Coping with a diagnosis of Infertility can have a huge impact on a couple and their relationship. Fertility issues can affect relational dynamics with family, friends and couple identity.This can be especially difficult for couples of colour and specific religions.  Advances in assisted reproduction techniques mean that some couples can fulfil their dream of having a child but usually at great financial, physical and emotional cost.

70% of couples report that fertility treatment affected their relationship negatively. Couples experienced increased anxiety, depression, a loss of intimacy, decreased self esteem and an increased feeling of isolation. Counselling with a fully qualified British Infertility Counsellor (BICA) can support you through the highs, lows, grief and loss associated with fertility treatment.

The impact of fertility treatment on sex and intimacy is complex. Sex becomes procreative and clinical rather than pleasure focussed and the joy of intimate connection can be lost.  Working with a specially trained sex and relationship therapist can help couples with intimacy issues, communication difficulties and help them to maintain the connection that they had before a diagnosis.

One third of couples who do not conceive successfully are more likely to divorce and 1 in 5 women find themselves alone at the end of a failed treatment cycle. A recent study by Fertility Network UK (2016) showed that ninety percent of negative outcome fertility patients experienced depression. Forty two percent of patients experienced suicidal feelings which is significantly higher than the national average. Ninety three percent of men said that their well being was affected by male infertility and fifty percent of men felt that they were not being supported during treatment.

How can I help?

As an accredited psychosexual and relationship therapist with a scientific and clinical embryology background I can support couples throughout fertility treatment. I have witnessed the highs and lows of the fertility treatment cycle and accompanying grief and loss associated with a negative outcome. I can support you with your emotions and teach you to manage the stress and anxiety that may affect your relationship.

Involuntary Childlessness

Women and men who are involuntarily childless can find life extremely isolating and  it can be difficult to find meaning after treatment finishes. I can support you while you process the emotions that may accompany the grief and loss you may be experiencing. I can support you to find new meaning in life as a couple. 
Session Fees
My fees are £70 for individuals and £85 for couples per fifty minute session.
Please note that my fees have just increased for the first time in three years, however I am passionate about being able to support clients and do not want financial hardship to preclude access to sessions so please let me know if you are struggling financially and we can discuss fees accordingly.

Specific Issues that may need support :

Stress

Anxiety

Grief and Loss

Depression

Suicidal Ideation

Problems with sex, intimacy and loss of desire

Identity issues

Family issues

Impact of race and religion

Infertility diagnosis

Male factor diagnosis

Female factor diagnosis

Couple issues

Fertilisation issues

Implantation difficulties

Miscarriage

Neonatal and infant loss

Somatic trauma from treatment

Psychological impact of diagnosis and treatment

Using donor sperm and eggs

Ready to find out more?

Please use the contact form to enquire about working with Louise. She will usually respond to you within 24 hours.

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