Therapy for Adopted Children: How to Support Their Emotional Wellbeing in LA

Adoption is a beautiful thing, but it can come with challenges that many people don’t talk about. Some kids and teens feel loss or confusion about who they are, and that can show up in ways you might not expect—like withdrawing from friends, getting frustrated easily, or asking questions about their past that you don’t have answers for. That’s where having a professional who understands adoption can make a difference. In Los Angeles, a therapist for adopted teens in LA or a therapy for adopted children can give your child a safe space to explore their feelings and figure out how to handle them.

What It Feels Like at Home

Every child experiences adoption differently. You might notice your child suddenly getting quieter, struggling to talk about their feelings, or acting out in ways that feel new. These aren’t signs that you’ve done something wrong—they’re just part of processing big emotions. A trained adoptee therapist in Los Angeles can help children and teens work through these feelings without judgment. Sometimes that looks like talking, sometimes it’s drawing or creating, and sometimes it’s just having someone who listens and validates what they’re feeling.

Creative and Family Approaches

I often recommend art therapy for kids who find it hard to put words to their feelings. It’s amazing what a simple drawing or painting can reveal about how a child is coping. Other approaches, like attachment-based work or family sessions, help everyone understand each other better and build trust. Working with an adoption therapist in Los Angeles doesn’t just help kids—it can make a family feel stronger and more connected.

Supporting Your Child at Home

You don’t have to wait for therapy sessions to help your child feel supported. Some small things you can do include:
• Let them ask questions about adoption, even if they’re hard to answer.
• Listen first, offer solutions later.
• Celebrate their identity—maybe with cultural traditions, family stories, or little rituals that make them feel seen.
• Be patient. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.

A Note for Parents

Every adopted child deserves to feel safe, loved, and understood. Connecting with a therapy for adopted children professional, or finding an adoptee therapist in Los Angeles, can give them the tools to process feelings, build confidence, and feel more secure in their family. If you notice your teen struggling, it’s okay to reach out. You’re not alone, and support is available in LA. Contact L. Patty now
L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW
Supervised by Christina Dixon, LCSW
Call: (213) 222-8794
Email: patty@defyinglabels.com

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