Adoption Counseling
Adoption is a profound life experience for all involved — the adoptive parents, the child, and, in many cases, the birth parents. While adoption creates families and fulfills dreams, it also introduces unique psychological dynamics that benefit from professional support. Dr. Stephanie L. Cornette, Psy.D., provides adoption counseling that addresses the emotional, relational, and practical aspects of the adoption journey.
Pre-Adoption Counseling
Before an adoption is finalized, prospective parents often benefit from counseling that explores their motivations, expectations, readiness, and any concerns about the process. Pre-adoption counseling helps families prepare for the unique challenges that adopted children may face, including questions of identity, attachment, and belonging. Topics may include understanding the impact of early life experiences on development, preparing biological children for a new sibling, navigating the logistics and emotions of the adoption process, and building a home environment that supports the adopted child's adjustment.
Psychological evaluations may also be part of the pre-adoption process, as many agencies and courts require assessments of prospective parents' mental health and readiness.
Post-Adoption Counseling
After placement, families may encounter challenges related to attachment and bonding, behavioral difficulties, the child's processing of their adoption story, navigating cultural or racial differences, and adjusting family dynamics. Post-adoption counseling provides a supportive space to address these issues, strengthen family bonds, and help both parents and children thrive. Dr. Cornette's wholistic approach considers the needs of the entire family system, not just the identified child.
Custody Evaluations
Custody evaluations are comprehensive psychological assessments conducted to help courts determine the custody and visitation arrangement that is in the best interest of the child. These evaluations are often requested during divorce proceedings, custody modifications, or in cases where parental fitness is in question.
Dr. Cornette conducts custody evaluations with the highest standards of objectivity, thoroughness, and ethical practice. Her evaluations are designed to provide the court with comprehensive, reliable information about each parent's psychological functioning, parenting capacity, the quality of each parent-child relationship, and the child's needs and preferences.
The Custody Evaluation Process
- 1. Clinical Interviews: In-depth interviews with each parent, the child or children (as age-appropriate), and other relevant parties such as stepparents, grandparents, or significant others.
- 2. Psychological Testing: Administration of standardized psychological tests to assess each parent's personality, emotional functioning, parenting attitudes, and any clinical conditions that may affect parenting.
- 3. Parent-Child Observations: Observing the quality of interaction between each parent and child, typically in a structured setting.
- 4. Collateral Contacts: Gathering information from other relevant sources such as teachers, therapists, pediatricians, and other professionals who know the family.
- 5. Record Review: Reviewing relevant documents including school records, medical records, legal filings, and prior evaluations.
- 6. Written Report: A detailed, professionally written report presenting findings, analysis, and recommendations to the court.
Parenting Techniques and Support
Parenting is one of the most demanding roles a person can hold, and even the most dedicated parents sometimes struggle. Dr. Cornette provides parenting support and guidance for a wide range of challenges, helping parents develop more effective strategies for managing behavior, communicating with children, navigating developmental stages, and maintaining their own well-being.
Behavioral Challenges
Addressing defiance, aggression, tantrums, school refusal, and other behavioral difficulties using evidence-based approaches. Dr. Cornette helps parents understand the function of challenging behaviors and develop effective, consistent responses.
Co-Parenting After Divorce
Developing an effective co-parenting relationship after divorce is essential for children's well-being. Dr. Cornette helps parents communicate effectively, manage conflict, maintain consistent expectations, and put their children's needs first.
Children's Emotional Difficulties
When children are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or other emotional difficulties, parents play a critical role in supporting their child's recovery. Guidance and psychoeducation help parents become effective therapeutic allies.
Parental Stress and Burnout
Parental stress and burnout are common and can significantly affect both the parent's well-being and the quality of parenting. Dr. Cornette helps parents develop self-care strategies, manage expectations, and find balance in their demanding roles.
A Wholistic Approach to Family Well-Being
Dr. Cornette's wholistic philosophy extends to her work with families. She recognizes that a child's well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of their parents, their family relationships, and their broader environment. Her approach considers the needs of the entire family system, not just the identified patient or presenting problem.
Whether you are navigating the adoption process, going through a custody evaluation, struggling with parenting challenges, or seeking support for a family transition, Dr. Cornette provides the expertise, compassion, and practical guidance that families need.
Get Support for Your Family
Whether you need adoption counseling, a custody evaluation, or parenting support, Dr. Cornette is here to help your family thrive.
Call (773) 988-7144