You Don’t Have to Carry It All Alone: Introducing Support for Stressed Parents
Parenting responsibilities don’t exist in a vacuum. They add to a life that already feels stretched thin.
You may be balancing work, relationships, household responsibilities, finances, caregiving, appointments, school schedules, and the needs of everyone around you. Even when things are going reasonably well, the mental load can feel relentless. There is always something to remember, manage, anticipate, or worry about. And somewhere in the middle of all those demands, you are also trying to be the patient, present parent you want to be.
If you have been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, disconnected, or simply tired of carrying so much on your own, you are not failing. You may just need a place where some of the attention is finally given back to you.
A Supportive Space For You
LaunchPad Counseling is offering Support for Stressed Parents, a six-week virtual group for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12.
The group is designed to help you slow down, reflect on what you are carrying, and find healthier ways to navigate parenting alongside all the other stresses in your life. You will have space to talk honestly about the parts of parenting that are difficult, care for your own emotional needs, and feel supported by people who understand that loving your children does not make parenting easy.
This group is not about becoming a perfect parent or adding another list of things you “should” be doing. It is about helping you feel more grounded and supported while balancing the many roles you already hold.
What You Can Expect
Support for Stressed Parents will be facilitated by Ruth Saunders, LPC, RPT, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist. Ruth is also the author of our blog post: “Dealing with Political Stress as a Parent”.
In this group, she will guide conversations focused on parenting stress, self care, emotional well being, available supports, and the everyday challenges that can leave parents feeling depleted. Along with support from Ruth, you will have the opportunity to hear from other parents, share as much as you feel comfortable sharing, and recognize that many of the struggles you experience are not yours alone.
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from the group. You may simply be looking for a place to breathe, reflect, feel understood, and make more room for yourself within the demands of parenting and daily life.
Group Details
When: Mondays at noon
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $50 per session
Facilitator: Ruth Saunders, LPC, RPT
Location: Virtual
For: Parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12
Space is limited so that the group can remain personal, comfortable, and supportive.
Ready To Join Us?
If this sounds like the kind of support you have been needing, we invite you to complete our interest and registration form at www.launchpadcounseling.com/groups.
If Mondays at noon do not work for you, please complete the form anyway and tell us what times would be more convenient. We are also gathering information for possible future groups.
You spend so much of your time caring for everyone else. This can be one place where you do not have to carry everything alone.
Frequently Asked Questions: Support For Stressed Parents
Who is this parenting support group for?
This group is for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12 who are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting alongside work, relationships, household responsibilities, caregiving, and the many other stresses of everyday life. You do not need to be receiving individual therapy at LaunchPad to participate.
Is this group therapy or a support group?
Support for Stressed Parents is a facilitated support group led by Ruth Saunders, LPC, RPT. The focus is on shared experiences, guided reflection, emotional support, self care, and finding greater balance rather than individual therapy treatment.
What will we be talking about?
The group will explore the emotional and mental load of parenting, the challenge of wearing many different hats, ways to care for yourself amid competing demands, and how to identify support and resources. You will also have space to talk honestly about what you are carrying and hear from other parents who understand.
Will I be expected to share personal information?
You are encouraged to participate, but you can decide how much you feel comfortable sharing. Ruth will help create a respectful and supportive environment where participants can reflect, listen, and contribute without pressure to disclose more than they are ready to discuss.
Do I need to commit to all six weeks?
Yes. To support trust, consistency, and group connection, participants are expected to commit to all six sessions once the group begins.
How much does the group cost?
The cost is $50 per weekly session. Because this is a closed six session group and your place is reserved for the full series, you will be charged $50 each week on the day the group takes place, even if you are unable to attend a session.
When will the group start?
The group will begin once there are enough interested participants to form a meaningful and connected group. If you sign up, we’ll reach out with a confirmed start date as soon as the group is ready to launch.
Where does the group meet?
The group meets virtually, so you can participate from home or another private location. Because other participants will be sharing personal experiences, you will need to join from a space where the group cannot be overheard.
What if Mondays don’t work for me?
Please complete the interest form anyway and tell us what days and times would work better for you. We are gathering information from parents who may be interested in future groups at different times.
How do I sign up?
You can express interest by signing up here: launchpadcounseling.com/groups.
There is no obligation at this stage—signing up simply lets us know you’re interested.