HOW WE BECAME WEAVING THREADS

In 2006 founders Anne Brodzinsky, Ph.D. and Melissa Holub Ph.D. conceived of the idea for Weaving Threads from their concern about birthmothers as sorely neglected, yet central to the core of adoption.  With over 50 years of combined experience in working with adoption-related concerns, the two women knew well that once a first/birth mother placed her child for adoption, there were very few services offered to her as she began her long journey toward her life after placement. The lack of services was compounded by research reporting profound and enduring grief reactions frequently experienced by women who had placed a child for adoption.

The pilot project (originally called Amaryllis) was launched in 2009.  Gradually, two groups of therapists were recruited, trained, and met for monthly consultations.  The therapists were then matched with birth/first-mother clients.  Drs. Brodzinsky and Holub offered all training and consultation free of charge so that therapists could also offer their services for free or low fee.  Part of the vision was to offer therapeutic support that didn't create additional loss for these mothers who were already managing various aspects of grief.  Instead of offering short term services or a limited number of meetings, Weaving Threads counseling is designed to continue for as long as the woman wishes to be involved in the work.  This structure is not only much more responsive to her needs, but gives her back a sense of agency that is often lacking in the placement.

Dr. Holub brought in colleagues Nina Anderson, Elayne Chou, and Tara Noone, all deeply committed to the mission of Weaving Threads.  This new group worked tirelessly to establish the next phase of the organization, including its formal non-profit status and board of directors which convened for the first time in February of 2020.