Infertility counseling is a form of psychotherapy that provides support to individuals who are facing challenges around fertility.

Reproductive trauma can include the following:

• Pregnancy Loss
• Struggling to Conceive
• Using sperm or egg donor
• IVF
• Adoption process
• Post partem depression
• Using gestational carrier or surrogacy
• You yourself are gestationally carrying gestationally or surrogacy for someone else
• Etc.

Infertility is relatively common in the United States. The CDC reports that about 12% of women ages 15-44 face challenges getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Additionally, about 6% of married women in the same age range are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying.

Infertility affects men as well as women; the CDC also reports that in about 35% of couples with infertility, a male factor was identified as well as a female factor.

Studies indicate that couples and individuals struggling with infertility commonly experience anxiety and depression in reaction to these challenges.

Symptoms that counseling can address:

• Anxiety or worry or overwhelm: You may find yourself frequently preoccupied with thoughts about infertility
• Sadness or depression: Challenges around infertility and reproductive trauma often cause feelings of sadness, loss, or hopelessness
• Physical symptoms of stress: Trouble sleeping, muscle tension, headaches, even digestive issues can be stress related
• Guilt, shame, or self-blame: Especially in a culture that places a high value on reproduction.
• Conflicts with partners: With extra stress involved it is possible that conflicts may arise.
• Loneliness: Often, it is hard to talk to peers, friends, coworkers, even parents or partners about the challenges that come with infertility and reproductive trauma.

Reproductive trauma can present you with multiple complicated losses that impact your most important relationships. Through counseling, it is our goal to help you move through this difficult time by providing a safe place free from judgement or shame.