Adoptee therapy and counselling - UK

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

Here are some UK adoptee therapists we know about*:

Therapists/counsellors

Gilli Bruce

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

gilli.bruce@virgin.net

Lara Leon

MSc (Psychotherapy) MBACP

YouTube: Lara Leon Adoption and Wellbeing

Jan Lesley Shine

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.

Emma Groves

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.


Alison Knight

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.

Dr Carol Sadler

Gaiena Stead (Not adopted)

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.

  • 07364112550

  • steadgaiena@gmail.com

Tia Terefe, MA

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.

Freddie Louise Bicker

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.

Nicky Harris

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

David Benjamin

An adoptee and therapist and EMDR practitioner: www.davidbenjamintherapy.com

Melissa Lomas (not adopted)

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. 

  • info@melissalomas.co.uk

  • 07853817888

Celia Stewart

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

  • celiaastewart@gmail.com

Diane Pedder

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

Louise Gordon

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

Coaches

Sara Shalloe

Adoptee offering heart-centred coaching for body, mind and spirit using a blend of several modalities and working with a person as a whole. International Coaching Federation accredited coach training but my main qualification and teaching, I see, has been life itself and my own healing. I also offer reiki.

Online and in-person based in Gloucestershire.

  • stshalloe@yahoo.co.uk 

Julia Ahrell

Caoch and specialist in neurodiversity, rather than adoption.

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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 (not adoptive parents!). If in doubt, ask for a recommendation.

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

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