ABOUT STEVE SUNSETH, MSW, RSW

Adoptee & Adoption-Informed Therapist in Ontario

Warm, steady, trauma-informed psychotherapy for adult adoptees and adults who lived through childhood adversity.

Why I Do This Work

I became a therapist later in life, after decades of watching how early experiences shape people in ways they often don’t realize. Going back to school at age 50 to earn my BSW and MSW was one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made.

Why?
Because I’ve met so many people who grew up without the emotional safety, connection, or support they needed — and I wanted to create the kind of space they’ve always deserved.

Working with adult adoptees and adults who experienced childhood trauma or emotional neglect has become the heart of my practice. These are individuals who have often carried invisible wounds, unanswered questions, or quiet grief for decades. My role is to provide a steady, compassionate place where their story finally makes sense.

My Approach

Therapy with me is gentle, grounded, and unrushed. I don’t push. I don’t analyze you from a distance. I don’t expect you to perform or make sense of everything right away.

You can expect:

• A steady, calming presence

• A pace that feels manageable

• Deep respect for your lived experience

• Space for all parts of your story — the tender, the confused, the angry, the hopeful

• Emotional safety, without pressure or judgment

Together, we explore your patterns with compassion, not criticism. We look at how your early experiences shaped your sense of self, your relationships, and your internal world. We work slowly enough for your nervous system to feel safe and supported.

Whether we’re exploring adoption-related identity, unpacking the impacts of ACEs, or helping you build a more grounded relationship with yourself, the process is always collaborative and paced with care.

Who I Work With

As an adoption-informed therapist, I specialize in supporting:

Adult Adoptees

Who may be navigating:

• Identity and belonging questions

• Feelings of “not enough”

• Deep-rooted fears of abandonment

• Complicated family relationships

• Grief and anger around their story

Adults with Childhood Trauma or ACES

Including emotional neglect, chaotic or unpredictable homes, or early caregiving disruptions.

These are people who are often incredibly strong but exhausted. People who learned to adapt in ways that helped them survive — but now want to live more fully, more gently, and with more self-trust.

Credentials

• Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Registered Social Worker (RSW)

• Adoption-Informed Therapist 

• Specialized training in:

  • Trauma-informed and attachment-based therapy

  • Adoption-competent practice

  • Emotional regulation and nervous system stabilization

• Clinical work focused on adoptees and adults with histories of trauma or emotional neglect

(And if you’re someone who doesn’t care about credentials — that’s okay too. What matters most is how you feel in the room.)