Both infertility and/or adoption can be very stressful for the family, it is a major transition of life which includes loss of identity, anger, depression, marital problems, social isolation, self-esteem and much more. Therapy can be helpful to deal with this positively, be happy and healthy.
Forcing a smile at a friend's baby shower, sex that just isn't fun anymore, dreading your next period. Sound at all familiar? It's a struggle many go through, but most people don't talk about. If your parenthood journey is not what you had imagined, talking about it can help. We provide a safe space to share the challenges that come with trying to conceive and infertility. Talk therapy combined with coping skills can help you navigate this experience and address the waves of emotions that come with it.
Every health issue, every dis-ease in the body has an emotional connection. Once the emotional cause behind the dis-ease can be identified, self-work can begin to naturally heal the emotional cause. Becoming - or choosing to not to become - a biological parent can raise pre-conceived beliefs concerning fears around the process, the anticipation of pain during labour and parenting adequacy that many new families subconsciously may bring to the fertility, pregnancy and parenting processes.
At Tikvah Family Services, we offer compassionate support for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of infertility and adoption. Our specialized therapy addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of these significant life experiences, helping clients cope with the stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain they may encounter.
For those struggling with infertility, we provide guidance and support to manage the emotional rollercoaster of treatments and decision-making, fostering resilience and well-being throughout the process. For those pursuing adoption, we offer counseling to address the complexities of the adoption journey, including preparation, adjustment, and integrating the child into the family.
Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, build coping strategies, and find hope and clarity as they navigate their paths to building or expanding their families. At Tikvah Family Services, we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Licensed Mental Health Counsellor, Licensed & Registered Creative Arts Therapist
Creative Arts Therapy is a powerful specialty which provides us to express our subconscious in a safe and easy way. Since the subconscious is a great power that directs our behaviours, on infertility or adoption issues, CAT is very effective and gives great results.
Issues with infertility and adoption can bring serious emotional distress and impact individual’s self image and relationships in different ways. There are ethical and cultural components that also create additional stress and overall dissatisfaction with life. In the therapy we explore emotions, thoughts and believes and look for possible solutions. Working though underlying and sometimes unconscious dynamics and patterns improves resilience and strengthen relationships. In cases of adoption, we address issues, associated with bringing a new family member into an existing family unit. We learn how to make it smoothly and deal with inevitable difficulties and challenges.
I have experience supporting people (queer couples, straight couples, single parents) in their fertility journeys whether you've already started fertility treatment (IUS, IVFs) or are considering donor conception options, I can support you in this life transition. There is a lot of grief around infertility and pregnancy loss that is unspoken about, and people end up being isolated and alone during this journey. We will work on grief, practical strategies to support you in this journey, resources and more.
Helping women navigate the devastation around their circumstances or unpredictability of the fertility journey. As a result, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or both. Together we will work to uncover the root causes behind your experiences, thoughts and feelings, to provide you with concrete, practical tools you can use to cope during these difficult times.
Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after trying for a year or longer. This may be because of female or male factors, or both. As a result, many individuals may seek out fertility treatment. There are various methods of treating fertility, with the most common being: oral medications, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Throughout the process, you may experience grief and loss, and/or begin to question your identity. Many individuals and/or couples going through this process, may also become frustrated, have feelings of helplessness, or have to make difficult decisions that can impact one’s emotional health.
Forms of psychotherapy that have been found to be helpful and effective in helping individuals struggling with mental health as a result of infertility include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and other forms of supportive psychotherapy. These forms of therapy can help you to acknowledge your feelings, be honest and effective in communicating your feelings to your partner, process your options, developing healthy strategies to manage and cope with your emotions, re-establish intimacy, make sense of your identity, and find ways to move forward.
Book an appointment today! Whether you are a female or a male, we know how difficult infertility can be, and how much of an emotional toll it can take on a couple to go through fertility treatment. It is important to seek help from a mental health professional in order to help you manage and alleviate your symptoms. (In)fertility and Reproductive Mental Health is an area that LifeCycle Counselling specializes in. Call us today or book an appointment to get started! Please visit our Reproductive Mental Health section for more details.
I have been there. I myself went through an 8 year fertility journey that I count as one of my most formative experiences. It can be a torture, a lonely torture if navigated without regular support.
The process of trying to have children is emotional. Anxiety, depression, grief and trauma often come along with the process. We understand that and our therapists are trained to work with these concerns. Find empathic support today.
Your experiences with infertility, PCOS, perimenopause, or menopause will be met with deep understanding and empathy. These experiences can be profoundly personal and often involve complex emotions—especially if we are navigating the emotions or language of family members or loved ones. Art therapy, mindfulness techniques, and somatic practices may are all options to help you connect with your body and emotions in a supportive way.
Explore the emotional experience of the journey of trying to have a child, adoption, pregnancy loss, emotional and physical stress related to fertility treatments. Explore and identify self-care and coping strategies that bring awareness and healing.
In my practice focusing on infertility and adoption, I provide a sensitive and supportive space for individuals and couples grappling with the emotional complexities these experiences bring. Understanding the profound impact of infertility, I help clients navigate the rollercoaster of emotions associated with fertility challenges, including grief, frustration, and hope. For those considering or undergoing adoption, I offer guidance and support through the emotional and often complex adoption process, helping to manage expectations and emotions. My approach is compassionate and understanding, aimed at empowering clients to handle uncertainties and make informed decisions. Together, we work towards building resilience and finding fulfillment, whether this path leads to adoption or another journey to parenthood.