Grief Ball in a Box: Pregnancy Loss Edition is a gentle, 2-page printable handout full of soft watercolor illustrations, with short, simple wording. It pairs with the Held in Love pregnancy loss workbook.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Page 1 shows the ball-in-a-box model in three gentle watercolor stages: at first the ball fills the box and keeps pressing the pain button; little by little the box grows; over time life grows around a ball that stays about the same size. It also shows reminders that can press the button (the due date, pregnancy announcements, baby showers, medical visits, anniversaries, and more). Page 2 is a fill-in: draw your box today, list your own pain-button reminders, what helps when it's pressed, plan for a hard date, and two reflection prompts.
Delivery: Instant digital download (PDF). No physical item will be shipped. Print as many copies as you need for personal use.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Anyone grieving a miscarriage or other pregnancy loss, whenever it happened, and partners who are grieving too. The wording lets each person choose their own words (baby, pregnancy, a name, or something else). A therapist or counselor may also choose to use it with clients.
CREDIT
The "ball in a box" grief analogy is a widely shared idea, popularized by Lauren Herschel. This handout uses original wording and art and is not affiliated with or endorsed by her.
PLEASE NOTE
This handout is for psychoeducation and self-reflection only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for medical or mental health care, and no specific results are promised. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional. In the US, Postpartum Support International's HelpLine is 1-800-944-4773 (not for emergencies). In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
Created by Colorful Emotions Counseling | Ashley Gonzalez, M.S.
Grief Ball in a Box: Pregnancy Loss Edition is a gentle, 2-page printable handout full of soft watercolor illustrations, with short, simple wording. It pairs with the Held in Love pregnancy loss workbook.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Page 1 shows the ball-in-a-box model in three gentle watercolor stages: at first the ball fills the box and keeps pressing the pain button; little by little the box grows; over time life grows around a ball that stays about the same size. It also shows reminders that can press the button (the due date, pregnancy announcements, baby showers, medical visits, anniversaries, and more). Page 2 is a fill-in: draw your box today, list your own pain-button reminders, what helps when it's pressed, plan for a hard date, and two reflection prompts.
Delivery: Instant digital download (PDF). No physical item will be shipped. Print as many copies as you need for personal use.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Anyone grieving a miscarriage or other pregnancy loss, whenever it happened, and partners who are grieving too. The wording lets each person choose their own words (baby, pregnancy, a name, or something else). A therapist or counselor may also choose to use it with clients.
CREDIT
The "ball in a box" grief analogy is a widely shared idea, popularized by Lauren Herschel. This handout uses original wording and art and is not affiliated with or endorsed by her.
PLEASE NOTE
This handout is for psychoeducation and self-reflection only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for medical or mental health care, and no specific results are promised. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional. In the US, Postpartum Support International's HelpLine is 1-800-944-4773 (not for emergencies). In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
Created by Colorful Emotions Counseling | Ashley Gonzalez, M.S.
