Introducing Helen Segal, of Empowered Childlessness

Last week, I shared how aerials—a movement art—has helped me process my grief artistically, has helped me on my healing journey… At the end of that post (which you can read here), I said that I would introduce Helen Segal, of Empowered Childlessness, this week. Before I do that, let me back up for just a moment…

The Purpose of Not So Mommy…

The purpose of Not So Mommy… is to support, educate, and advocate for the infertility and childless not by choice communities. (You can read more about that here.) One way I fulfill this three-fold purpose is by providing an extensive resources list with links to 125+ blogs, websites, podcasts, closed Facebook groups, book reviews, products, and more.

Introducing Helen Segal, of Empowered Childlessness

Our initial connection…

At the end of 2021, Helen contacted me about adding her website to the Not So Mommy… childless resources page. Because Helen’s work intrigues me, I decided to not only link to her site, Empowered Childlessness, but to introduce her to our Not So Mommy… community, as well.

Helen’s Goal…

Helen’s goal is to “help people embrace their childlessness, to feel stronger, empowered, happier and free.” As I listened to her chat when we met “face-to-face” on Zoom, her passion and sensitivity were evident. Helen spoke of the importance of using art to help process grief because “sometimes we don’t have the words” and “art is a gentle way to communicate.” How beautifully poetic.

The first-ever Grieve with Gusto…

Putting her beliefs into practice, Helen created “Grieve with Gusto” in 2016 during Jody Day’s Reignite Weekend. This face-to-face workshop inspired Helen to start Empowered Childlessness in 2019—online work that had the potential to reach childless worldwide. There, she utilized Cosmic Smash Booking and facilitated virtual Creative Healing Programs and Workshops.

Grieve with Gusto Revived

In July 2021, “Grieve with Gusto” was revived as a 12-lesson online program which allows participants to work through grief at their own pace, connecting with Helen every two weeks for question-and-answer sessions. With this set-up, there is not space for counseling, coaching, and/or deep exploration of artwork.

Grieve with Gusto LIVE!

Because of this, Helen has decided to add another layer to “Grieve with Gusto.” This year, in March 2022, she is launching “Grieve with Gusto” LIVE! Now, this does not mean a face-to-face workshop like she conducted in 2016. In Helen’s words, “Going LIVE means – Live Connection.”

In other words…

A limited number of participants will be accepted into each 15-week Grieve with Gusto Live – Our Courageous Journey program. The small group will meet weekly online with each other and Helen. Her hope is that these meet-ups will allow participants to make connections–offering one another support, motivation, and accountability. Each participant will also receive three 50-minute one-on-one calls with Helen, which will allow for deeper exploration and coaching. Helen hopes this 1:1 connection will also allow for deeper healing.

Because it is extremely important to Helen that the Live Grieve with Gusto program is the “right fit,” each interested participant will have a 15-minute “connection call” with her before being accepted to the program. Personally, I think this is phenomenal. I mean, closed Facebook groups ask questions before admitting members. So, in my humble opinion, the “connection call” is a crucial component to ensuring the success of this program.

Want to learn even more about the Live Grieve with Gusto program?

Contact Helen here.

The Live Grieve with Gusto program will be limited to 24 participants.
The deadline to sign-up for the inaugural program is Sunday, 13 March, 2021.
Contact Helen for additional dates.

Coming Up…

Next week, Helen will share her personal Finding Joy Despite… Story. So, make sure to stop by the blog on Monday to learn more about the childless warrior behind Empowered Childlessness.