Why get counselling for Childlessness?

There can be various reasons some of us find ourselves Childless Not By Choice, or CNBC. It’s often the result of health, financial, emotional and social factors. Your experience will probably be like mine, a unique combination of these influences.

Sadly, the context of those who are CNBC is often ignored, suggesting childlessness is a personal failing. The shame this engenders can lead to us hiding our experiences and suffering.

For CNBC people, the patriarchal message is that if you are not a parent, you have not fulfilled your main role in life. This judgement can be internalised, causing identity crises, the belittling of the things we have achieved in life and the diminishing of the qualities we do possess.

Even if you do feel able to seek help, in communities where parenthood is assumed, the pain of Childlessness is often invalidated or ignored. In therapeutic terms we call this “Disenfranchised Grief”. At present very few services exist to support those who are CNBC, and society’s message about Childlessness is that it is something you should mourn and deal with alone.

Childlessness Counselling is a place where that can change for you.

What CNBC Counselling can offer you

A therapeutic relationship that witnesses, acknowledges and validates your unique Childlessness grief.

A space where you can safely explore your feelings about your Childlessness and yourself, even those you may feel ashamed about.

An opportunity to reduce self recrimination and blame and offer yourself compassion.

An place where you belong and are accepted just as you are, where you can redefine your identity and plan for your life according to your values.