How I work
Grief for the fertility impaired is when ‘the loss comes from an absence of something that has never been rather than the absence of something that used to be’. In reproductive loss or disenfranchised grieving, in comparison to grief with other types of losses, you might struggle with both the chronic, ongoing nature of your losses related to your unique path of (in)fertility, as well as for example, the loss of a pregnancy, that might lead to an ongoing overlay of significant anxiety and sorrow. Even though globally, various groups have worked together to build the ‘international infertility counselling organization (IICO) to improve awareness of “current standards of ethical practice’, and ‘despite overwhelming recommendation in the literature in the past forty years for psychosocial intervention, there is still poor integration of research into (in)fertility counselling practice’. Subsequently, my passion is working to help fill this void by offering the unique counselling that is required for fertility impairment. As we build our therapeutic relationship, I will utilise my knowledge and skills to support you in reaching an understanding that has meaning for you. Furthermore, I will work with you towards acceptance of your unique process.
Fertility impairment or (in)fertility
Fertility impairment or a diagnosis of (in)fertility can be regarded as “a socially negated loss”, a loss not approved by society as no physical death has occurred. Loss is an integral element in many ways for a person suffering with disenfranchised grief confronted with the ‘loss’ of the yearned-for child who is ‘psychologically present but physically absent’.
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Individuals, heterosexual and same-sex couples, families and workshops groups
Together we will pursue your fears and anxieties that perhaps have impacted your lifelong dream of parenthood. Whether you, as a woman have been diagnosed with (in)fertility due to medical checks resulting in lack of regular ovulation, endometriosis, or damaged fallopian tubes. Or a man, who has had a medical test result of (in)fertility caused by low semen grade or motility. Or you might be a same-sex couple struggling to fulfil your dreams of parenthood. Or perhaps a diagnosis of unexplained infertility has been given (a medical diagnosis given to couples from 1950 to date, following an elimination of all other medical reasons for (in)fertility, such as semen analysis, tubal barriers or blockages, and ovulation investigations). Whatever the situation, these are all reasons why my counselling work is dedicated entirely and solely to working in the therapeutic relationship with clients living with/suffering with their unique and individual (in)fertility issues. I walk alongside my clients no matter where they are emotionally at any stage of their journey.
How long will it take?
Sessions for individuals and couples are 60 minutes long, and usually take place at the same time weekly or as agreed upon.
How many sessions we work for will vary. Six to twelve sessions can make a big difference. Many people choose or need to work for longer. Depending on your situation we can agree at the outset to work for a certain number of sessions and review our progress intermittently.
How much does it cost?
My fee is:
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£70 for individual psychotherapy, counselling, or coaching.
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£90 for a couples counselling appointment.
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Longer sessions with families, workshops and courses can also be arranged.
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Payment can be made by bank transfer, card or by PayPal.