Counselling Services
Infertility and reproductive loss can be emotionally debilitating and can have an enormous impact on your life at many levels. At least 15% of people are affected by issues related to their fertility, just like you. However, many people in the general population do not understand the emotional, financial and relationship issues you are experiencing, and have a very limited understanding of the medical aspects of fertility care. People frequently make comments and give advice (although intended to be supportive) that can be inappropriate and unhelpful.
Other people's expectations and comments; other peoples baby showers; pregnant ladies in shopping centres; frustrated potential grandparents; pregnant sisters or work colleagues; and, miscarriages and other losses can all take their emotional toll. Partners often cope differently with stress tending to either want to find a solution or just talk about things and share feelings. People experiencing infertility and/or undergoing treatment can experience a wide range of feelings and problems including;
- grief and loss
- frustration
- loss of control
- difficulty coping with uncertainty
- stress
- desperation
- the impact of negative results
- confusion
- information overload
- self-blame
- relationship issues
- sexual concerns
- communication problems
A knowledge and understanding of these sensitive issues is extremely important in helping people cope well with their fertility care journey. Our counsellor can help with these situations by listening, coaching, helping you to develop skills, dealing with grief, loss and trauma, dealing with sexual concerns; improving communication, dealing with disagreement(s) and helping you to maintain a happy and satisfying relationship.
Pre-treatment counselling
Pre-treatment counselling is an opportunity to prepare emotionally and psychologically for the challenges of treatment and to discuss coping mechanisms that can help minimise the emotional and relationship impact of fertility care. It gives people the opportunity to discuss their stress management plan and to work out how to best utilise the resources offered by Bubtree and Monash IVF.
Support available to you
All of our team including our doctors, nurses and scientists understand the emotions and issues experienced by people on their journey to become parents. However, our counsellor has specific skills and can help you to deal with any emotional issues that in turn will allow you to see your situation and options with more clarity and be in a place that will allow you to more easily focus on the medical aspects of your care.
Donor therapy and surrogacy
It is a regulatory requirement that all people requiring treatment with a donor egg, sperm or embryo or who are considering surrogacy must undergo counselling prior to commencing treatment.
The cost of counselling
At Bubtree and Monash IVF counselling is available free of charge to those people who are undergoing a stimulated cycle of IVF.
Introducing our counsellor Antonia
Antonia Lockitch has 18 years experience practising as a qualified psychotherapist and social worker. She offers a safe, confidential, respectful and caring space for discussing sensitive issues. As a qualified member of the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) she is also able to provide counselling for donating and receiving gametes as well as for surrogacy. To find out more about Antonia please visit her website. Consider making Antonia a member of your team when planning your support network of close and trusted friends and of skilled professionals. You can make an appointment to talk to Antonia by calling our reception desk at 1 300 853 546 or by emailing her at Antonia@CounsellorsRoom.com.