
HELD is a supportive counselling group for mothers of neurodivergent children and teens at The Neurodiversity Family Centre in Victoria, BC. Through guided discussion, reflection, and shared experiences, participants explore the challenges and joys of parenting, reduce feelings of isolation, and build meaningful connections. Led by Mary Klovance, Registered Clinical Counsellor, HELD offers a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming space where mothers can feel understood and supported while caring for themselves.
Held: A group for Mother's of Neurodivergent Youth
Parenting a neurodivergent child or teen can be beautiful, rewarding, exhausting, and, at times, incredibly isolating. Many parents find themselves carrying the emotional labour of advocating, researching, coordinating appointments, supporting emotional regulation, navigating school systems, and caring for everyone around them—often while struggling to care for themselves.
Held is a small, supportive counselling group designed specifically for mothers raising neurodivergent children and teens. While many participants may identify as neurodivergent themselves, this is not a requirement. However, the group will include a specialized focus on the unique experiences of parenting as a neurodivergent mother.
Together, we will explore practical tools, evidence-informed strategies, and meaningful conversations that support both your child and yourself. This is a space where you can learn, reflect, be supported, and simply exhale alongside other women who truly understand the journey.
Throughout the program, topics may include:
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Nervous system regulation
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Burnout prevention and recovery
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Emotional wellbeing
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Hormones and women’s health
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Self-care that actually feels sustainable
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Boundaries and reducing the mental load
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Neurodiversity-affirming parenting approaches
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Strengthening family relationships
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Creating sustainable supports for yourself and your family
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Navigating guilt, shame, and perfectionism
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Finding connection and community
Most importantly, Held offers an opportunity to connect with other mothers who truly “get it.” Through shared experiences, discussion, reflection, and mutual support, participants can reduce feelings of isolation, build meaningful relationships, and develop a community of women walking a similar path.
To ensure every participant has the opportunity to be heard and supported, the group is intentionally limited to just six women, creating a warm, intimate environment where genuine connection can flourish.
Between sessions, support doesn’t stop. During the weeks the group is not meeting, participants will have access to a private online community where they can continue conversations with one another, ask questions, celebrate successes, and receive encouragement from one another. This online space will be monitored by a student counsellor to help foster a safe, supportive, and respectful environment while encouraging ongoing connection between meetings.
As this is a therapeutic counselling group facilitated by a Registered Clinical Counsellor, participants will receive receipts following each payment. These receipts may be submitted to extended health benefit providers for reimbursement if your plan includes coverage for group therapy. Please note that reimbursement is dependent on your individual insurance plan, and participants are encouraged to confirm their coverage with their provider prior to registering.
Facilitator
The group will be facilitated by Mary Klovance, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor, educator, ADHD specialist, founder of The Neurodiversity Family Centre, and mother of a neurodivergent child. Mary’s approach is neurodiversity-affirming, compassionate, and practical, blending professional expertise with lived experience to create a space where mothers feel genuinely understood, supported, and empowered.
Funding For Groups
Autism Funding will cover the cost of all of our groups as they are facilitated by an RCC. Please check your benefits to see if you have coverage for group therapy provided by an RCC and you may be able to use your extended health benefits to cover all costs. Each insurance coverage is different so please speak directly to your provider.