Pregnancy Loss & Infertility Counseling

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 insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We are in-network with BCBS PPO, Humana, Aetna, and United Behavior Healthcare. We recommend at least an 8-week commitment to begin seeing lasting results.

All billing policies and information can be found by clicking this link to our Rates & Insurances page.

About Inspire Counseling Center

We’ve been waiting for you! You are the reason we wake up every morning, passionate about our jobs. You want to live a great life–and we want that too. We want you to feel the freedom, joy, and connection counseling can bring.

Not sure how this works? Not sure which therapist to pick? No worries. We will personally walk you through the process.

Take the next step. Start living your best life. Don’t wait any longer!

To schedule an appointment, call (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com.

How do I choose my Therapist?2024-01-24T17:27:07-06:00

You are welcome to search therapists by speciality type, location, service or insurance accepted by clicking here. 

We’re here to hold your hand! Choosing a therapist is a very personal experience. Scrolling through bios is helpful, but there’s a lot you can’t tell just by reading on the internet. Our Therapist Matchmakers are here to find the right fit with the right professional for your unique situation and personality style.

To talk to a LIVE human (and part of our Inspire intake team!) just call us at (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

We can’t wait to help you find the right match and get you started!! It’s our favorite part.

What will the first session be like?2023-10-25T02:13:43-05:00

The first session lasts approximately 60 minutes. You’ll have paperwork to complete virtually before your session. The therapist will spend time introducing themselves and getting to know you, your story and your dreams. At the end, you’ll have the option to schedule your next session based upon your availability and goals. There is no pressure to book another session. We’re here for you to come and go as you need.
FOR MINORS UNDER 18: If the session is for a child 12 years or younger, the first session is just with the therapist and parent (s) or guardian. If the client is 12-18, we ask that a parent (or guardian) attend the first session for the first 10-15 minutes. The parent will be able to meet the therapist and help make the child feel comfortable.
PLEASE NOTE: Please share any concerns about your child with the therapist or Intake Team prior to the session— not in front of your child in the session. This is to protect your child and foster a positive start to therapy!

What will all the other sessions be like?2023-10-25T02:14:39-05:00

The second session is our unique formula for goal setting. In this session, your therapist will help you connect and understand what your heart really wants in this life. The remainder of the sessions will then be working on skills to tackle 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 recommended. However, we are flexible and can work with you to accommodate your schedule and goals.

FOR MINORS UNDER 18: Parents will not be required to attend the sessions but must be available for the last 10 minutes of the session in case the therapist would like to touch base with you or for any scheduling changes.

How much does therapy cost?2023-10-25T02:16:18-05:00

Counseling is a fee-for-service program. Inspire accepts insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We are in-network with BCBS PPO, Humana, Aetna, and UnitedBehaviorHealthcare. All billing policies and information can be found by clicking this link to our Rates & Insurances page.

 

 

 

 

Take the Next Step

Request an Appointment

Homecoming isn't fun for everyone. 💛

While some teens are excited about dresses, dates, pictures and the dance, others may be quietly worrying:

• What if nobody asks me?
• What if I don't have a group?
• What if my friends make plans without me?
• What if I hate how I look?
• What if I don't know what to do at the dance?
• What if everyone else is having more fun than I am?

And thanks to social media, teens don't just hear about what they missed anymore—they can watch the pictures, parties and group plans unfold in real time.

For parents, it can be tempting to say, “It's just Homecoming!” or “Just go and have fun!”

But to a teenager, Homecoming can feel like something much bigger: a very public measure of whether they belong.

So if your teen is struggling, try this instead:

💛 “I can understand why that hurts.”

💛 “What part are you most nervous about?”

💛 “Do you want me to listen, or do you want help figuring out what to do?”

And remember: A great high school experience doesn't require a picture-perfect Homecoming.

Our latest Inspire blog shares more about Homecoming anxiety, FOMO, friendship groups, dating pressure, body image—and how parents can help without trying to fix everything.

Read: “My Teen Is Anxious About Homecoming. How Can I Help?”

#Homecoming #HomecomingAnxiety #TeenAnxiety #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #SocialAnxiety #FOMO #TeenFriendships #BodyImage #InspireCounselingCenter
Could your son be feeling lonely? It's easy to miss. 

Your teenage son can have friends, teammates, a busy social life—and still feel lonely. 💙

Research shows that boys want close, meaningful friendships just as much as girls do. But as they move through adolescence, many begin receiving messages—spoken and unspoken—that being “strong” means being independent, keeping things to themselves, or not showing too much emotion.

And sometimes, loneliness doesn’t look like loneliness.

It can look like irritability. Withdrawing to his room. Spending more time on his phone. Losing touch with close friends. Throwing himself into sports or school. Or simply answering, “I’m fine,” when you know something feels off.

As parents, we don’t have to force our sons to open up. But we can create an environment where they know it’s safe to.

💙 Ask questions without immediately trying to fix things.
💙 Help him put words to what he’s feeling.
💙 Remind him of the strengths you see in him.
💙 Normalize vulnerability and asking for help.
💙 Encourage friendships where he can truly be himself.

Boys shouldn’t have to choose between belonging and being emotionally healthy.

Our therapist Langston Myers, ALMFT, is passionate about helping teens and young adults navigate loneliness, friendships, relationships, anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, and life transitions. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Langston also helps parents and families better understand and support one another.

✨ Langston is currently accepting new clients at Inspire's Evanston office or virtually. 

Read our newest blog to learn more about teenage boys, friendship, and the male loneliness epidemic.

#TeenMentalHealth #TeenageBoys #MaleMentalHealth #MaleLoneliness #ParentingTeens #TeenAnxiety #TeenTherapy #BoysMentalHealth #ParentingTeenBoys #TeenFriendships #ChicagoTherapist #InspireCounselingCenter #MentalHealthAwareness
After School Melt Downs .... what are they all about? 

Their teacher says they’re PERFECT at school! 😩
Then your child gets home and completely falls apart.

The wrong snack = meltdown.
Homework = absolutely not.
Their sibling breathes too loudly = crisis.
You ask, “How was school?” = TOO MANY QUESTIONS. 😵‍💫

Sound familiar?

There’s actually a name commonly used for this experience:

 After-School Restraint Collapse.

Think about how much your child may be managing throughout the school day — sitting still, paying attention, following directions, navigating friendships, controlling impulses, handling disappointment, keeping up academically and regulating BIG emotions.

By the time they get home, their emotional tank may simply be empty.

And here's the part parents sometimes need to hear:

💛 Your child may fall apart with you because home feels safe enough to finally let go.

That doesn't mean we ignore disrespectful or unsafe behavior. But understanding what’s underneath the behavior can help us respond differently.

After school, try:

🍎 Snack + water first
🤫 Give them a break from questions
🏃 Offer movement OR quiet time
⏰ Build in decompression before homework
💛 Connect before you correct
📋 Keep the after-school routine predictable

And instead of only asking:

“How do I get my child to stop doing this?”

Try getting curious about:

“What is taking so much energy for my child to manage all day?”💛

👉 SAVE this for the next difficult after-school afternoon.
👉 SHARE with a fellow parent who has ever wondered, “Why does my kid only do this at home?!”

And check out our latest blog for more about after-school meltdowns, emotional regulation, and when your child may need some extra support.

#AfterSchoolMeltdown #AfterSchoolRestraintCollapse #ChildAnxiety #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTips #ChildTherapy #TeenTherapy #ADHDKids #AnxiousKids #NorthShoreParents #ChicagoParents #InspireCounselingCenter
 #ChildBehavior #ADHDSupport #AnxietyInKids #ParentingSupport #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyWellness
💛 **WELCOME TO INSPIRE, JENNA!** 💛

We’re so excited to welcome **Jenna Szczepanski, MSW** to our Northbrook office!

Jenna works with **adolescents, young adults, and adults**, bringing a warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach to therapy.

Having experienced the value of therapy herself at a young age, Jenna understands how meaningful it can be to have someone in your corner who listens without judgment, helps you make sense of what you’re feeling, and gives you practical tools to move forward.

Jenna especially enjoys helping **teens and young adults** navigate all the things that can make these years feel like A LOT:

✨ Anxiety & Depression
✨ ADHD
✨ School & Academic Stress
✨ Friendships & Relationships
✨ Self-Esteem & Confidence
✨ Family Conflict & Changes
✨ Parents’ Divorce
✨ Social Pressures
✨ Major Life Transitions
✨ Grief & Loss

Before joining Inspire, Jenna worked with a nonprofit grief organization, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through **grief, loss, and major life changes**.

She understands that grief isn’t only about losing someone we love. Kids and teens can also experience a very real sense of loss through **divorce, changing family dynamics, moving, friendships ending, relationship changes, or other unexpected transitions.**

Jenna’s goal is to create a space where clients can show up exactly as they are — while building coping skills, confidence, and a greater belief in their ability to handle whatever life brings next. 💛

A Chicagoland native, Jenna grew up in Long Grove and is excited to be back home serving her community.

And when she’s not in the therapy room? You’ll likely find her spending time with family and friends, staying active, or walking her Golden Retriever, **Phoebe!** 🐾

✨ **Now accepting new clients in Northbrook!**
Adolescents • Young Adults • Adults

Welcome to Inspire, Jenna! We’re so happy you’re here. 💛
 #MentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #AdolescentTherapy #YoungAdultSupport #GriefSupport #AnxietyHelp #DepressionAwareness #NorthbrookTherapist #FamilyTherapy #LifeTransitions
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