Infertility

Infertility can bring a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness and anger to shame and fear. Loved ones, even with the best intentions, may not fully be able to understand the complexities of your experience, which can make it feel isolating. In our sessions, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental space to express what you are going through. I’ll listen with care, meet you where you are, and validate your emotions without trying to “fix” or minimize them. Together, we’ll work toward easing the emotional weight you are carrying and help you feel seen, heard, and supported through this difficult journey.

The losses associated with infertility, whether it be pregnancy loss, unsuccessful treatments, or unmet expectations, can be profoundly painful and difficult to process. Pregnancy loss, in particular, is layered with complexities such as physical trauma, emotional grief, societal stigma, and the challenge of mourning of someone that was deeply hoped for but never fully realized. Together, we will process your grief and losses with empathy and care, helping you both make sense of and honor what you have lost. In the words of Nora McInerny, “We don’t move on from grief. We move forward with it.”

From deciding on treatments to exploring alternative paths to parenthood, going through infertility involves making deeply personal choices. These instances can trigger decision fatigue, stress, and fear, as you navigate the overwhelming number of choices— sometimes while still reckoning with the "should haves" of the past. This difficulty is compounded by the high stakes of these decisions, both short-term and long-term, impacting financial, emotional, and physical well-being. I’ll provide a supportive, unbiased space where we can explore your options together, doing our best to help you to make decisions that align with your values, limits, and emotional well-being.

Infertility often adds stress to relationships with partners, family, and friends. I’ll help you navigate these challenges by helping you foster open communication, rebuild connection, and set boundaries when needed. Attending therapy can also ease the support stress on your relationships by becoming part of your support network, providing a safe space to process your feelings. Additionally, I can help you understand that your loved ones may cope with this process differently than you do, and together, we’ll explore how to navigate these differences.

The stress of infertility can lead to losing your sense of self, as all of your focus becomes consumed by the process, leaving you in survival mode. Living in a state of high stress is very hard on your nervous system, and while you are taking care of your fertility goals, it is extremely important to take good care of yourself. Using a strength-based approach, we’ll focus on drawing from the resilience and inner resources you already have. I’ll help you identify the coping skills you’ve used in the past, build on your personal strengths, and discover new tools to help you face current challenges, and reconnect with your sense of self.

The aftermath of infertility and loss can bring its own set of challenges. Recent research on women struggling with infertility found that nearly half of participants met the official criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a figure roughly six times higher than PTSD rates among the general population. Whether you have transitioned into parenthood, exploring alternative family-building options, or moving forward child-free, I’m here to support you. Together, we will process the emotional residue, attend to past trauma, and cultivate hope for the future, acknowledging that the pain of infertility can far outlast the journey itself.