The Role Of Therapy Dolls For Infant Loss

The death of a newborn can be one of the most devastating experiences in a person's life. For many people, it may be challenging to find comfort and acceptance after such an emotional experience. However, therapy dolls for infant loss may provide comfort and solace during this time. In this article, we will discuss what therapy dolls are and how they may help people who have experienced infant loss.

What are therapy dolls?

Therapy dolls are specially designed dolls that can be used as therapeutic tools to help individuals process trauma, grief, and loss. Also known as reborn dolls, therapy dolls are typically life-like dolls that can be used as soothing aids for people who have experienced the death of a child. These dolls may offer unique comfort and healing for those who need additional support during this challenging time.

Scholarly research suggests that therapy dolls can significantly impact people who have experienced trauma. One study involved a woman who had experienced trauma and was encouraged to make therapy dolls to help her cope with grief. 

The results indicate that the creation and use of therapy dolls may help decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout the grieving process. Researchers concluded that therapy dolls can offer significant therapeutic benefits for people healing from complex trauma.

How therapists utilize therapy dolls

Therapy dolls have become an increasingly popular therapeutic tool for parents who have experienced infant loss. They can be used in various settings, from individual counseling sessions to online therapy. 

Role-playing

One of the primary ways therapy dolls may be used in therapy for infant loss is through role-playing. During role-playing sessions, individuals are encouraged to interact with the baby dolls as if they were real babies, dressing them in clothes, holding them, and even talking to them. These interactions can help individuals process their grief and may provide a source of emotional support. For example, people with sleeping challenges and anxiety due to infant loss may experience improved sleep and decreased anxiety due to the simulated presence of a warm infant body. 

Group therapy

Therapy dolls can also be used in group therapy settings, providing a group experience for people who have endured similar tragedies. Through group therapy, individuals may find a safe and supportive space to communicate their experiences, connect with others who have been through similar situations, and find a source of healing and hope.

Play therapy 

Research has found that therapy dolls may be helpful in play therapy for people who have experienced trauma. When used in play therapy, reborn dolls (sticking with the same wording could be beneficial and less confusing) can provide a sense of comfort, safety, and nurturing. People who have experienced infant loss may find that holding a therapy doll and playing with it enables them to process their emotions and heal. The dolls may serve as a source of connection with the lost child and can be a way to work through complex emotions. 

Caring for a therapy doll may also provide a safe and calming outlet for anxiety and stress. Parents may be instructed by their therapist to care for the doll as if it was their child. This strategy may enable the individual to express the loving and caring instincts they may have repressed after their traumatic experience. By engaging in this type of play therapy, people who have experienced infant loss may be able to get in touch with their inner child, learn to manage their emotions, and gradually heal. 

Benefits of therapy dolls for infant loss

The benefits of therapy dolls remain open to future research, but their popularity seems to be on the rise for professionals and patients alike. Reborn dolls in particular have been found to have the potential to provide a range of benefits for grieving parents.

Perhaps one of the main benefits of therapy dolls for infant loss is the emotional comfort they can provide. Holding and interacting with a life-like doll can help parents feel close to their lost child, and this may provide a sense of comfort and companionship. This may be especially beneficial for people who experienced a sudden or traumatic loss such as a miscarriage or stillbirth, for instance, since it may enable them to process their grief in a way that feels safe and non-threatening.

Therapy dolls can also have more practical benefits for people who have experienced infant loss. For example, they can be used to manage anxiety and fear associated with pregnancy or to reconnect with the nurturing and caregiving instincts that can come with parenthood.

In addition to emotional benefits, therapy dolls can also provide a sense of physical comfort. Reborn dolls can be made to simulate the feel of a real baby, and some may even have simulated breathing or heartbeats. This can be soothing for people who miss the physical presence of their child, and it may help them feel more grounded and connected. It can also be helpful for people who did not have the opportunity to hold or see their baby after the loss. Interacting with a tangible representation of their child may help them experience a sense of closure.

Therapy dolls can be a valuable tool for people experiencing infant loss. They may provide a safe and supportive way for parents to process grief and experience a sense of comfort and companionship. While therapy dolls may not be suitable for everyone, they can offer a unique form of healing for parents who have experienced what is likely one of life’s most difficult challenges—the loss of a child.

The role of online therapy 

While therapy dolls may have proven helpful for some people in their healing journey, cognitive behavioral therapy, especially online therapy, can also be a valuable resource for people who have experienced infant loss. With online therapy, parents can receive professional support from the comfort of their homes without the stress of traveling to appointments or facing potential triggers in a clinical setting. This can be particularly helpful for parents who are still grieving and might not want to leave the house. 

Online therapy may also provide increased flexibility and convenience, thereby making it easier to fit into busy schedules. This can be especially important for individuals with work or home responsibilities that can make attending traditional therapy challenging.

One study examined the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for people who lost a child during pregnancy. Researchers found that participants in online therapy showed significant improvements in post-traumatic stress, grief, depression, and anxiety. Parents with similar experiences may be able to find genuine relief and support by working with a licensed online therapist.