About My Practice
As a profession we have grown so much in our understanding of the implications and repercussions of adopting for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents. I am proud to be a part of that movement and have dedicated my practice to serving the needs of the community of adoption by offering clinical treatment, advocacy for openness and understanding, education and training for families and professionals.
My goal is to serve, educate and empower those whose lives have been touched by domestic adoption and foster care as well as individuals brought together through transracial and international adoption, gay and lesbian adoptive parent families, single parent families, grandparent and step parent families.
To offer consultation to therapists, private and public agencies, schools, residential treatment centers, lawyers, courts and others professionals who work with families touched by adoption and who benefit from understanding the developmental issues inherent for all adoption families will always be my privilege.
There is a candle in your heart,
ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul,
ready to be filled. You feel it, don’t you?
~Rumi
Services Available:
Individual and Conjoint Therapy
Ongoing therapy is offered to individuals, couples, families and children who lives have been touched by adoption.
Group Therapy
Group size is limited in order to facilitate a warm, caring environment. It is both economical and an ideal place to learn that your experiences and feelings are similar to others. The following small groups are available:
* Play N Work Group for Tweens for young adoptees and my
*Teen Rap Groups have been successful in helping kids who are feeling isolated with their adoption issues. Exposure to other adoptees while in the presence of an experienced group therapist provides an opportunity for personal growth and a safe environment to understand that their experiences are common amongst their adopted peers. Meets for eight weeks during the summer months.
*Adoptive Parent Support Group. This ongoing group explores common issues for parents and families. Meets monthly.
*Prospective Adoptive Parent Group is designed to assist couples and individuals who are choosing or may be considering adoption as an option. Meets monthly.
*Search And Reunion Group for Adult Adoptees and Birthparents meets monthly to support the search process for adult adoptees and birthparents.
Groups are extremely economical at
$35 for individuals and $50 for couples
and research reveals it to be just as effective
as individual therapy!
Providing Information, Education and Support for All Members of the Adoption Triad and Related Professionals Including:
Competency Evaluations for Attorneys and Court
Infertility Counseling
Relinquishment Counseling for Birthmothers
Individualized Search And Reunion Assistance
Helping Prospective Adoptive Parents Navigate The Adoption Process
Bonding And Attachment Diagnosis and Assistance
Foster Parent Support and Education
Parenting Support for Adoptive parents
Pre/Post Adoption Services
Guest speaking, Teaching and Consultation
For more information and a free phone consultation,
Contact Dr. Carlis at
818-713-0508