What to Expect with Infertility Therapy
If you are dealing with infertility, you may feel scared, angry, alone, and hopeless. While there are many reasons for infertility, the struggle is almost always a painful one.
Maybe you’ve tried to share your emotions with others, but you haven’t felt safe or supported in doing so. Perhaps your infertility journey has taken a toll on your self-esteem or your relationship with your partner.
No matter your reason for considering infertility therapy, it is essential to know what you should expect during the process.
Your First Therapy Session
The beginning of infertility therapy entails a “getting-to-know-you” evaluation. During the first session, your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to learn about your present struggles, background history, and other relevant details about your life. Some therapists have you fill out certain questionnaires before your first session.
Regardless, you will review the information together and discuss therapeutic goals for your work together. This is your time. Ask questions and be engaged with the process. For this reason, it’s advised to come in prepared. While therapists are trained to ask the appropriate questions to get to know you, your honesty and openness will make your sessions more effective.
Some clients ‘click’ with their therapists instantly. Others may need several sessions to feel safe and supported. Finally, some people may need to try a few different therapists to find the one that best fits their needs.
The Infertility Therapy Process
No two therapy processes look exactly the same. Your sessions will vary depending on your specific needs, your therapist’s expertise, and the goals you have for your treatment. That said, infertility therapy typically includes:
- Having safe, nonjudgmental support for you to explore your feelings.
- Learning about the typical reactions and emotions related to infertility.
- Discovering healthy ways to cope with depression, anxiety, shame, or guilt.
- Discussing other relevant struggles related to self-esteem or other areas of functioning.
Although infertility depression is not a clinical diagnosis, the symptoms of irritability, poor concentration, hopelessness, and despair, can mimic the same symptoms as major depression.
Therapists work with their clients to provide compassion and strength to navigate these symptoms best.
While nobody has a magic wand promising a “cure,” infertility therapy can provide a refuge for people who feel like they need support- without the excessive questions, judgment, or biased opinions.
Couples Infertility Therapy
Infertility doesn’t just affect the woman trying to conceive a child. It often impacts partners, which means that infertility can represent a significant stressor in relationships and marriages.
Infertility can jeopardize communication. One partner may want to talk about fertility treatment options; the other partner may respond by withdrawing or shutting down. Even if the reasons for infertility are unknown, one partner may blame themselves for the problem. In response, the other partner may become resentful or confused by how to best proceed.
Couples infertility therapy supports couples navigating this challenging process. Therapists help both partners by:
- Providing education about infertility and its impact on relationships.
- Guiding the couple to establish healthier communication patterns.
- Helping rediscover intimacy and affection.
- Providing a safe place to explore vulnerable fears and insecurities.
- Focusing on the couple’s strengths and resilience.
- Discussing adjunctive treatments (individual or group therapy, support groups).
Group Infertility Therapy
Group therapy can provide powerful support for individuals struggling with infertility. These groups are designed for like-minded people to support, grow, and help each other during this emotional battle. Such support is ideally intended to be a reminder that you are never alone.
Some groups are peer-led and run by members within the group. The topic may be organic, in the sense that group members openly discuss whatever relevant content they want to share that day. Other times, the groups follow a specific format or curriculum. These groups may be held in-person or online.
Additionally, trained therapists also facilitate group infertility therapy. These groups may be “open,” in the sense that members can enter and join at any time. Or, they may be “closed,” which means that members can only enroll on a designated date.
These support groups are meant to be safe, nonjudgmental spaces to discuss feelings and individual experiences. Group members are expected to be respectful and compassionate to other members all times.
Final Thoughts on What to Expect with Infertility Therapy
Infertility therapy can be a welcomed treatment approach for individuals or couples struggling in this trying journey. Whether you pursue individual, couples, or group therapy (or take a combination approach), working with a supportive, third-party professional can help you restore your self-esteem, find healthy ways for healing, and cultivate a greater sense of purpose.
Are you interested in seeking therapy while coping with infertility treatments? Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to discuss how we can help.
5 Reasons to Consider Therapy if You’re Coping with Infertility
Although many women have visions to add children to their families, infertility represents a difficult, frustrating, and often isolating struggle. Depression due to infertility can result in serious impairments in mental health functioning, as it can take a significant toll on one’s self-esteem and happiness. Therapy can provide healing and support for individuals on this journey.
1. Your Depression Due To Infertility Is Affecting Your Quality of Life
Maybe you’ve tried to stay positive. Perhaps you keep telling yourself that you’re overreacting or just need to be more patient.
Although infertility depression is not a diagnosable term, many women struggle with acute symptoms that mimic depression when struggling with infertility. Are you finding it hard to concentrate at work or school? Have you struggled to carve time for self-care?
Depression due to infertility can make simple tasks feel impossible. It can make you feel agitated, fatigued, and devastated- all at the same time. Therapy can help you learn how to handle infertility depression while also acknowledging the painful and challenging experience you’re undergoing.
2. You Feel Like Nobody Else Understands
Although friends and family often have loving, kind intentions, they may not quite know how to discuss the nuances of infertility. If you’re struggling with depression due to infertility, your usual support system may actually make you feel worse. That’s because friends and family are often quick to dole out traditional advice (give it time, just relax, it’ll happen when it happens). This advice can range from mildly insulting to downright infuriating.
Therapists provide support without judgment. They don’t dish out cliched advice or tell you what you need to do. Instead, they listen fully and transparently- with compassion, empathy, and encouragement.
3. You Feel Hopeless About The Future
Depression due to infertility can dramatically impact how you perceive both your present and future. If you’ve always envisioned having children, signs of infertility may evoke a heavy sense of disdain. Many women struggle with feeling purposeless or directionless. Some even feel suicidal.
While therapists do not hold the crystal ball revealing your future, they can help you create meaning and purpose in the face of your infertility depression. Finding meaning may entail exploring various passions, practicing mindfulness, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and cultivating a sense of spirituality.
4. You’re Having Problems In Your Relationship
Infertility can be brutal for couples wanting to conceive. Depression due to infertility can affect both men and women, and it can create problems related to:
- Resentment and anger
- Taking out negative feelings on one another
- Sexual performance and intimacy problems
- Feelings of inferiority
While some couples share similar approaches to tackling infertility, others do not see eye-to-eye with their partners. This dynamic can naturally create tension and resentment. That said, therapy can help clients explore some of the problematic conversations associated with either infertility in women or men.
5. You’re Also Struggling With Other Mental Illnesses
20% of Americans are struggling with a mental illness at any given point. Moreover, many people struggle with multiple conditions.
Depression due to infertility can exacerbate other conditions including:
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
When left untreated, these symptoms can become progressive and debilitating. Fortunately, therapy can provide the necessary support and management. While there is no cure for depression due to infertility, therapy allows you to access the proper resources you need to move forward with your healing.
Contact Lumos Counseling PC today for more information about therapy.