Counseling for Expectant and Birth Parents
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Considering Adoption as an Option
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. If you’re considering adoption as one of your options, it’s important to have access to space, support, and information that can help you understand how your decision may affect you and your child—both now and in the future.
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Counseling provides a safe, neutral place to explore your feelings, consider your choices, and find the clarity and strength you need as you move forward.
Your Rights and Preparing for Adoption
Each person approaches adoption with their own life experiences and perspectives. As you consider adoption, it’s important to learn about current adoption practices and laws that may affect you and your planning. You have many rights that you may not be aware of, including the right to legal representation, pregnancy-related living expenses, health care, and mental health support*—all of which are essential to making informed decisions.
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Adoption counseling can provide guidance and emotional support as you navigate each step of the process, including selecting adoptive parents, planning for your delivery, understanding openness in adoption, exploring post-adoption contact agreements, and preparing for the relinquishment process.
*May vary by state
​A Message from Nina.......​
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My work in open adoption for more than twenty years has given me a deep understanding and unique perspective on the adoption experience—especially in supporting expectant and birth parents. I dedicate a significant part of my practice to being available to you. If you wish, I can collaborate with agencies and attorneys and help connect you with additional resources for support.
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You deserve a therapist who understands your journey and can offer the compassion, insight, and tools you need to heal, grow, and feel empowered as you move forward.
Naviga​ting Relationships
As you move forward in making decisions for yourself and your child, you may find that not everyone in your life is supportive. Challenges can arise with the other birth parent, family members, friends, or coworkers. Some people may be unavailable or unable to offer the understanding you need, while others may have strong opinions that feel discouraging or confusing. Counseling can provide you with tools to navigate these relationships and help you build confidence and empowerment in your decisions.
Self Care
No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re planning an adoption, have recently placed your child, or did so years ago—you deserve support and care. Investing in yourself and gaining tools to navigate your experiences, which may include grief, loss, trauma, or shame, is essential to your overall well-being—now and in the future.
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Counseling offers a space that is entirely your own. You can use this time in whatever way feels most helpful to you. Having a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental therapist can help you process your feelings, find understanding, and support your healing and growth.
