Denise Young
Meet
Clarke Young
I have been on my journey with grief for over 16 years. I am not a therapist. I deeply respect the important work therapists do to support grieving Moms. My role is a little different. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering understanding, connection, and support as part of your overall wellness journey. Many Moms find value in combining professional therapy with the kind of peer support I offer. I have my Thanatology certification (Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement). I am a Certified Grief Educator and have my Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
It is my personal lived experience, as a bereaved Mom, that I feel allows me to understand and provide gentle, sincere, genuine and compassionate support. I listen with my heart.
Honouring Every Grieving Mom’s Journey
Moms - you are not alone. This is a safe, inclusive and non-denominational space. Every Moms grief is respected and supported. Smiles, tears and kindness can all be found here. Your feelings are valid and deeply understood. Whether through one-on-one conversations or group drop-in sessions, I’m here to offer support and connection to grieving Moms.
Our stories are all different, but they matter. We all understand the heart-wrenching pain of child loss. All grieving Moms are welcome regardless of your background or how long you have been on your journey. Grief is complicated and often misunderstood. It has its own agenda and often appears at the most inconvenient of times. We all grieve differently.
Many people are uncomfortable discussing grief. Hope & Grace is where we have real conversations about our grief journeys. There is no judgement and your privacy is respected.
Why I Do What I Do
We Lost Clarke at 11 Years Old
My sweet son Clarke, my middle child, died suddenly and unexpectedly when he was 11 years old. An autopsy determined that Viral Myocarditis had robbed us of our Clarke. Clarke was asymptomatic. Our hearts were completely shattered. I worried constantly about Clarke's siblings.
Child loss is complicated and often misunderstood. There are not enough words to explain how devastated and alone I felt for many years. I fell down in despair many times and picked myself back up. I have come a long way in my grief. I have learned to carry my grief. My grief has softened and continues to evolve. Every year my journey has been different.
Grief is not linear.
I believe that all bereaved Moms stories matter. Some of us need more support than others. I am here to serve. No Mom should ever feel alone. You are more resilient than you know. You will survive this challenging time.
Please remember to give yourself grace.
Yours in hope,
Denise
