, trained with the Albany Centre and Barnardo's Link, Person-centered counsellor, yoga teacher and creative. Offering face-to-face and online appointments. Melissa is not adopted.

    info@melissalomas.co.uk

    https://melissalomas.co.uk/counselling/ 

    07853817888

  • Gaiena Stead - Leeds

    I am an adoption-informed therapist with over 15 years of working in the field of adoption. I understand the adoption process from all perspectives being mindful of the impact adoption has on adopted people, birth parents and adopters. Gaiena is not adopted.

    07364112550

    steadgaiena@gmail.com

  • Celia Stewart - Bristol

    Adoptee, Counsellor (MNCPS Acc.), Advanced Practitioner (Addiction Professionals), Bach Flower Practitioner/Tutor (BFRP).

    celiaastewart@gmail.com

  • Diane Pedder - Leeds

    An adoptee and qualified counsellor, registered with BACP. I hold an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling from the University of Leeds and my research was a study of my personal history and the impact of adoption. I am based in Leeds but am able to work with adults throughout the UK online.

    dipeddercounselling@icloud.com

  • Mary Fish - Brighton

    I am an Integrative Counsellor Therapist (BACP registered), trained in working with adopted adults and an adoptee. Based in Brighton I offer face-to-face and online appointments. I work creatively, collaborating with you, supporting you in a safe space.

    07405191767

    mfishcounselling@gmail.com

  • Louise Gordon - Stratford-upon-Avon

    I am an Integrative counsellor with a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in CBT. I am based in Stratford-upon-Avon and offer in-person, telephone and online appointments. 

    louise@ljcounselling.co.uk

    07407624026

Please mention How To Be Adopted when you get in touch with the therapist.

You can also contact PAC-UK and Barnardo’s.

As of December 18th 2023 adoptees can choose any counsellor, even if they’re not registered with Ofsted. It’s always worth checking what experience they have with adopted people. If in doubt, ask for a recommendation. 

*Disclaimer: Please recognise that How To Be Adopted cannot legally recommend anyone’s services or be responsible for any outcome. Always do your due diligence.

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