The Adoptee's Therapist

The Adoptee's TherapistThe Adoptee's TherapistThe Adoptee's Therapist

The Adoptee's Therapist

The Adoptee's TherapistThe Adoptee's TherapistThe Adoptee's Therapist
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Karen Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused Therapist

Karen Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused TherapistKaren Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused TherapistKaren Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused Therapist

Empowering adult adoptees to navigate the lifelong challenges of their journey with a therapist who understands their experience firsthand.

Karen Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused Therapist

Karen Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused TherapistKaren Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused TherapistKaren Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused Therapist

Empowering adult adoptees to navigate the lifelong challenges of their journey with a therapist who understands their experience firsthand.

Specialties

Adoptees

Data shows  that adoptees are more four times more likely to have mental health challenges than non- adoptees.  Factors such as early life trauma, separation from biological family, and possibly culture or racial differences are just a few examples. This can result in adoptees experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, anxious or avoidant attachment and unfortunately suicidal ideation can occur. 

Trauma

I am experienced using a trauma- focused lens, and physical and emotion symptoms trauma can cause. This can include sadness, anxiety, an exaggerated startle response, a blunted affect are just a few. Have you noticed you have very little memory from a time in your life? That is also a trauma response. Understanding the why can help us heal past wounds . Additionally, I am certified in trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Anxiety + Depression

Spiraling thoughts such as "why did I say that?!" or "no none likes me" can feel debilitating. Perhaps sleep for you is a nightmare due to the inability to "shut off " your brain, or you have the dreaded 3am wake up. My personal favorite and one I'm quite experienced in is the "why does my stomach hurt all the time, despite nothing being physically wrong with it?" Aaah yes- I can help you!

Let's get something straight... there is ZERO place for judgement in therapy and together we will identify the root causes of these negative thoughts and create alternative ones to give you the confidence and peace everyone deserves. 

Who is Karen?

Hi! I'm Karen (she/her) and I'm so glad you found me. A little about me personally... I have two teens who are the first biological family I've ever lived with. I have been married for over 20 years, and we have one dog named Annie, who you might meet in our sessions. I was adopted as an infant through Catholic Charities (read: closed adoption) in the 70's. My biological family found me when I was 29 years old, on a random Wednesday. This created a cascade of emotions; how to deal with this intense experience, how to balance the guilt and fear I had living in between two worlds- my adoptive- family- world who wanted nothing to change, and my biological family who wanted to catch up on the past 30 years. 

I became the therapist I needed. Someone who is ADOPTEE (not just adoption) focused. 


Professionally, I'm a master's level licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts. I specialize in working with adult adoptees who are learning to navigate our  unique experiences as we come out of the fog. I also work with those who are considering search and reunion, or have been impacted by unexpected results from a DNA kit. 

Therapy with karen

 

How it works

Whether you've a newbie to therapy you're a seasoned veteran, my approach is different. I'm authentic & direct while remaining curious, not judgmental. I'm going to show up in a comfy spot, likely next to my dog, Annie. I'm going to earn your trust so we can be honest together & do the work.  I will ask you what your goals are early & often, as they most likely will change, as will you! That's the point, right? Together we will process the experiences you had, the feelings you've assigned those experiences and then deconstruct whether this continues to serve you positively or not.

* I provide 60 minute individual therapy sessions for adults age 18+. 

*Session fee: $200/ 50 minute session.

*All sessions are virtual. You will receive a HIPAA secure link for our sessions and log in from the comfort of Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island- the states I'm licensed to practice. This will provide you the flexibility to save time without the commute, which allows you to prioritize your mental health. 

I accept certain insurances. Clients are responsible for confirming their insurance eligibility. 

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