Infertility Counseling Training

In September I began a training in infertility counseling with Sharon Covington, MSW and Nancy Hafkin, PhD and together with seven other practitioners in the field, we began the journey to learn more about assisting individuals and couples who are facing challenging reproductive issues. In our second session the focus of attention was on identifying some of the mental health issues that can arise as a result of receiving a diagnosis of infertility and the subsequent treatment.

When clients go through a period of approximately one year of regular, unprotected intercourse without a resulting pregnancy, reproductive assistance is usually the next step in aiding conception. Clients are referred to a reproductive specialist and an in-depth assessment is done to determine the cause of infertility. When clients first find out the reason they have been unable to conceive they may experience a range of emotions including shock, disbelief, anxiety, depression, shame, anger, etc.

These powerful responses are a normal reaction to an infertility diagnosis and without support, they can have a profound affect on the assisted reproductive process. An infertility diagnosis can trigger a loss of a sense of self; the deep core belief in one’s body, mind and soul. There is a sudden change in the direction of one’s life and navigating the rigors of a medical intervention can be challenging without emotional support.

Men and women have simultaneouly similar yet different reactions to receiving a diagnosis of infertility. Long standing coping strategies for stress emerge to help deal with the shock of learning that one’s body will not do what it is supposed to do. Exposure to a partner’s coping mechanisms can be confusing and isolating; sometimes challenging the core of the realtionship. Depression, anxiety inadequacy, sexual problems, shame and blame can contribute to the mix in ways that make the process of trying to conceive more difficult that it has to be.

Once an individual or couple receive an infertility diagnosis it is useful to have a consultation with a mental health professional. Talking about the feelings associated with infertility helps smooth out the assisted reporductive process by gaining insight in to oneself and one’s partner. The focus on mental health enables individuals and couples to deal with their future steps from a more holistic perspective; fostering a more active role in the challenges of coping with infertility.