Brand, Kerry Lynn PHD

Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has been operational for more than 100 years. Located in Albany, N.Y., the church comprises more than 5,000 parishes, religious order priests, leaders, catechists, youth ministers, deacons and brothers and sisters. It offers primary and secondary education through more than 500 elementary, middle and high schools and colleges. Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany oversees the functioning of various convalescent and rest homes, guesthouses, homes for the aged and continuing care retirement communities. The church provides a wide variety of ministries, such as architecture and building commission, archives, canonical services, catholic charities, cemeteries, counseling for laity, ecumenical and inter-religious affairs, evangelization and catechesis, family life and Hispanic apostolate.

The private practice of Marie Dolfi, LCSW specializes in providing counseling to adoptees, adoptive families, adoptive parents, birth parents, expectant parents with an unplanned pregnancy considering making an adoption plan, and prospective adoptive parents. Knowing that adoption issues are unique, and can impact adoption triad members in a variety of ways over a lifetime, Marie has participated in extensive adoption education to become an adoption competent therapist. Some topics that clients have discussed in therapy sessions include: loss, search and reunion, identity issues, improving attachments, managing open adoption relationships, transracial adoption issues, and how to explain difficult histories to adopted children.

I work with people who want to grow - emotionally, intellectually, professionally - in order to be more satisfied with their lives. I am an active partner in my clients' emotional growth and well-being. When people call me, whether in crisis or struggling with one of life's ordinary challenges, they are often in pain, feeling alone and overwhelmed. I help them unpackage their beliefs and ways of understanding and doing their lives. I specialize in social therapy:a non-diagnositic, radically humanistic and relational approach to therapy and life which locates people's emotional pain and problems in society rather than in the individual. I offer group therapy sessions along with wellness classes. Call today for more information.