Individuals and couples who face fertility-related issues can experience inordinate amounts of fear, doubt, uncertainty, anguish, and despair in their efforts to have a baby. Undergoing intrusive medical procedures may create high levels of stress and anxiety. Research affirms that individuals undergoing this process experience stress and distress at levels similar to those of other serious medical conditions. These circumstances can undermine the individual’s and couple’s emotional and physical health, which also impacts the fertility treatment process.








For those in relationships, infertility stress that is longstanding often erodes relationship intimacy and creates emotional distance. Sometimes a negative self-concept and a sense of failure and anger can spill over into other areas of life, exacerbating couple conflict and leaving partners feeling depressed and anxious. At this point, some individuals/couples may find it difficult to be around pregnant women and babies. Partners may become emotionally disconnected, which deepens the sense of loneliness, isolation and helplessness already experienced as a result of having a fertility issue.

Individuals who are pursuing fertility options experience unique challenges. Often they are faced with isolation and fears in journeying through the fertility process alone. Stigma, social judgement, and a lack of social support can contribute to feelings of vulnerability in addition to the rigour of fertility treatment.

Making complex decisions about fertility options are sometimes accompanied by a deep sense of loss and grief. Decisions about whether to continue or discontinue fertility treatments can be distressing. A sense of futility and despair may ensue as individuals or couple partners set out to explore other ways of becoming parents.

Counselling
CFIR therapists support couples and individuals going through fertility issues to deal with the challenging emotional reactions related to fertility issues. Exploration of the deeper meanings associated with infertility or fertility issues is an important part of the healing process. Education and support related to the fertility process also supports clients to be empowered throughout this journey.

With couples, an emotional connection is important to counteract the isolation and loneliness associated with this process and to help each other cope with difficult emotional experiences. Strengthening the couple relationship will ensure that each partner can reach for the other in moments of vulnerability to lessen distress and restore a sense of calm by soothing and comforting one another. Partners become a stronger team in facing fertility challenges and the difficult emotional experiences involved in this process. CFIR therapists also work to strengthen each partner’s resilience and to improve each individual’s coping efforts.

CFIR therapists are familiar with infertility treatment options and thus are in a good position to support individuals and couples to explore treatment options and make difficult decisions.

Assessment
CFIR psychologists and social workers are trained to assess individuals and couples based on provincial and national assessment guidelines. Assessment is conducted by psychologists who are members of provincial and national infertility associations.