Discussion Community Group - "Unexpecting"
"Unexpecting is a comprehensive, gentle, and real conversation with a friend who intimately understands the complexities and heartache involved in pregnancy loss." -JENNY ALBERS, loss mom, author of Courageously Expecting |
Join us for a supported discussion community,
using the book "Unexpecting" by Rachel Lewis. Pregnancy loss. This topic is tender and personal for so many of us. "Unexpecting" may be just the book we needed years ago, or maybe it's the book we need right now. During the month of October (which is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month), we will spend time gathering virtually to discuss what we are reading and to process and integrate all that this book holds. Our community will use guidelines and carefully crafted discussion questions to create a space where we can bravely step into our learning and share bits of our own stories. We will be able to share with other folks who truly get the experience of pregnancy loss. There will be opportunities for Q&A with the author, as she joins us for several of our sessions together.
I have created group spaces for hundreds of moms and parents over the years to discuss pregnancy and the postpartum period. My own story holds loss, and this topic has come up so many times in moms' groups through the years. It is my goal to create spaces where we can be seen and heard, where our feelings about our loss(es) can be shared openly with no judgment, where we can begin to move through our stories and possibly begin to find healing, or deeper meaning. When we gather in this way, we never have to sugarcoat our experiences, but instead we can create a space where we are able to speak our truth, and find the wisdom, strength, hope, and even joy that may be held in those stories. |
This discussion group includes:
Group schedule:
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"My experience in the Unexpecting community group was so incredible!! I have healed more in these couple of weeks than I have in a long time. It has been so healing to be among mommas who 'get it'. I will cherish this experience forever." - previous participant |
"If I was going to say something to a friend considering joining this group in the future, I would say 'Run! Don't walk!!' I loved the poems and the mindfulness. Participating in this group has reminded me that I need to take care of myself. " - previous participant |
A few other details and tidbits:
- PLEASE PLAN TO PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK if you haven't already.
- The live group discussions will NOT be recorded. Due to the sensitive nature of our topic, we will not be making a recording available for missed sessions. You do not have to attend every session.
- The book is set up in 4 sections, so those will be general jumping off points for our discussion in each group.
- Group discussions like this work best when we can see each other. Please plan to be on video for the group sessions, if at all possible.
- All aspects of group are consent based and trauma-informed. Each person self-selects their level of participation. I will be using the GPS model in our sessions.
- Due to time and format, we will not be sharing/listening to full loss stories. For those who might need additional time/space to process their personal experience of loss, Crystal offers 1:1 Listening Sessions.
- Got other questions? Send me a message! I love helping people step into an "enthusiastic YES". I want you to have all the info you need.
Cost
Groups are currently offered using a tiered pricing structure. The basic ideas behind tiered pricing are community care, equity, and accessibility. If those of us who have access to more financial resources pay a little more, we offer care to our community and we make sure that self-care and healing work is accessible to all.
* = early bird pricing, available through Sept. 30th. Prices go up to the 2nd price shown above on Oct. 1. Be sure to get registered early for the best price!!
- Sustainer level: $350* / $375
- Supporter level: $425* / $450
- Community Supported level: $275* / $300
* = early bird pricing, available through Sept. 30th. Prices go up to the 2nd price shown above on Oct. 1. Be sure to get registered early for the best price!!
There are sometimes community/scholarship funds available for folks who might need it. If the Community Supported level is not accessible for you, and you want to be in a group, we want you there! Please reach out. You can read more of my thoughts about Pay-What-You-Can pricing here.
Sustainer levelCost: $350* This fee covers the actual cost of the community discussion group. Please select this price if you are able to pay the full cost of the course. This is the price that feels right for those that can pay the full rate for this kind of support while also sustaining their own financial health and wellbeing. It might squeeze a little to pay, but you can do it. You might be someone who has access to stable income, and can typically access self-care opportunities. |
Supporter levelCost: $425* This "re-balancing" level of registration contributes a little extra to help make self-care and healing work accessible to all. If you are someone who is able to pay bills reliably, enjoy a meal out, or easily access self-care (like a pedicure, or therapy co-pays) without anxiety, this price is for you. It balances out some of the extra that you have -- be it from family wealth, a partner who helps support your financial wellbeing, hard work + privilege – to support the people in our community who have less access. It is a chance to leverage some of our privilege to contribute to community care. |
Community Supported level
Cost: $275* This is a reduced fee to help make this discussion community group accessible to members of our community with limited financial resources. This fee does not cover the full cost of the course. This is the price you can pay if you will benefit from this type of support, but paying one of the higher two prices would prevent you from being able justify the cost. Maybe you are someone who struggles to make ends meet, or is accessing TANF, WIC, local food banks or other aid services. This price might also feel right for those who have lived experience of oppression/marginalization because of their identity. Choose this price (with our love) if you need some community care. |
Register with a friend - early bird offer
Cost: $500
This fee is available to those who might want to participate in the discussion group with a friend. One person will need to complete the registration and pay in full. Both people will receive emails and full access to the group. When you register, you will need your friend's mailing address and email in order to complete the registration.
This fee is available to those who might want to participate in the discussion group with a friend. One person will need to complete the registration and pay in full. Both people will receive emails and full access to the group. When you register, you will need your friend's mailing address and email in order to complete the registration.
"This group was a comfortable space to just share or listen, no pressure at all. The sharing and non-judgmental deep listening helped me feel heard and validated. I highly recommend joining, in my experience it was truly a safe and brave space." - previous participant |
"Having space to actually process parts of the book that were meaningful, sharing space and stories with others was an impactful part of this group experience. It was refreshing, a breath of fresh air to be in good company with others that GET IT. If you are considering joining this discussion group, it's worth it - you will be surprised by the comfort you feel in this space." - previous participant |
How to contribute to the community/scholarship fund:
Maybe you'd like to contribute on behalf of someone you know and love who has experienced infant or pregnancy loss, or maybe you'd like to honor your own loss through a donation to the scholarship fund. We know there are people who believe in supporting healing opportunities like this and who might want to support others in accessing this community discussion group.
You can donate any amount in $25 increments, or you can sponsor a funded spot for someone who wouldn't be able to afford it. If contributing in this way doesn't work for you, please get in touch and I can provide Venmo or PayPal direct links. THANK YOU for your support!
You can donate any amount in $25 increments, or you can sponsor a funded spot for someone who wouldn't be able to afford it. If contributing in this way doesn't work for you, please get in touch and I can provide Venmo or PayPal direct links. THANK YOU for your support!