When it comes to finding the right support to guide you through the NICU and help you process your experiences, you may be curious about the options available through Hand to Hold. Here we’ll talk about two types of support Hand to Hold offers: peer support and counseling, the differences between the two, and how you can decide which option is right for you.
What is Peer Support?
Peer Support is defined as help that comes from people with similar lived experiences to the person seeking help. It can include empathy, encouragement, advice, and emotional support.
Lived experience is something we experience first-hand that is so impactful, it becomes part of our identity.
Hand to Hold’s Family Support Specialists are trained Certified Mental Health Peer Specialists. We are not licensed therapists. However, the combination of having our own personal NICU or bereavement experience coupled with extensive training prepares us to serve families throughout their own journeys.
What does peer support look like?
Peer support may take place one-on-one or in group settings.
If you like a support group format, our free virtual support groups are intended as a safe space for parents. Parents can come just once, weekly, or multiple times a week. Groups are designed to be easily accessible, flexible and here to meet your needs. We typically start out a group by asking open-ended questions such as, “What brought you here today?” Having the space to discuss what you and your family are experiencing with someone who’s walked a similar road is an incredibly powerful thing.
If you prefer something in a one-on-one format, Hand to Hold also offers peer support through our Peer Mentor Program. We work diligently to match parents in need of support with trained, NICU graduate peer mentors to provide one-on-one support. We carefully select the best mentors possible for each parent, so that the relationship can be as impactful as possible. Once matched, the parent chooses what form of communication they prefer (email, text, phone call, etc) as well as the frequency.
If you are looking for a space where others just “get it,” peer support through our support groups and peer mentor program may be what you’re looking for.
What is Counseling?
Counseling is defined as a professional relationship that empowers individuals and families to accomplish mental health and wellness goals.
Hand to Hold’s counseling team is made up of licensed mental health service providers. We offer free counseling services for parents and/or couples looking to process their birth experience or seek treatment for possible perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Based on counselors’ licensures, we are able to work with Texas and Florida residents only.
For families outside of the Texas and Florida areas, counseling resources are still be available to you. A good place to start is by speaking with your obstetrician or primary care provider (or having a partner/friend/family member reach out for you or with you). You can also look into your insurance benefits and coverage. If you need help locating resources please reach out to anyone at Hand to Hold as we have tools to try and locate resources in your area.
Trust your gut. If you think you need additional support, advocate for it.
If you are looking for professional help with your mental and emotional health, counseling may be what you’re looking for.
What do I do next?
Everyone’s mental health journey is unique. Many of our parents attend both virtual support groups as well as counseling sessions.
The NICU can be a very lonely and isolating experience, but you don’t have to do it alone. It is vitally important to find a support network, and Hand to Hold can help.
We are here for you no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you’re just starting a high-risk pregnancy or you’re home from the NICU, there is another parent out there who understands because they’ve been through it.
You’re not alone. We’re here and we’re ready to help.