4700 Lexington Ave. N. Ste B, Lower Level
Shoreview, MN 55126
651-698-1799
www.sharonsteinmcnamara.com
My name is Sharon Stein McNamara, Ed. D., L.P. I have been practicing as a psychologist since 1991 when I graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and did my internship in cognitive behavioral psychology at McLean Hospital, which is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School. In addition to this, I, myself was adopted as an infant and have been studying the effects of adoption on families for over 20 years.
My approach to children and families is to help the child and family understand that most children have some version of relational trauma as a result of being adopted. By accepting this as a starting place, the adoptive parents can understand better how an adopted or foster child may have different reactions to so-called “normal” parenting practices. I also try to help families understand the big picture regarding how information is always useful in helping adoptees and foster children make sense of their situation.
Additional Information
Service Location: Office Based
Languages Spoken: English
Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate Graduate (University of Minnesota Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare): Yes, Twin Cities Co-Hort 2013
Practice Focus:
Teen (13-18)
Young Adult (Adopted person; 19+)
Adult (Adopted person)
Adult (Adoptive Parent – Individual)
Couples
Family
Birth/First Parent/Family
LGBTQ
Areas of Practice Strength:
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Autism
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Childhood Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Personality Disorders
Addictions
Eating Disorders
Self-Harming Behaviors
Attachment
Grief and Loss Related to Adoption
Search & Reunion Support
Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.)
Early Traumatic Experiences
Transracial/Transcultural
Open Adoption
Sexual Abuse (Victim)
Treatment Modalities:
Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF – CBT)
Trauma-informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP)
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Neurological Reorganization (NR)
Play Therapy: Filial
updated Spring 2021
