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If a support group seems too impersonal for you, you may want to try one-on-one counseling through a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. This type of therapy can help you and your significant other with your fertility issues on a more individual basis and allow you to talk openly without the vulnerability of others looking and listening.
Your Reproductive Endocrinologist can help in the medical aspect of your treatment needs, but can rarely give you the extra time to guide you through the emotional side. It was mandatory for my husband and I to have one Fertility Counseling session at our clinic before proceeding with our IVF and perhaps it was (or will be) the same for you. But you can always sign up for more if you feel depressed, anxious, or confused about your emotions throughout a cycle. Your RE can even help recommend someone in your area.
What should you expect from this type of therapy? Well, just like in the support groups, you can explore stress reduction methods, coping mechanisms, and all possible ways to handle your fertility, finances, and relationships. Also, it can be a safe and supportive environment to vent your frustrations.
Sometimes it’s hard to accept that you need “therapy” and you may feel that you can handle it all on your own. But don’t disregard your feelings. I know from experience that infertility has the power to take over your life and bring you to very low places emotionally. Seek the help that is available to you if you feel it can help you get through this difficult time.
This is very good advice, though it may be hard to “open up” if you have not discussed infertility issues with many people.
We have met with a psychologist a few times when my husband and I were in different places re: ART options we faced.
We are now meeting with a therapist that specializes in infertility as we now face different family building options. Often, I hear (and are now experiencing) that spouses are usually in different places in terms of emotions and where each person thinks they should go in their journey.
For us, it always helps to get a 3rd party to reframe each others’ thoughts so we don’t dig in and be stubborn.
It takes a lot to swallow your pride to see a therapist, but if you’re already seeing an RE, to me it makes sense to see a therapist to ensure you have a clear mind/heart in making your next fertility decision.