Ep. 138: Empathy Doesn’t Require Experience: How Child-free Friends Can Offer Support

On this week's episode, we welcome friends and colleagues, the Shrink Chicks - Jennifer Chaiken LMFT and Emmalee Bierly LMFT. Jennifer and Emmalee founded The Therapy Group and cohost the Shrink Chicks Podcast. In today's episode, we dicuss how to support a friend through a traumatic perinatal experience when you don't plan to have kids yourself. Emmalee and Jen share their own experience navigating this dynamic through Emmalee's infertility journey while best friends and business partners. This is such a heartfelt conversation full of some really important take-aways. On this episode, you will hear:- the shift from blank slate to authenticity in therapy- navigating infertility: personal stories- the role of relationships in therapy and personal life- the complexity of grief and support in infertility- finding the right support: therapists and friends- the search for solutions: grief, healing, and acceptance - the illusion of control in motherhood- navigating support in infertility- the importance of open communicationYou can find and follow Jennifer and Emmalee on Instagram: @shrinkchicksGuest Bios:Jennifer and Emmalee founded The Therapy Group (Formerly The West Chester Therapy Group) in 2014. They recognized that all human beings could benefit from therapy, but many kept themselves from the experience. They dedicated ourselves to creating a unique therapeutic environment that would open therapy up to even the most skeptical. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.