Infertility

I have specialized training in infertility through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Struggling with the uncertainties of an infertility experience can be one of life's most painful experiences. I have additional training in supporting women through this journey and acknowledging the deep grief and loss that can exist.

I am very knowledgeable in this area as well as compassionate regarding the issues that come up when trying to start a family doesn't go as planned. There are may feelings that arise when a couple or single person cannot conceive in the way they had hoped. I also work with same sex couples who are interested in starting a family.

Our providers at Vayda MH have unique experience (both personal and professional in many cases) and expertise to support those with difficult journeys to parenthood. Whether impacted by infertility and the complexities and stress of treatment (e.g., meds, IUI, IVF), third party reproduction (donor gametes, surrogacy), pregnancy or perinatal concerns, birth trauma, or pregnancy/infant loss... you are NOT alone in your suffering. We will walk this painful path along with you!

In my own struggles with infertility I have come to a deep understanding of both the physical and mental strain it places on ones body and mind. Each journey is different and as such, should be treated as unique as the individuals who experience trials of infertility.

Counseling can provide vital support and give you the tools and information you need to thrive through this journey to parenthood rather than just wait and survive. With infertility, we often treat the physical factors and neglect the critically important mental and emotional factors needed to get pregnant. By treating the whole person, your chances of conceiving improve and the hardships of infertility are lessened.

After having twin boys, I shifted my practice to focus on pregnancy, post partum and infertility issues. I am certified in perinatal mental health and completed the Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD.

I provide supportive, compassionate care for individuals experiencing infertility or struggling on their journey to becoming a parent. Infertility can be an incredibly isolating experience and having a therapist who understands the emotional and social challenges of navigating this journey can help the process feel a little more manageable.

Fertility is often an aspect of women's health that is overlooked until trying to conceive. Common experiences learning about infertility include anger, grief, and shame. You're not alone in this journey. I have experience supporting women through egg freezing, IUI, IVF, pregnancy, third party matters, and surrogacy. I have completed the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's mental health professional training on infertility and third party reproduction to best support my clients.

Whether you're early on in process or have been waiting for years, struggling to have a child can really break your confidence. It can be overwhelming to deal with the doctors, hormones, and dietary restrictions which often increase anxiety and the feeling that you need to be perfect. I can work with you to sort through all of these expectations, uncomfortable thoughts, and feelings.

You do not need to walk your difficult journey to parenthood alone. Whether impacted by infertility and its treatment (meds, IUI, IVF), use of third party reproduction (donor eggs/sperm/embryos or surrogacy), or deciding to grow your family via adoption or choosing to live child-free... we will join you. We have providers specialized in birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss and stillbirth, and perinatal mood/anxiety/OCD/trauma disorders. We use an attachment and feminists' approach!

Dealing with infertility - struggling to get and/or stay pregnant - is a life crisis. What we expected to be a joyful part of life becomes a series of losses which can leave us feeling intense grief, helplessness, anxiety, isolation, and envy. I can help you process these experiences, review different treatment options, talk you through considering the use of a donor and/or a gestational carrier, and even evaluate donors/GC's. You don't have to cope with this alone.

We understand that fertility treatments and fertility struggles often stir up anxiety and depression in many individuals. Treatment is complicated by the psychological effects from the medications, hormones, stressors and implications of treatments. Our practice is able to meet you exactly where you are during their fertility journey and we understand the need for emotional support through an often very strenuous process, both physically and emotionally.

I am trained through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Postpartum Support International.

Needing medical intervention to get and stay pregnant is not easy, no matter how you found yourself on this path. It is a complex and lonely place to be and even your most well-meaning friends and family can do and say really hurtful things. In our work, you will have the space to feel and say everything you need without judgement or toxic positivity. We will work to find ways for you to cope with the process of treatment or what it means if treatment is not in your future, for whatever reason.

I have worked in a fertility clinic for over four years with patients with infertility, pregnancy loss, termination for medical reasons, genetic diagnoses, stillbirth, birth trauma as well as the stress of coping with fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, and donor gametes or surrogacy. I also support people with LGBT family building. I help people cope with the emotional rollercoaster of the fertility process, navigate family/friendship challenges, and improve communication with their partner.

I am well-versed in the world of infertility, through both my clinical practice and personal experiences navigating infertility and pregnancy loss. Whether you are struggling with medical fertility challenges or are simply an LGBTQ+ couple trying to build your family, I am familiar with much of the fertility world and can help you navigate the complex, painful, and emotional journey that is getting pregnant, staying pregnant, and growing your family.

Struggling with infertility can be a deeply emotional and isolating experience. Whether you're facing difficulties conceiving, undergoing fertility treatments, or coping with pregnancy loss, know that you're not alone. I am here to walk alongside you, offering support, validation, and practical strategies to help you navigate this complex and often overwhelming journey. My approach to infertility counseling is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based techniques.