It is a common belief that no loss is as hard as losing a child. It is therefore interesting that we do such a poor job in supporting parents who have lost a pregnancy or an infant. Paradoxically, the losses that we as a society are most phobic of are also the ones we handle most poorly. Many people don’t know what to say, so they say nothing or offer “help” in a misguided way to fix or take away the pain of the loss. This is, of course, futile because the loss is by nature devastating. This also means that parents who suffer the loss of a pregnancy or an infant are often affronted by well-meaning but damaging advice and messages when they reach out for support resulting in isolation. Most people who have lost a child experience a lot of confusion about what they are feeling as well as what they are “allowed” to feel. Therefore, parents who have lost children often feel very ostracized from society which is the last thing anyone needs who is suffering from this unimaginable loss.

No two losses are the same, but many parents I have spoken with report they often feel alone in grieving their child. I also often hear from parents that they feel they are single-handedly holding on to the memory of their baby. Throughout my work as a therapist I have worked with parents who have lost babies. During this work we process the complex web of emotions that results. I also feel that part of my job as therapist is to create a space to help hold the memory of my client’s babies. I have a list in my mind of many names that I hold sacred to my heart and reflect on often. I allude to a “network of grieving parents” to clients I see in therapy sessions who have lost their babies. How much more powerful would it be for people if this network of parents was accessible versus just theoretical? This idea compelled me to start a therapeutic support group for parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. This is a closed group (currently using teletherapy) running several different times per year, each cycle for 8 weeks. Both partners are welcome, but either can come on their own as well. I am passionate about bring community to these parents and families, to help people connect in to the network of mothers who understand the depths of grief and despair, the confusion, and the loneliness. These parents have suffered invisibly and alone for far too long. Again, no two losses are the same but coming together in community and uniting as parents who have lost pregnancies and infants can be powerful and healing.

Please click on the link below for more information about this group and how you might participate if you or someone you know would benefit. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group.  This is a donation based group, all proceeds go to The Ardent Grove Foundation.  

The latest group will begin Thursday, November 5th. If you are interested in joining, please call or text 720.675.7123 or fill out a form and our admin team will be with you soon.

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

The pain and trauma that result from experiencing a pregnancy or infant loss is unparalleled.

This can be a confusing time where people you trust can give you well-meaning but damaging advice, and leave you feeling more alone.

You are not alone.

This group provides a space for mothers to honor their loss, honor their child, and process their own complicated web of emotions with other mothers who have experienced loss.

Our Loss Support Group is for any woman who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss and who wants to connect with a community who are experiencing similar things. The group also includes a partner/support person component so that the whole family can be supported.

Kendra Doukas, MS, LMFT leads the Loss Group, she specializes in trauma & loss

8-week group, Thursday evenings, 6:30-8pm

Suggested donation of $40 per group.

No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Meet Kendra Doukas

Kendra Doukas

Kendra Doukas is passionate about her work helping individuals, couples, and families to heal and rebuild after major losses and traumatic events.

Other Groups at The Catalyst Center

Thrive @ The Catalyst

A process and support space for high school girls.

Thrive @ Catalyst Co-leaders Dr. Sarah Long and Dr. Karmen Thulin specialize in working with teen girls

8-week group with set membership, call for enrollment information

New and Expectant Moms Group

A warm and supportive weekly group for new, veteran, and expectant mothers. Get help navigating the addition of a new baby into the family. Find support, education, mindfulness, and a healthy dose of laughter.

The New Moms group is led by Dr. Lies van Bekkum, who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum issues.

Open, ongoing group, call to let us know to expect you.

New Dads Group

A fun and supportive group for new and expectant fathers to connect and learn.

Find support, laughter and helpful information with other dads who get it.

The New Dads Group is led by Dr. Joey Tadie, who specializes in fatherhood and other major life transitions

This group runs in cycles, call to let us know you’d like to join

Let’s Get Started!

We are committed to helping you find a great fit with a therapist, which is why we offer every new client a FREE initial consultation.

There are two easy ways to connect with us. Call our office at 720-675-7123 and press “1” to be connected. Fill out the contact form to request an appointment or to learn more.

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