BRAVE
reproductive loss support
a safe space for you to process your own experience
“I AM HAVING A HARD TIME MOVING ON...”
Grief Support
BRAVE OFFERS DIFFERENT STREAMS OF REPRODUCTIVE LOSS CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ANY GENDER. Private or group Sessions are available IN-PERSON (IDEALLY) As well as ONLINE.
THERE ARE MANY SHADES OF LOSS AND GRIEF, AND WE HOLD SPACE FOR YOU TO process each one.
MISCARRIAGE and infant loss support
take time to heal
Whether it was early in pregnancy, or after the birth of your child, you have experienced a painful loss and are struggling to come to terms with your emotions surrounding it all. You may feel that no one around you understands.
Our team will help you walk through these normal emotions, and support you in the grief process, all while encouraging you along the way.
It is important to take time to grieve in a healthy fashion.
post-abortion grief support
it's ok to not be ok
You know that some people move on just fine after their abortion. But why can't you? What if you feel alone, stuck, or confused...
Know that you are not alone. Everyone processes abortion differently. It's ok to not feel ok- but there is HOPE. You can rise above how you feel right now.
If you are having difficulty after an abortion, Options offers individually tailored support to help you explore your feelings so you can move forward with strength and peace.
Post-adoption grief support
grief comes in many forms
Placing a child for adoption is brave and beautiful, but it also requires a deep letting go. Grieving is an important part of the adoption process that doesn't end immediately after placement.
Options support workers will offer compassionate care as you process the emotions of your adoption journey, and help you find footing to take the first steps into your next chapter.
“I believe that the grief of men and women who have suffered reproductive loss is being neglected. Weather their loss was due to a miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, neonatal death, infertility, or post-adoption grief, they deserve to be acknowledged, to be in a safe space where they can be heard, and build partnership with others who have had a similar loss, but specially, I believe that they should have a chance to heal.” - Laura, BRAVE Coordintor @ Options
Meet Laura Albo
BRAVE: REPRODUCTIVE LOSS SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Laura Coordinates BRAVE: Grief and loss support programs offered at Options.
Laura has a Masters degree in Special Education, Psycho-pedagogical Intervention in Educational Contexts, and Intervention in Learning Disabilities, as well as a Masters degree in Neuropsychology and Education.
Grief support pertaining to reproductive loss is a cause close to Laura's heart as she personally underwent difficulties surrounding her own abortion experience as well as two miscarriages.
While recognizing that not all women experience difficulties due to reproductive loss, Laura is passionate to ensure that those who do have a safe space to express and process through their grief.
Laura has developed evidence-based curriculums to aide in processing these experiences, valuable for individuals of any or no faith-background.
Through care, compassion and love, Laura longs to offer a safe, non-judgmental program for holistic healing.
In need of support?
If you are interested in group or individual support sessions, please fill out the following form and the BRAVE Program Coordinator, Laura Albo, will be in touch with you shortly.
*Please note that certain groups require a minimum number of participants, therefore stardates can vary. Laura will contact you with more information.
Current BRAVE grief-recovery support groups
FALL 2022 (open for registration)
COEURAGE: Post-abortion grief support group
The CoeurAge curriculum offers a secular reproductive loss and grief care method in which women and men of all ages are offered personal and confidential aid. They are encouraged to acknowledge their emotions and share their story, with the aim of coming to terms and gaining a sense of closure with the experience.
A WEEK BY WEEK OUTLINE
Safety and Security session
Acknowledgement of your loss
Share your story
What about abortion anyway?
Recognizing losses and unhealthy behaviours
Forgiveness
Exploring emotions through artwork
Healing
Helping others
*Number of participants: The group sessions could be tailored from 3 to 6 people maximum. It will be hosted by two facilitators who will be guiding the sessions.
Timing: One session per week for approximately 9 weeks. The duration of the sessions will be approx 1 1/2 hours, with some “homework” to do on your own time.
Eligibility: Depending on the grief care program, we offer group sessions for women only, for men only, for couples, and for family and friends who feel the need to process a reproductive loss. Laura, the BRAVE coordinator and CoeurAge facilitator will contact you to discuss.
FALL 2022 (open for registration!)
COEURAGE: miscarriage and infant loss grief support group
The CoeurAge curriculum offers a secular reproductive loss and grief care method in which women and men of all ages are offered personal and confidential aid. They are encouraged to acknowledge their emotions and share their story, with the aim of coming to terms and gaining a sense of closure with the experience.
A WEEK BY WEEK OUTLINE
Safety and Security session
Acknowledgement of your loss
Share your story of loss
Commit to Recovery
Identifying other losses and stress factors
Process the grief and pain
Closure
Remembrance and Memorializing
Helping others
*Number of participants: The group sessions could be tailored from 3 to 6 people maximum. It will be hosted by two facilitators who will be guiding the sessions.
Timing: One session per week for approximately 9 weeks. The duration of the sessions will be approx 1 1/2 hours, with some “homework” to do on your own time.
Eligibility: Depending on the grief care program, we offer group sessions for women only, for men only, for couples, and for family and friends who feel the need to process a reproductive loss. Laura, the BRAVE coordinator and CoeurAge facilitator will contact you to discuss.
coming soon!
COEURAGE: Post-adoption grief support group
The CoeurAge curriculum offers a secular reproductive loss and grief care method in which women and men of all ages are offered personal and confidential aid. They are encouraged to acknowledge their emotions and share their story, with the aim of coming to terms and gaining a sense of closure with the experience.
*This program is under development. Please contact us for individual support for the time-being.
LIMITATIONS OF SERVICE
BRAVE Reproductive Loss Support is coordinated by Laura Aguilar Albo, certified in Birth and Reproductive Trauma, and in Reproductive Grief Care Support. The BRAVE team at Options does not have academic degrees in mental health or counselling; therefore, the services offered are not intended as a substitute for professional counselling, therapy nor psychological care. External referral provided as needed.
BRAVE Reproductive Loss Support offers trauma-informed care through emotional and spiritual support (if desired), practical help, training and education, and information.
The reproductive grief care curricula offered through BRAVE provide structures in which guided conversations, peer support, and the allowing, accepting, and understanding of emotions can take place.
We recognize that not everybody suffers nor experiences grief or difficulties following their pregnancy choices or reproductive loss and that each experience is deeply personal. *We also recognize that a pregnancy choice of “parenting” can also represent loss (for support in your role as parent, please contact our team for further help).
Due to the sensitive nature in subject matter addressed through BRAVE, participants may be unintentionally exposed to stories and experiences as lived by other participants, which may cause discomfort.
BRAVE Reproductive Loss Support is a program of Options Resource and Pregnancy Center, an initiative of Montreal Youth Unlimited.