All posts by alison

News from Open Doors March 2021

Uncategorised

We are well into the New Year and continue to be extremely busy with the calls for couples counselling continuing to feature. As we predicted, abortion, miscarriage and other pregnancy related issues such as infertility or post-natal depression are present in the stories of many of these couples.

We can offer what other relationship counselling services do not usually offer – insight into the added stresses and strains that unresolved pregnancy loss, particularly post abortion grief, can have on the health of a relationship. It is not uncommon for a client to tell us that a psychologist or counsellor they were seeing elsewhere has actively discouraged her from talking about a past abortion, dismissing it as irrelevant.

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Resilient Kids Book – Parent/School resource

Catalogue, Catalogue, Education, Resilience Building

Resilient Kids BOOK

Book and ebook available

  • For children aged around 8-12.
  • Parents, a great addition to your child’s toolbox.
  • Teachers and School Counsellors, use with your class or individual students.

An easy to read, engaging, jam packed little book of top resilience building tips and skills for children (and adults!).

Emotional ups and downs are normal. Some days life is just tough!

No matter how old or young, you can take steps to handle these times.

Learn how to recognise and tolerate uncomfortable or difficult emotions as signals to take action. Use failure and disappointment as stepping stones towards achievement. Seek support when times are tough.

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News from Open Doors Dec 2020

Uncategorised

With the easing of restrictions in Melbourne we are seeing a gradual return to face to face counselling for some of our locally based clients. Others are happy to remain on the Zoom online video platform for convenience, or because it’s their best option if they live far from the centre. Last week we had two new referrals for post abortion counselling from interstate, one a remote rural area. For these women, the online option is a lifeline.

The enquiries for couples counselling continue almost daily. The pressures of this COVID-19 year seem to have really pushed to the fore those issues which are habitually tucked away within many couples’ relationships.

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Wonder of Living, 2019 video series

Catalogue

New in 2019.  Supplied on USB - a 3 part video series plus comprehensive Teacher's Manual on pdf ready to print and go.  Focuses on the needs of children ... supports and empowers parents ... takes a family focus ... presents values for life!

Wonder of Living  is a sexuality education package for Levels 3-6 that delivers age appropriate information in an uncompromising context of 'best health values' for young children and teenagers.

Watch the promo -

Wonder Of Living 2019

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Wonder of Living BOOK – Parent resource

Catalogue

THE WONDER OF LIVING BOOK, a guide to growing up.

For children aged around 8-12.

For parent and child to read together or separately.

Chapters cover the development & birth of a baby, the amazing human body, how a baby starts, puberty and handling teen issues such as body perfection, the selfie culture and cyber safety.

Cost: $20. (postage included)

Wonder Of Living BOOK order here

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Pre-marriage Education – ‘Prepare & Enrich’

Relationships

Pre-marriage education is the most important part of your wedding preparations ...  It might just be the best wedding present you can give to each other!

Affordable Pre-marriage Education is available from Open Doors to help you  -

  • Identify your strengths as a couple
  • Explore areas for growth
  • Enhance your relationship skills

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When a pregnancy ends

Loss, Grief & Depression

When a pregnancy ends early, in whatever circumstances, it can be a devastating time for a woman.  Men can also be deeply affected.

Whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned, you may experience a range of feelings which include disbelief, sadness, emptiness, anger, disappointment and a sense of isolation. These are normal feelings that we experience after a loss.

However for you they may have been unanticipated, especially if your pregnancy was unplanned. You may be overwhelmed and confused trying to make sense of the way you feel.

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Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat – a spiritual healing journey after abortion

Loss, Grief & Depression

2020 Retreats: March 27-29, July 3-5, Nov 27-29 Enquiries - anne@opendoors.com.au
About Rachel's Vineyard Retreats

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is a beautiful opportunity for healing for any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. It's a chance to get away from the daily pressures of work and family, to focus on a painful time in life, and to begin healing through a supportive and non-judgmental process.

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Creating Memories – ways to remember your baby

Loss, Grief & Depression

It doesn't matter if you lost your baby due to miscarriage, termination, ectopic pregnancy, IVF or stillbirth - feelings of grief are natural.  When you lose your baby you may feel a pressure to get on with your life. However, your relationship with your baby doesn't end when your baby dies.

Your grief is visible evidence of that. Your attachment continues and you long for your child. A loss early in the pregnancy is difficult as you may not have seen your baby or may not have known whether it was  a boy or a girl. This may cause you confusion about the depth of the loss you feel. Making your child real is a way to help you grieve.

There are a number of ways you can do this. Be imaginative and do what seems most meaningful to you. Remember - it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. This is about you and the loss of your baby.

Here are some suggestions for acknowledging and remembering your baby:

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