Welcome to Together Through Estrangement

Who I am, and Why this Group Exists... 



Hi, I’m Jen, the founder of this group. I’ve wanted to create this space for years, but the timing wasn’t right. The pain was too raw, and I worried that hearing your stories would undo me because it all hit too close to home.

Three years ago, I lost contact with my son. I didn't get to see him, hear his voice, or even be able to send a text through. This year he reached out to me and we are slowly reconnecting again, at our pace. But even with this outcome, estrangement has been the hardest period of my life. My healing has required a great deal of attention, individual therapy, personal rediscovery, and the support of my family to slowly put the pieces of myself back together and carry some peace alongside the grief.

I’m not “on the other side” of this, it’s still a roller coaster of emotions. But I’ve learned to stabilize myself so the grief can't control me as much anymore. I bring that experience to this group, knowing how raw and unpredictable this journey can be.

From the start, my heart has been drawn to supporting other parents so they don’t feel as alone as I did. I finally feel ready, and that’s why this group exists, and that's why you’re here.

I’m a mom of three and a grandmother to a brand-new baby boy. I’m also a full-time student studying to become a therapist. I want to be clear: this group is not therapy, and I cannot provide therapy here. What I can provide you is a safe, supportive space where your story is held with care and respect, and where you can feel like you belong.

I also can’t guarantee outcomes. This isn’t a space for figuring out reunification, judging parenting choices, or telling anyone the “right” way to parent. That's not the vibe here. It's about supporting one another, sharing, listening, and trusting we each contain our own best answers to our way back to our child(if that's your goal).

I also want you to know that I’m new to facilitating something like this, and I’m learning as I go. It won’t be perfect. I’ll be human, awkward, and maybe even make you laugh at times! But I’m bringing my whole heart and attention to this space. I believe deeply in the healing power of being witnessed, of finally giving voice to a story that has been held inside for so long, left untold and unseen. Of finally being able to be in a room alongside people who "get it." When others can help carry that story with you, the weight can shift. Shame can loosen. A full inhale and exhale can return to your lungs. Something can soften. Maybe even just a little, and maybe right now a little is enough.

I don’t know what exactly what you need from this space. Maybe relief. Maybe connection. Maybe a sense of yourself returning. Maybe simply a moment of not feeling so alone. Whatever it is, if you feel drawn to this space, I invite you to come and discover that here.

And remember: no matter how broken you may feel right now, you are whole. Even if it feels impossible, you will put your pieces back together again, and you will remember your worth and your wholeness, and your path forward will be luminated again. 

I’m holding you with care,

Jennifer L. Heap

togetheredcommunity@gmail.com

GROUP DETAILS

 

• Dates & Time: Thursdays 3:00pm-4:00pm, starting 03/05- 04/30 for 8 sessions total (No session on 3/26) Group participants should commit to attending all 8 group sessions, with the exception of an unexpected illness or life event
  
  

• Location: Meetings will be in the private room of the Treehouse Cafe at 5965 N Academy Blvd Suite 203, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
  
  
• Cost: The group cost, including all 8 sessions and a digital companion workbook is $25.00. (This fee is to cover the private  rental space at Treehouse and is due at the time of sign up to reserve your spot)
  
  
• Open Invitation: If you know a parent who might benefit from this group and would be a great fit, please feel free to share this page with them while the sign up is still open!

Enrollment for group closes on Saturday, 02/28/2026 11:59pm

For Questions or to Connect: Email Jen at togetheredcommunity@gmail.com

What to Expect & How to Know if This Group Is Right for You

This group may be the right fit if you’re looking for:

• An intimate community of fellow parents navigating similar challenges and experiences.
  
  
• A chance to ease feelings of isolation, grief, anger, self-blame, or loneliness that often accompany estrangement.
  
  
• An opportunity to be truly seen and heard, without anyone trying to fix or change you.
  
  
• An opportunity to practice empathy for yourself and others and draw your own meaning and reflections from the collective wisdom of the group.
  
  
• A space to explore diverse perspectives and approaches, and reflect on what resonates for you.
  
  
• Exposure to new skills, tools, or approaches that can support your relationship with yourself, ease your experience of estrangement, and guide your next steps forward.

Shared Group Goals:

• Support through your experience of estrangement
• Find belonging among other parents
• Reduce feelings of isolation and shame
• Make positive or helpful meaning of your own experience
• Gain tools and skills to support yourself during and after group
• Strengthen self-compassion, self-esteem, and self-worth
• Reconnect with yourself, your strengths, innder-wisdom, and identity post-loss
• Clarify your next steps and personal goals to carry you forward

What this Group Cannot Offer:
It's equally important to know what the group is not designed to provide, to keep the space safe for you and all members: 

• This group is not a space for processing trauma, intense emotions, or crises. If you need support for these experiences, the facilitator can provide resources and referrals.
  
  
• This group cannot provide individual therapy or one-on-one counseling. The focus is on shared experiences and mutual support.
  
  
• This is not an advice-giving space, and participants are encouraged to respect each other’s feelings, beliefs, and decisions without trying to change them.
  
  
• There are no guaranteed outcomes, including reconciliation or reconnection with your adult child as that is not the goal of this group. The goal is to support your experience of estrangement and help you pursue goals you define for yourself.
  
  
• This group is not for blame, fault-finding, comparing, or judging other parent's choices/pasts. The space is meant to be safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental for everyone. 

Support Group Sign Up Form

 Enrollment for group closes on Saturday, 02/28/2026 11:59pm