In this episode, Jennifer talks with Alyssa Rose. Alyssa walks with those navigating life's most profound transitions. As a Grief Tender and Death Doula in Portland Oregon, she bridges ancient ritual practices with modern somatic therapies to create sacred spaces for those facing loss, death and deep change.

Drawing from her extensive work with hundreds of families and communities, Alyssa’s unique approach to grief care honors the somatic, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the liminal and alchemical process of grieving.

Alyssa is passionate about creating a grief literate culture that is resilient and compassionate enough to hold us through life’s challenges and uncertainties. It is here that we practice belonging and transform a culture sick with loneliness into one ripe with connection.

Key topics discussed:

• The many ways that grief shows up in a fertility journey
• The 5 gates of grief
• When grief coincides with joy
• Making the invisible visible
• The power of rituals, practices or grief connection to help mark your grief
• Ask for what you want from others, such as, “Do you need to be helped, heard or hugged?”
• Grief is an ongoing expression of our love, and is not linear
• What to do when grief feels too hard
• Navigating grief as partners
• Practical tips for handling grief when it catches you off guard

Resources Mentioned:

• Frances Weller

Connect with Alyssa:

• www.alyssarosehealingarts.com
• alyssarosehealingarts@gmail.com
• Instagram: @alyssarosehealing
• Alyssa’s Retreats/Rituals

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

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Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Kendra Quincy Knauf. Kendra is a licensed mental health counselor with a specialization in perinatal mental health, particularly supporting people dealing with fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, and postpartum identity. She has worked in multiple settings, particularly in the community mental health space with a diverse group of clients over the past ten years. Currently she has a telehealth private practice.

Kendra spent years undergoing fertility treatments and is a NICU mom. Kendra lives in the metro-Boston area with her family, and volunteers with her town government, undergraduate alumni organization, and is a dog foster parent. Kendra is an avid reader, a fiber artist, dog mom, and enjoys spending time outdoors. She is often spotted at the local library. Kendra received her bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College and holds a Master of Education from University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Counseling from University of Massachusetts Boston.

Kendra is also a beloved former client of Jennifer’s.

Key points discussed:

• 1 in 6 struggle with infertility, and rates of anxiety and depression are higher in those men and women
• Everybody’s fertility journey is unique, and feeling isolated is a common thread in those journeys
• Kendra’s fertility journey
• Support is available and how to find reliable and trusted sources of information
• The benefits of group support
• The importance of self-advocating for your care, assembling a team and becoming a partner in your care
• Practical ways to support your mental health day-to-day
• How to find a therapist or mental health provider who is a good fit for you

Resources Mentioned:

• AllPaths Family Building
• Resolve: The National Infertility Association
• Spirit Babies book
• Postpartum Support International
• Psychology Today therapist search

Connect with Kendra:

• Kendraknauf.com
• info@kendraknauf.com
• Instagram: @kendra.knauf.lmhc

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free fertility Support Session