Dorothy Derapelian, LCMHC

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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Building Positive Relationships in Play Therapy

Dorothy Derapelian, LCMHC, has been a trusted professional in the field of mental health counseling since 1985, with a unique focus on play therapy and attachment disruption. Through her private practice in Meredith, New Hampshire, she has positively impacted the lives of countless families, especially those navigating the challenges of adoption.

Ms. Derapelian is the pioneering creator of Core Attachment Therapy©, a groundbreaking method that facilitates deep and lasting bonds within adoptive families. This approach has been instrumental in helping children with emotional issues and developmental trauma find comfort and security with their new parents.

Core Attachment Therapy© is a therapeutic play-based process used in play therapy to secure the attachment of the adopted child or any child who has had a disruption in attachment development. Combining elements of The Nurtured Heart Approach and attachment games, this dual-component strategy enables the new parent/child dyad to form their loving bond at the core level. 

Graduating with her Masters Degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1984, Ms. Derapelian has served on the Adjunct Faculty at Granite State College since 1988. Her memberships extend to the Association for Play Therapy and the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

Beyond her clinical practice, Ms. Derapelian has lent her expertise to various community initiatives, serving as a vital resource for those affected by homicide crimes through the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Mental Health Providers until 2019. Additionally, her involvement in conducting home studies for Waypoint Services, aiding families in domestic and international adoptions until 2022, underscores her commitment to the broader welfare of children.

As an accomplished author, Ms. Derapelian has written several influential books, including  “Core Attachment Therapy: Secure Attachment for the Adopted Child”, “Core Attachment Therapy: Secure Attachment for the Adopted Child and for Children with Developmental Trauma”, “Your Love Is Hope: Parent Companion for Core Attachment Therapy©”, and “Letting Us Into Your Heart”. Her brilliant work has been recognized globally for its profound impact on the field of mental health counseling.

Attributing her success to being laser-focused on making the world a better place for children, Ms. Derapelian’s accolades speak to her expertise and dedication to her work. These include Honorary Member of the Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction (2023), International Peace Prize by United Cultural Convention (2005), Who’s Who by The Manchester Who’s Who Registry (2004), and Who’s Who Among Human Services Professionals by The National Reference Institute (1998).

Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Derapelian enjoys playing tennis, biking, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and gardening. Her penchant for exploration extends to her favorite pastime: global travel.

In essence, Ms. Dorothy Derapelian’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children and families through Core Attachment Therapy is truly commendable. Her personal experience of adopting her daughter, Nara, at the age of 6 from Russia, further fuels her passion for helping families navigate the complexities of adoption.

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