Fertility and reproductive online counselling to guide your path to parenthood.
Navigating the experience of infertility can be extremely complex and go far beyond the physical aspects. Don’t wait to make your mental and emotional health a priority of this journey as well.
What is Fertility and
Reproductive Counselling?
If you or someone you know has struggled with fertility issues, chances are you’re aware of at least a few medical interventions designed to aid them in their journey of conceiving. Fertility experts are trained to offer the best medical expertise available to help their patients, but one area they’re not generally well-versed in (or have the time to support with) is the psychological impacts struggling with infertility can have.
Many patients are left feeling hopeless, isolated, confused and even depressed. No matter where you’re at in your fertility journey, you deserve the support both physically and mentally. This is precisely where fertility and reproductive counselling can offer support.
Fertility and reproductive counselling is conducted by a mental health professional with a thorough understanding of the range of impacts (i.e. psychological, emotional, physical, mental, relational, financial) fertility issues can have. They can provide emotional support as well as practical assistance in navigating their options on the journey to parenthood.
There may also be elements of relationship counselling, grief counselling, or teaching effective coping skills. The overall goal is to help both individuals and couples become well-informed of their options and in the best headspace possible to make the right decisions for their future.
When Should I Consult
a Fertility & Reproductive Therapist?
Not all those who experience reproductive struggles will need or want a fertility therapist. Sometimes, conceiving successfully can revert any psychological issues that may have come up, or they may manage to cope well enough on their own.
There’s never any shame in seeking help, and there’s also no shame in not needing it. If you feel you’d benefit from additional mental support, infertility therapy could be right for you.
A few key signs you may be struggling are having persistent feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. You may also feel your self-worth plummet or have a general lack of interest in things that used to excite you.
Incessant preoccupation with your fertility is another indication your psychological wellbeing has taken a hit from your reproductive struggles. You or loved ones may even notice changes in behaviors and harmful coping mechanisms. Any of these symptoms can also cause strain on your overall functioning, making the entire situation much more difficult.
Any combination or single example of these symptoms is a good reason to seek help from an infertility therapist. They may be able to lessen the burden of infertility, come up with viable solutions, and perhaps even increase your chances of becoming pregnant by reducing stress and optimizing modifiable lifestyle factors.
What Does Fertility and
Reproductive Counselling Focus On?
Fertility and reproductive therapy offers holistic support to both couples and individuals struggling with infertility. This means we can offer assistance in both understanding and overcoming many of the stressors that people may be faced with as a result of an infertility journey or a challenging time trying to conceive.
A skilled fertility therapist will have a good understanding of reproductive health, the medical system in their country of practice, and the options future parents have at each step of the process. They should be able to educate their clients on these topics and offer valuable insights. At Supportive Therapy, our therapists who focus on fertility and reproductive support are not only educated in the field professionally but also have personal experience, adding dimension to the empathic approach that is taken.
Beyond this, fertility and reproductive Counselling will also focus on the wellbeing of the client. It will examine the client’s current mental health status and, in collaboration with the client, determine strategies for addressing any concerns. This may be through emotional support or specific tools to increase coping abilities and strengthen caring relationships.
Unfortunately, not every reproductive journey ends with a successful conception, and fertility therapists can help with this scenario as well. They can offer grief counselling, discuss other options, or help clients reframe their goals and expectations to still be able to find joy in a different path in life.
How Fertility & Reproductive
Counselling Can Help?
Infertility counselling can mark a pivotal shift in reproductive care. It can help transform the process of fertility from one of stress and shame to one offering more clarity and support.
It’s easy to become consumed with negative emotions while in the midst of an infertility struggle. Counselling can offer a space to process the fears, disappointment, anxiety and all other emotions while helping a client find their voice, sense of control and empowerment throughout a process where this is rarely organically found.
Becoming equipped with tools to navigate the emotional upheaval of infertility can be empowering, and it’s something most medical care is missing. It’s important to remember that our mental and physical health do not exist in isolation. They’re interconnected and they’re both incredibly important not just during the season of conception, but at every stage of life.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Are you seeking emotional support or help navigating the complex and overwhelming journey of fertility and reproduction? At Supportive Therapy, we understand and are here to help. Schedule a consultation and connect with someone who has walked a similar path.