Healing Journeys for Adult Adoptees
Begin Your Path to Understanding and Growth
Discover a supportive space dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by adult adoptees. Our specialized therapy is designed to help you navigate feelings of abandonment, identity struggles, and anxiety.
Understanding the Adoptee Experience
Steve Sunseth
Steve Sunseth is not only a registered social worker and therapist but also an adoptee who deeply understands the complexities of the adoptee experience. His personal journey informs his empathetic approach to therapy, allowing him to connect with clients on a profound level. Steve’s practice is dedicated to helping adult adoptees navigate their unique challenges, offering insights and strategies that foster healing and resilience.
Our Specialized Services
Anxiety Therapy for Adoptees
Trauma Recovery Sessions
Identity Exploration Counselling
Attachment-Based Therapy
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Reunion Support
Emotion Regulation Skills
Self-Esteem Enhancement
Interpersonal Relationship Support
Grief and Loss Counseling
Adoption Narrative Reconstruction
Stress Management Strategies
In-person or virtual sessions
Adoptee Support Groups
Relational, psychodynamic, cognitive, and somatic approaches
What Our Clients Say
“The therapy sessions have been transformative. I finally feel understood and supported in my journey as an adoptee.”
“Working with a therapist who is also an adoptee made all the difference. I felt an immediate connection and trust.”
“The Anxiety & Trauma Clinic of Ontario has given me tools to manage my anxiety and embrace my identity.”
Your Questions Answered
What can I expect in my first therapy session?
During your first session, we’ll discuss your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. It’s a safe space to share your story.
How is therapy tailored for adult adoptees?
We focus on unique adoptee experiences, such as identity issues and attachment concerns, using specialized therapeutic techniques.
Is it important that the therapist is an adoptee?
Many clients find comfort in knowing their therapist shares similar experiences, which can enhance empathy and understanding.
How long does therapy usually last?
Therapy duration varies based on individual needs, but many clients see progress within a few months of regular sessions.
Can therapy help with anxiety related to adoption?
Yes, our therapy is designed to address anxiety stemming from adoption-related issues, helping you develop coping strategies.
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous is normal. Our therapists create a welcoming environment to help ease your concerns and build trust.
Are there group therapy options available?
Yes, we occasionally offer support groups where adoptees can share experiences and support each other in a guided setting.
How do I know if therapy is working for me?
You’ll notice improvements in your emotional well-being, relationships, and self-awareness as therapy progresses.
What should I do if I have more questions?
Feel free to contact us directly. We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through the therapy process.
Adoption Blog
What Is Adoption Competent Therapy?
Adoption competent therapy is a specialized form of counselling that is tailored to address the specific and complex emotional, psychological, and identity-related issues that often accompany the experience of being adopted. Therapists who are adoption competent have...
Hello, my name was Michael
I have always known I was adopted, but it wasn’t until I was in my forties that I really began to understand the massive impact this had on my life. We never talked about it in my family; I knew that the reason I didn’t look like anyone else was that I had different...
Blame It All On My Roots
Sarah sat alone in her small apartment, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. It had been another long day at work, filled with fake smiles and forced interactions with her colleagues. She had never been good at making friends, always feeling like she was on...
Mental Health Matters: Addressing the Psychological Impact of Adoption on Adults
Rufus Bumblebottom was a man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. He had a quick wit and a penchant for making people laugh, but deep down he carried a heavy burden from his childhood. Rufus was adopted at a young age, after being relinquished by his birth...
Between Two Worlds: Balancing Birth and Adoptive Family Relationships
Michael had always been curious about his birth family. As an adult adoptee, he couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to know where he came from and who his biological parents were. Despite being raised by loving adoptive parents, the curiosity nagged at him, pushing...
Adoptees & Ambiguous Loss
Ambiguous loss is a type of loss that occurs when there is no clear resolution or closure to a situation, and it can lead to feelings of grief, confusion, and ambivalence. Childhood relinquishment can be ambiguous because the child may have lost their birth family and...
Why Adult Adoptees Need Alternatives to Traditional Psychotherapy.
If you are like me, you may have sought out psychotherapy or counselling in the past and found it ineffective, especially if you had not yet made the connection between your experience of relinquishment and your adult behaviour. For me, counsellors and psychologists...
Adoption is NOT the Trauma!
There is a lot that the adoption community has right, but there is one thing they have wrong. The blogs, the videos, the websites, and the books all refer to adoption as trauma. In my opinion, this is wrong (at least for most of us). Here’s my thinking; adoption...
Adoptee Mental Health
Discover insights into the unique mental health challenges faced by adoptees, including higher rates of depression and PTSD.Explore answers to frequently asked questions about the mental health issues experienced by adoptees.Adoptees may experience identity struggles...
Adoptee Substance Use
Explore the intersection of adoption and substance use, and discover pathways to healing and resilience.Our tailored therapy sessions focus on the unique needs of adoptees.Work with therapists who specialize in adoption-related challenges.Join a community that...
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Are you ready to take the first step towards healing? Our specialized therapy services are designed for adult adoptees, by an adoptee. Reach out now to learn how we can support your mental health journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your path to wellness.