Counseling can help patients emotionally replenish before beginning treatment. A counseling session helps patients identify the best sources of emotional and social support available during treatment. We know that positive support does make a difference for patients in infertility treatment.

COPING WITH STRESS

A session with an infertility counselor can also assist couples in coping with stress. Many couples feel relieved and hopeful when they know there are positive ways to cope with the stress and disappointment of delayed family building.

STRESS AND INFERTILITY WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR PARTNER

Many patients also benefit from learning how infertility affects marital communication. Infertility is often the first life crisis a couple shares together. Men and women cope differently with stress in general, and with infertility stress in particular. Helping couples recognize some of these universal patterns early in the treatment process often goes a long way towards maintaining marital satisfaction. Early counseling can help prevent misunderstandings or communication problems before they start.

EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

Couples benefit from support throughout the infertility process and especially when it comes to dealing with strong emotions. Anger, self-blame, fear, anxiety and feelings of loss may surface and feel overwhelming at times. Couples who have experienced a pregnancy loss or who have a history of recurrent miscarriages may benefit from additional support as they attempt another pregnancy. An infertility counselor can also help you identify certain types of depression or anxiety conditions that should be treated prior to beginning a treatment cycle.

DECISION-MAKING

Patients find it helpful to consult with a counselor when faced with important treatment decisions, such as the use of donor gametes or the decision to end treatment. All of our patients will meet with a counselor as part of their consultation for IVF, when using donor eggs or sperm, and for all gestational carrier arrangements. In addition, patients often choose to meet with a counselor during the “waiting period” of their treatment cycle, for support during an IUI cycle, or for post treatment follow-up.

SUPPORT GROUPS

We also offer counselor led support groups to discuss topics of interest to our patients including: coping with infertility stress, relaxation training and self-nurturing, how to deal with friends and family, and enhanced couples communication and intimacy.

COPING WITH INFERTILITY A MIND-BODY WORKSHOP

EGG RECIPIENT SUPPORT GROUP

At any time during your treatment and time with ACRM, should you wish to meet with a counselor, please call our office and the next available appointment will gladly be scheduled for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELING SERVICES

Thank you for the opportunity to assist in your care.

Coleman Gfroerer , Ph.D., LPC
Licensed Mental Health Professional
Director of Psychological Services