There is no doubt that infertility can create immense tension, resentment, and disappointment. Whether a couple has been trying to conceive for a few months or several years, the stress can feel insurmountable. Although research shows that 1 in 8 couples experience infertility, the topic has remained relatively taboo in modern society. As a result, many couples feel alone and isolated in their struggles.
Therapy provides a supportive and professional environment for couples to process their emotions and restore their sense of connection. Couples therapy for infertility addresses relevant issues pertaining to loss, sense of identity, sex and intimacy, and healthy communication.
Why Infertility Couples Therapy Is Beneficial
Infertility couples therapy often tackles the difficult issues associated with infertility, pregnancy, relationships, and marriage. Infertility issues vary among both males and females. Some individuals have medical conditions that they know will affect their fertility. However, up to 20 percent of couples face unexplained infertility. Any of these variables can be challenging for couples to navigate.
Couples often find that infertility impacts the quality of their relationship. Sex may feel like a chore, they might be diligently tracking ovulation, or going through cycles of IVF. Some couples experience one or more miscarriages and all losses can feel incredibly traumatic. It can be difficult to talk about these topics, but therapy helps start those challenging conversations.
Additionally, infertility and psychological therapy for couples usually entails a combination of:
- Exploring feelings related to anger, sadness, fear, loneliness, and resentment
- Addressing co-occurring mental health or substance use issues if applicable
- Strengthening communication
- Providing education and outside resources for support
- Increasing the sense of acceptance for the current reality
Rather than group therapy for infertility, infertility couples therapy offers full focus and attention on the couple. Couples have the opportunity to express exactly what’s on their minds. The treatment is specifically tailored to their unique wants and needs.
What To Expect During Infertility Couples Therapy
Counseling and couple therapy for infertile couples isn’t just about infertility. It’s also about your emotional, physical, and relational health.
In your first infertility couples therapy session, your therapist will ask relevant questions related to your relationship and each of your personal backgrounds. You will be encouraged to share the strengths and weaknesses within your dynamic. You may spend some time talking about your infertility journey, how it impacts you, and how you feel it has affected the quality of your relationship.
Infertility couples therapy is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and also proactive. While sessions may vary from couple to couple, you should expect to have free reign to talk about what’s on your mind. You and your partner will be encouraged to actively listen to one another when the other person speaks. Your therapist may highlight some of the patterns observed in your dynamic. This insight will help you both learn new ways of relating and connecting with one another.
The length of treatment for infertility couples therapy doesn’t adhere to a strict timeline. All couples have differing needs, and these needs may depend on the infertility process itself. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine the optimal treatment for you and your partner.
Closing Thoughts
Infertility group therapy can be helpful. However, infertility couples therapy addresses the unique needs and struggles existing in your relationship. You don’t have to worry about competing for time or sharing your thoughts in front of several other people.
At Lumos Counseling PC, we understand the unique struggles and fears associated with infertility. We are here for you and your partner. Contact us today to get started.