Knowing that being an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive parent can be an isolating and often misunderstood life experience, Marie leads adoption support groups for members of the adoption triad. Participating in a group of individuals with shared experiences provides a safe, supportive environment to discuss the core issues of adoption, adoption-related traumas, and complex relationships. With these shared experiences, relationships can be experienced in a new way, new perspectives are gained, and healing can occur in ways that are different from individual therapy. Common topics discussed in adoption support groups include adoption search and reunion, adoption-related trauma, education about adoption issues, and responding to insensitive comments about adoption.
Adoption support groups are different from therapy groups in that group members do not need to share their personal information before they are ready to or require monthly attendance. While there would be no commitment to attend the adoption support group every month, support groups reach their fullest potential when trust is established, which only comes with regular attendance.
At this time, the only active group is the Adult Adoptee Support Group. The Adopted Teen Support Group, Adoptive Parent Support Group, and Birth Parent Support Group are currently on hold until there is enough interest to form monthly groups. If you are interested in one of these groups, please call Marie to be added to the waiting list.
Support group members must live in New York’s Capital Region, as meetings are held at Marie’s office in Albany, NY. There is a fee to participate in the support group. To help ensure that the support group is a good fit for its members, all prospective participants must complete an interview before attending. During the interview, Marie will discuss each person’s unique situation and explain how the support groups operate. For the Adopted Teen Support Group, a parent or legal guardian must contact Marie on the teen’s behalf. Attendance is only permitted following a successful interview.
