Fertility Counselling
I have worked as a fertility counsellor for 10 years and am an accredited member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA). Infertility counselling is the only government regulated form of counselling in the UK, overseen by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
I prefer “fertility” to “infertility” counselling as I offer a full exploration of all your fertility options wherever that takes you. Infertility can be one of the most challenging and distressing experiences anyone can face, but is only one aspect of fertility – many people embarking on fertility treatment may not be infertile at all (eg solo mothers, same sex couples).
I can work with you at any point in your fertility journey, whether you are struggling in the midst of the hardest possible times, or in the very early stages of considering starting a family, or considering closing the door after many years to create a new worthwhile life without children. I offer ongoing sessions to individuals only but can see couples for one off sessions including Implications Counselling sessions (see below).
Typical scenarios I can support you with are:
- Preparation for IVF
- Deciding whether to go it alone
- You want kids, your partner doesn’t
- Considering using donor sperm or eggs
- Considering surrogacy
- When to end treatment and move on
- Surviving unsuccessful treatment
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Planning a life without children
- Should we try for another?
- You’re interested in donating, or becoming a surrogate
In addition to general counselling on these and many other topics, I offer HFEA regulated Implications Counselling for those using donor sperm, eggs, embryos or surrogacy. It is a clinic’s legal duty to offer implications sessions but quality and availability varies. I am happy to conduct implications sessions with couples (and write the necessary letter to your clinic if required) if you would like an independent, professional implications service.
Implications Counselling looks at the following:
- your feelings around donor conception, genetics, family formation
- any differences between you and your partner
- the impact on extended family
- sources of support
- telling the child
- who else to disclose to – and how
- consumer DNA and anonymity
- legal status of parents and donors
- what information is available to you and your child
- how to tackle the decisions you make along the way
- What happens when my child turns 16/18
I currently work as a private fertility counsellor but spent 8 years working in licensed clinics, first Care Fertility Tunbridge Wells, then Harley Street Fertility Clinic in London.
