You might have heard the word doula in relation to birth, and although we do support women in the childbearing year, our services are for women at every age and stage, including end of life, and not just for those in Manchester. We provide 1:1 support to women whatever they’ve been through, are going through, or are facing. Nothing is too big or too small to discuss with us, we won’t ever think it’s silly or too much – if it’s important to you it’s important to us too.
Holding Space sessions offer women the opportunity to talk to skilled doulas who will listen, hold space, and provide holistic, tailored support. They can be standalone appointments or can form part of a comprehensive package of support, depending on your needs.
How does it work?
We will spend one hour with you individually, listening without judgement, and offering you emotional support. Afterwards, if needs be, we will email you a follow-up with a summary and any resources we think might be useful.
This can either be over Zoom from wherever you are in the world, or in-person at a drop-in.
If you like, further sessions can be arranged. This may be another standalone, or you may decide to continue with our support in a longer term package. We are more than happy to discuss either, or both.
Find out more about our three-month With Woman support plan.
What does it mean to hold space?
Holding space for you means we listen, and no feelings are too big or complicated to share with us. We hold you in a safe, spacious container of compassion and caring, so you can lean into your feelings and be curious, knowing that we won’t shy away and that we think highly of you no matter what. We’ll be there for you whatever you share, think, or feel.
We don’t come with our own ideas about what you need, and we won’t tell you what to do. You are the expert on you and your life, even if you don’t feel like it at the moment. We will reflect that back to you so you can feel more confident.
When we hold space we are completely present with you and your situation, walking alongside you whichever direction you take.
What kinds of things can I talk about during a session?
That’s completely up to you. You can use our time together to discuss anything you like, in confidence. It’s okay to book a session not knowing what you want to talk about at the time, you will find it along the way.
We want you to feel safe, in control, and cared for.
Below are topics women have spoken about during sessions, but we are not limited to any themes, and are open to you discussing anything that’s on your mind. You can be honest with us, and we will not project our experiences onto yours.
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moving house
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grief and loss
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domestic abuse
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menopause
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difficult relationships or family dynamics
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abortion
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starting, changing or leaving a career
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motherhood
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sexual exploitation
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trauma
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abuse
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caring responsibilities
- any struggles that come with living under patriarchy
At the heart of your situation is how you feel. You can talk to us if you are feeling:
- low in mood
- depressed
- overwhelmed
- lost
- grief
- sad
- angry
- confused
- lonely
- anxious
- guilty
- afraid
- helpless
- doubtful
- empty
- ashamed
- disappointed
- jealous
Where can we meet?
Most Tuesdays we occupy the community room in Eastlands Asda (Sportcity M11 4BD), where we run community groups and facilitate in-person Holding Space sessions. Meeting in a supermarket might sound strange, but it’s a lovely private space, with toilet and kitchen, and nice lighting. You can bring food. We can drink all the tea. There’s loads of parking and public transport links are excellent.
On Mondays we offer sessions over Zoom and also some of Tuesdays.
Fees
The cost for a one-hour consultation with us, including a follow-up email is £50. We are able to offer full and partial funding for this service if the cost is prohibitive – please email us before booking if you require your support to be funded: hello@greatermanchesterdoulas.com
How do I book?
You can easily book a session for either a Zoom or an in-person session.
