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About the Episode

In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tanya Flores, co-founder of Reproductive Loss Network . They discuss the profound impact of reproductive loss, including miscarriage, infertility, and abortion, and how these experiences can affect individuals physically, spiritually, and relationally. Tanya shares her personal journey and the importance of compassionate responses to those grieving. The conversation also highlights the need for Christ-centered counseling approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments within churches for those experiencing reproductive loss.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tanya’s passion for helping others stems from her own experiences of reproductive loss.
  • Reproductive loss encompasses miscarriage, abortion, infertility, and more.
  • The grief associated with reproductive loss is often intangible and unseen.
  • Physical health can deteriorate due to the stress of grief and loss.
  • Spiritual challenges include questioning God’s presence and care during loss.
  • Relationships can be strained due to the ripple effect of reproductive loss.
  • Unhelpful responses to grief often stem from discomfort with the topic.
  • Compassionate responses include being present and offering support without platitudes.
  • Christ-centered counseling emphasizes the importance of surrender and acceptance in grief.
  • An eternal perspective helps individuals find hope and purpose beyond their loss.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Reproductive Loss Ministry
02:17 – Understanding Reproductive Loss
04:48 – The Impact of Reproductive Loss
07:25 – Spiritual and Relational Challenges
09:45 – Unhelpful Responses to Grief
12:31 – Compassionate Responses to Grief
15:11 – The Impact of Guilt and Shame
16:12 – Eternal Perspective on Loss
18:28 – Counseling Approaches to Grief
21:03 – Navigating Doubts and Questions
23:53 – Creating Supportive Church Environments
25:04 – Words of Encouragement for the Grieving

About the Guest

Tanya Flores is certified by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and is co-founder of Reproductive Loss Network. She is also the Director of Client Services + Education at a California medical pregnancy clinic where she leads a team of Grief Care Advocates who provide support for men and women experiencing loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, hysterectomy, infertility, and abortion. Tanya also serves as a lead biblical counselor at her local church. From her extensive years in training and advocacy, she is devoted to increasing awareness and care for reproductive grief throughout churches and community organizations.

 

About Reproductive Loss Network

The Reproductive Loss Network, International (RLN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a Biblical response to our grieving world through educating, equipping, and encouraging the helpers who support those touched by reproductive loss. Our training and consulting services help build specialized frameworks for healing programs and care teams within pregnancy medical clinics, counseling and resource centers, community organizations, and churches. RLN bridges the gap between those who desperately need biblical grief care and the helpers who offer compassionate support rich in Scripture and filled with eternal hope.

About the Host
Christine M. Chappell
Christine is a certified biblical counselor and host of the Hope + Help Podcast for the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship. She is the author of Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood as well as several mini-books, including Postpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season and Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. She currently serves as a council member for the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and is a regular speaker at women’s events and conferences. Christine lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children, and is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Easley.
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