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.

If you are a CNBC woman, this is compounded by the patriarchal message that 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, what we call in therapeutic terms “Disenfranchised Grief”. As a result of this, very few services exist to support those CNBC.

At present our 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 offers

A therapeutic relationship that acknowledges and validates your unique grief.

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

A chance to tell yourself this isn’t your fault, 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.