Wanting a child is one of the most powerful desires in a woman’s heart. We understand.
You are consumed by thoughts of getting pregnant. Will this be the month? Did it take? Do you feel any pregnancy symptoms? Counting the hours down until you can take a pregnancy test. Trying not to be stressed out — actually stresses you out. It’s overwhelming. And, of course, wherever you go–you run into pregnant women, strollers and beautiful babies–which all make your heart ache.
When you’re trying to get pregnant, have had a miscarriage, silent miscarriage, terminal prenatal diagnosis, or are struggling with infertility–it is only natural to focus on your attention on your physical health. But, don’t overlook the importance of your emotional health.
Are you struggling with infertility?
Are the hormones of infertility treatments and constant angst are taking a toll on you? Counting the DPO’s can slow down time to an excruciating crawl. If you have endometriosis, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are undergoing IVF, taking Clomid or Letrozole, we can hold your hand and help you remain positive, hopeful and your best self while undergoing these treatments.
Infertility brings several psychological impacts, according to the Harvard Medical School’s article, “The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment.”
For example, the synthetic estrogen clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene), frequently prescribed because it improves ovulation and increases sperm production, may cause anxiety, sleep interruptions, mood swings, and irritability in women. Other infertility medications may cause depression, mania, irritability, and thinking problems.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2009
Does mental health impact your ability to get pregnant?
Research suggests that your mental health can impact your ability to get pregnant. A number of studies have examined stress and mood state as predictors of outcome in assisted reproduction. The majority of these studies support the theory that distress is associated with lower pregnancy rates among women pursuing infertility treatment (Boivin 1995, Thiering 1993, Demytenaere 1998, Smeenk 2001, Sanders 1999).
This research just shows us that it’s important to take care of your emotional health while trying to get pregnant. Most women worry and stress about pregnancy–that is okay! But, learning tools to manage your stress levels is important during this time.
Did you have a miscarriage, silent miscarriage, or terminal prenatal diagnosis?
Your dreams were starting to come true. You had a positive pregnancy test. You started to dream about the future. Your prayers were answered. Only to be dashed by the grief that comes with the loss of a baby. The loss of your dreams for that child. The loss of the dream of being that child’s mother. You are exhausted. Maybe you’re obsessively reviewing every food you ate, or activity you did, secretly wondering if somehow this was your fault? You know these things happen to many women, but it feels like you’re the only one.
We know because we’ve been there.
You may benefit from therapy if you are experiencing any of these common signs of depression:
– Anxiety, racing thoughts
– Depression
– Insomnia
– Loss of appetite
– Intense irritability
– Hopelessness
– Relationship challenges
– Depression, fear, or repeatedly going over thoughts
– Crying or irritability
– Lack of concentration or unwanted thoughts
– Anger, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or panic attack
You’re managing the best you can. You’re taking care of your body. But, with counseling, your life can be so much better.
The benefits you’ll see from doing therapy at Inspire:
– You will feel heard and understood
– You will learn the benefit of taking care of yourself
– You will learn ways to communicate your needs
– You will create a clear plan for improving your mood
– You will begin to feel in control of your life
– You will start to feel freedom and peace
– You will be able to be present with the people you love
– You will feel confident in your decisions
– You will feel confident in yourself
– You will be empowered to say no or speak up for yourself
– Your relationships will be more satisfying
– You will know you matter, just for being you
What does the counseling process look like?
The counseling process is designed to help you understand your anxiety and empower you to live your best life, free of the things that hold you back. Together, with your therapist, you will learn how to address things that hold you back, learn coping skills to do at home, and ways to reduce the physical symptoms of depression.
The first session will be approximately 60 minutes. There will be paperwork to complete and questions the therapist will ask to get to know you, your history, and your present situation. The second session is our unique formula for goal-setting. In this session, you will connect the desires of your goals with your heart and deeper desires in this life. The remainder of the sessions will then be working on skills to tackle your anxiety and any obstacles in the way of you living your best life. In order to see lasting results, a commitment to at least 8 weekly sessions is best. We are flexible and can work with different situations. However, to make an impact, it is important to recognize that change of any kind, requires attention and time. After your 8 sessions, you can work with your therapist to determine the next steps (reducing therapy to biweekly/monthly or terminating).
How much does therapy cost?
Counseling is a fee-for-service program. Inspire accepts all major forms of payment.
Initial sessions cost $185 and each follow-up session costs $135. We recommend at least an 8-week commitment.
Inspire accepts insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We accept BCBS PPO, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare at their contracted rates. For your convenience, we will do benefits check on your behalf and notify you of our in-network or out-of-network benefits. Copays, deductibles, or any out-of-pocket costs are due at the time of service.
