Infertility
Women and men face a specific set of emotional and physical challenges with infertility.
Not well understood, the psychological sequelae of infertility often includes depression, anxiety, fear and hopelessness. More than just the emotional challenges of infertility, there are the many physical effects of the treatments they are undergoing. These physical effects often severely impact mood, and often in a negative way.
Many of the women undergoing IVF and other fertility procedures are on high amounts of hormones that have been shown to negatively affect mood. They are on and off these meds, often several times over several months, such that they may develop full blown clincial syndromes of depression and anxiety when premorbidly, their functioning was good.
In my clinical and personal experience, while fertility clinics are staffed with excellent personnel who are supportive and caring, they are not equipped to deal with all the psychological and emotional issues that arise during treatment.
I have worked with women who are trying to decide whether to attempt IVF, or how many cycles of IVF to attempt, and at what intensity or level of invasiveness. I also work with women when and if it is time to consider other options, such as adoption. I have worked with surrogates and ovum donors on their psychological fitness to provide their services, as well as help with them with the impact such actions will have on their own mental health.
Multiple Miscarriage
While also considered infertility, multiple miscarriage has been shown to result in real changes in mood in women. Particularly prone to depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation, women who experience multiple miscarriages need extra support and therapy to increase their hope and improve their mood.
I have personal experience in this area, so I have been able to understand uniquely the incredible pain, fear and need for support that these women need. I am also informed on many of the assessments and treatments for multiple miscarriage, and can provide referrals to any related or necessary medical treatment.
Surrogacy
I work with individuals and couples to help them alleviate painful feelings and emotions, increase satisfaction in many areas of their life, and change damaging behaviors that undermine their well-being.